A foul odour in your home is the worst thing that could happen to you. This simply means that there is something wrong somewhere in your home. And smelly drains can be one of the top causes giving off that bad smell that stings.
Let’s look at the most common causes of a smelly drain. Are you suffering already from a stench in your sink or shower? Don’t worry, we’ll show you how to fix the problem and make your home free from those nasty, funky odours!
How to stop drains from smelling first
What can cause smelly drains? There are several plumbing issues that can lead to smelly drains in the kitchen or bathroom:
Accumulation of organic matter
This is the leading cause of stinky sink drains. It is often due to organic matter building up in the sink. Aside from that, this can also cause water to drain slowly or block completely, in addition to an offensive odour.
Organic residues build up slowly in the traps or pipes. They usually consist of hair, soap and grease. This can be prevented by using strainers at all sinks and paying attention to what you pour there. A blocked drain plumber can also help clear out this buildup with their high-powered tools and latest techniques in drain cleaning.
Problem with the P-trap
The P-trap or sewer gas trap is the part of the drain that holds water. It prevents gases from entering the home through the pipe by blocking them. The P-trap is located where the pipe bends into a U-shape where the water sits. The P-trap changes the water every time you use the sink or shower where the new water replaces the old.
These are the most common problems that P-traps experience:
1. The water is not properly stored in the trap
Once the water isn’t sitting correctly, it becomes difficult for the P trap to prevent the gasses from escaping through your home’s pipe. Leakage is the most common cause. Check the drain and sink for water damage if this happens. If you are unable to find a leak, call the best Mackay plumber near you to conduct a thorough inspection.
2. Not using your sink/shower regularly
The trap will not dry out if you use your shower or sink regularly. The dryness eventually causes unpleasant odours. Areas where p-trap usually dries out are the guest bedrooms, basement showers, and sinks. To eliminate the issue, start by making sure you use your fixtures more often. This will make sure that water flows through the trap and that the old water is replaced by drained water.
How to clean your smelly drains
- Take out drain covers and remove any buildup: Clearing drains can be difficult, but, if you take the time to remove all those hairs, gunk, soap and any accumulation in your trap, you can prevent your drains from getting clogged plus remove the possibility of a smelly drain.
- Bicarb and vinegar solution: A mixture of bicarb and vinegar can be used to clean stench-filled drains. Mix vinegar, baking soda, and hot water in your drain to soften the accumulated elements and facilitate flow.
There are other methods to unblock a sink drain from your kitchen or bathroom. You can do some things yourself, while others require the assistance of a professional plumber. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they can damage your plumbing and pipes.
Get help for drains that smell
Many Australian homes have blocked and smelly drains – and it’s really obnoxious. These are easily avoided and can be eliminated by regular cleaning. Sometimes, you might need to call a professional to fix the problem. If the problem is not addressed promptly, it can lead to more serious problems.
Looking for licensed and certified plumbers capable of diagnosing and providing long-lasting solutions for smelly drains? Feel free to contact us today and we’ll be happy to help improve your home plumbing.