Have you ever gone to the kitchen or bath and been shocked by a whiff of putrescent gases that could feel like a rhino? Besides being a nose puffer, it could be a warning signal that you might have some smelly drains on your hands. In this guide, we will unravel a lot of strategies on how you can detect, defuse, and deodorise challenges in drains to keep your house smelling as fresh as a daisy.
How can you detect smelly drains?
The most obvious sign of smelly drains is, well, the smell. It’ll be an unpleasant whiff coming from your sink, shower, or floor drain. But sometimes these smells can be a bit faint, especially at first. So, how do you know for sure if something’s funky down there? Here are a few clues to sniff out:
- A persistent odour: If the smell lingers even after running water, it’s a sign something’s amiss.
- Gurgling sounds: Gurgling noises can indicate a blockage trapping air in the pipes.
- Slow drainage: Drains that take forever to clear could be clogged with hair, soap scum, or food scraps, leading to odours.
What causes drains to smell?
Several culprits can be behind those nasty drain smells:
- Dry P-trap: A P-trap is a U-shaped bend fitted under a sink or basin. It blocks water flow, thus ensuring that sewer gases don’t escape into your house. The P-trap should never dry out (it can happen in case the water from the toilets is used infrequently), otherwise, these toilet smells could come up.
- Blockages: Hair, soap scum, grease and food scraps constitute the waste that can certainly build in the drains, hence, creating a habitat for bacteria and producing rust odours.
- Venting issues: Vents allow sewer gases to escape safely outdoors. When a vent gets jammed or the pipeline gets disconnected, the gases may start leaking into your house.
How to prevent smelly drains?
Prevention is always better than cure! Here’s how to stop smelly drains before they start:
- Drain cleaners with caution: Although chemical-based drain cleaners are intoxicating, use them as a last resort. They can be harsh on pipes and ineffective for long-term solutions.
- Catch those scraps: You may install drain strainers in sinks and showerheads to prevent hair, food leftovers, and other wastes that might clog drains.
- Embrace the boiling water trick: Pouring a kettle of hot water down every week can help in unclogging a drain, helping pipes to remain smooth.
- Regularly run rarely-used drains: If you have a guest bathroom or an unused sink, run the tap for a couple of minutes every week to ensure that your p-traps stay filled with pipe.
How to resolve smelly drains?
If your drains are already emitting a stench, don’t despair. Here’s how to tackle the problem:
- The baking soda and vinegar power combo: This is a lovely DIY technique that can be a great beginner’s project. The fizzing reaction helps break down buildup and deodorise. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
- Plunge it out: Sometimes, a good old-fashioned drain snake can take care of minor clogs and get that water flowing again. To ensure the seal is properly done, use a sink plunger with a flange.
- Snake your way to freedom: For more severe clogs, a plumbing snake (also known as an auger) can be a lifesaver. It’s a long, flexible metal cable that can be inserted into the drain to reach and break up blockages.
What are effective products for eliminating drain odours?
Sometimes, even the baking soda and vinegar power couple can’t quite banish those stubborn drain odours. But don’t worry, there are a couple of nifty commercial options you can reach for:
- Enzymatic drain cleaners: These clever cleaners are like tiny Pac-Mans for your pipes. Packed with natural enzymes, they gobble up the organic gunk causing blockages and smells. They’re also eco-friendly, so you can help the planet while giving your drains a good clean.
- Drain deodorisers: Think of these as air fresheners for your sink. They can mask nasty odours for a while, but they’re not a long-term fix. They won’t actually get rid of the source of the stink, which could be a lurking clog deeper in the pipes. So, while they might give your nose a break in the short term, it’s best to use them alongside other methods to tackle the root cause of the problem.
How to keep drains smelling fresh in the long term?
Conquering smelly drains is a victory, but how do you keep them smelling as sweet as can be? Here’s how to turn those drains into fresh-air champions:
- Be a drain gatekeeper: This means being choosy about what goes down the drain. Grease, oil, and coffee grounds are like clingy party guests at your pipes’ place – they overstay their welcome and cause blockages. Instead, scrape these nasties into the bin before rinsing your dishes.
- Give your disposal the spa treatment: The garbage disposal is your friend, so treat him by cleaning it periodically. Use ice and lemon peels to get some ice cubes every now and then. Pour the cold water into the ice cube tray, and then place the blades of the ice scraper into the water. The ice aids the sharpening of blades, while the lemon peels provide a citrusy scent (it is better than food waste!).
- Yearly drain detox: Imagine your drains as your vehicle – a service is needed yearly to keep it in super condition. As for you, scheduling of professional drain cleaning may be a good idea. This also uncovers any remaining crevice in the sewer where the pungent odour can develop for future notice.
Bonus tip: Want an extra layer of freshness? Pop a natural drain deodoriser in your sink or shower drain. These little guys often come in baskets filled with baking soda or essential oils. They provide a subtle, pleasant scent while also absorbing minor odours – basically, a tiny air freshener for your drains!
Conclusion
With a little know-how and some elbow grease, you can keep those smelly drains at bay. However, if the issue persists or appears to be more complex, you shouldn’t hesitate to call in the professionals.
Don’t let stinky drains get you down!
Got a stinky situation with your drains? Don’t sweat it – Apex Plumbing Services has got your back! Whether your pipes are clogged, smelly, or just acting funky, our team of licensed plumbers is here to save the day. We’re available round the clock to tackle any plumbing problem, big or small.
With our top-notch tools and know-how, we’ll have your drains flowing freely and smelling sweet in a jiffy. So why put up with foul odours and slow drains when you can call the pros? Get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment!