This is unfortunately a common household problem, and such lingering, unbearable smells call for a quick but effective fix. Discover what really causes smelly drains, and before calling a plumber, see 5 simple methods we have come up with to clean a smelly drain.
Why Does My Drain Smell?
Here are the top causes of smelly drains:
- Mould – Mould grows where there is moisture/vapour, and your kitchen and bathroom are the moister areas of the house. It can even cause small puffs of smelly gas, which can be potentially harmful.
- Gunk Build-up – Often left unnoticed, we let food, hair, and other particles get washed into the drain/sink. As a result, a bad odour may occur, caused by the build up starting to decompose and unwanted bacterial growth.
- Clogged P-Trap – This is the curved, u-shaped section of your drainpipe, and its main purpose is to protect your property against sewer gasses. If the P-trap is clogged or isn’t working properly, these smelly gases will make their way back up into your bathroom or kitchen.
4 Easy Methods To Clean a Smelly Drain
1. Clear The Build-up
Remove any trapped hair or other materials from the drain that can catch soap or grease, causing build up and bad smells.
Use a flexible drain stick that can reach into the drain to get rid of any trapped materials. Then, flush the drain with hot water and see if that removes the odour.
HANDY TIP! Use a sink waste basket or shower hair catcher and regularly empty them to prevent future build ups.
2. Vinegar and Hot Water
Vinegar is a great natural odour eliminator. Before starting, ensure you remove any visible build up, so you have the best chances of fixing your smelly drain.
Now, flush hot water down the drain. Slowly pour one cup of vinegar down the drain and leave the sink unused for at least half an hour. Flush the vinegar away using hot water.
3. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Try pouring some baking soda down the drain and allow it sit for a while, then pour vinegar into the drain – watch out as it will naturally bubble and fizz! Finally, rinse it away with hot water.
HANDY TIP! Use the baking soda, vinegar, and hot water mixture once a month to prevent smelly drains in the long run.
4. Drain Cleaner Product
A drain cleaner gel or liquid may help dissipate the drain clog, prevent it from occurring again, and eliminate smelly drains and odours.
Help! I’m Still Stuck with a Smelly Drain!
Every so often a smelly drain can’t be fixed with a DIY remedy. If you suspect your drain is almost or completely blocked, read our blog on how much it costs to clear a blocked drain.
If you can’t clean your smelly drain with the suggested tips or you see other unusual plumbing actions such as bubbling sounds, get in touch with a trusted plumber.
Plumbers To U are plumbing professionals who use specialised tools to clean kitchen and bathroom drains effectively and safely, while also preventing small plumbing issues turn into big ones. See how Plumbers To U can help you today on 0424256857.
