Unpleasant smells emanating from drains in the bathroom, sink, or gutter are a common issue that many households experience. It is not normal for sinks in the bathroom or kitchen to have a foul smell, and it is something that can be bothersome. Blocked drains can be a major culprit for such bad odors, as they can emit overpowering and lingering smells that can make your home uncomfortable. Understanding the causes of these bad smells from drains can help address the issue effectively.
Sometimes, you can resolve the issue of a smelly drain on your own. However, there may be situations where you will require the assistance of professional plumbers to effectively fix the problem.
Why do Drains Smell?
Smelly drains are a common problem, and there are various reasons why they occur. One of the main causes is the accumulation of food scraps, hair, soap particles, grease, grime, and dirt in the bathroom and kitchen sink drains. The buildup of these materials attracts bacteria, which produces a bad odor. Additionally, if there is mold growth, it can cause a musty odor due to the moisture. The release of gas from the mold leads to the unpleasant smell.
Another reason for smelly drains is clogged vent pipes. These pipes are crucial in allowing bad odors to be released from the plumbing system. When they become blocked, it results in stagnant odor that emanates from your drains. The smell can be overwhelming and unpleasant.
A rotten egg smell is another type of odor that people often encounter in their drains. This smell occurs when sulphates in the water heater mix with sulphate-reducing bacteria. It produces a distinct odor that is easy to recognize.
Structural problems can also cause bad odors in drains. Old pipes, rotten pipes, and water leaks are some examples. These problems can lead to the buildup of stagnant water, which attracts bacteria and produces an unpleasant smell.
Tree roots can also penetrate the plumbing system, leading to blockages in the pipes and smelly drains. When this happens, it can be challenging to clear the pipes and eliminate the bad odor.
Finally, a break in the sewer pipes responsible for draining waste from your home to the main municipal system can result in bad odors and gurgling sounds. These issues require prompt attention to avoid further damage to the plumbing system.
How to Get Rid of Smelly Bathroom Drains?
One way to clean a clogged drain is to pour hot water down the drain to loosen any debris. After that, half a cup of baking soda can be poured down the drain and allowed to sit. The hot water and baking soda will work together to break down any grime that may be present.
Another effective method is to pour a cup of vinegar and boiling water down the sink. This creates a chemical reaction that helps to loosen any debris. After allowing the mixture to sit for up to 10 minutes, it can be cleared with another cup of boiling water. This method usually works the first time, but if it doesn’t, it can be repeated.
Alternatively, a mix of vinegar and hot water can be poured down the drain and left to sit for some time. The sink should then be rinsed with cold water before pouring the vinegar and hot water mix down the drain once again.
For a more thorough clean, a paste can be made from baking soda and hot water and allowed to sit in the drain for 10 minutes. After that, an old toothbrush can be used to scrub the drain before pouring boiling water down the drain. Finally, a cup of water with baking soda can be poured down the drain to ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned.
Benefits of Trusting the Professionals
When it comes to dealing with foul-smelling drains, it’s best to rely on the expertise of a professional drain cleaning plumber. While some issues may be easily fixed, there are times when the problem requires the skills and experience of a trained plumber. Whether the cause of the bad smell is due to plumbing issues or if it’s a stubborn odor that’s hard to eliminate, calling a plumber is the surefire way to rectify the situation and get rid of the unpleasant smell.