When the smell is so bad that you gag or need to plug your nose while washing your hands, showering, or doing the dishes, something’s up with your drains. Smelly drains are never fun to deal with.
Fortunately, you can learn how to get rid of smelly drains in the bathroom, kitchen, and shower. So, how do you get rid of smelly drains? We’ll explore ways to eliminate smelly drains in the bathroom, shower, and kitchen so you can tackle the problem like a pro in no time.
Common Causes of Smelly Drains
So, what’s causing that dreadful smell? The following are common causes contributing to your drains’ foul odors.
Buildup of organic matter (food, hair, soap scum)
When rinsing dishes, an accumulation of food particles typically makes their way down the drain, where they often get trapped, decay, and release foul odor. Shower and bathroom vanity drains will trap hair and soap scum, which don’t just clog drains; they also contribute to the stink.
Bacteria and mold growth
Bacteria and mold thrive in dark, damp places, such as drains. Drains can become a welcoming home for bacteria, leading to mold growth and foul odors.
Dry P-traps
P-traps (a common plumbing fixture) retain water and create a seal that keeps sewer gases from being released into your home. When the p-trap has lost its water seal, those stinky sewer gases will escape and enter your indoor space.
Grease and fat accumulation
When fats, oil, and grease accumulate in the drains, it can cause blockages and foul odors.
DIY Solutions for Smelly Drains
Follow these simple DIY tips to quickly freshen up your drains. However, if the odors persist or the drains remain backed up, it’s best to call a professional to ensure a thorough and lasting solution.
Removing Hair and Debris
Hair and debris, like sand and soap scum, make their way into your drain pipes, especially in shower and bathroom vanity drains. You can remove hair and debris by:
- Using a hair removal tool or drain snake
- Cleaning the drain stopper
Grease and Food Particles
Food particles and grease are common in the kitchen. But they can also clog and eventually cause odors in your sink. Here’s how you can get prevent smelly drains in the kitchen:
- Prevent grease from going down the drain
- Dispose of food waste properly (recycle or throw it in the trash)
Garbage Disposal Maintenance
Garbage disposals are essential kitchen appliances. After all, they grind food scraps and can prevent unpleasant odors. However, they can get stinky too. Do the following to maintain it:
- Clean and deodorize the garbage disposal with baking soda and vinegar, citrus peels, or ice cubes.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Method
One of the best ways to get rid of smelly drains in the kitchen is with the vinegar and baking soda method. Here’s how to eliminate drain odors in the kitchen:
- Pour several cups of boiling water down the drain.
- Pour ¼ cup of baking soda down the kitchen drain.
- Follow that with 1 cup of white vinegar.
- Wait 20 minutes so the mixture can work its magic.
- Rinse the drain out with more boiling water.
Boiling Water Flush
Another simple yet effective way to eliminate foul odors is with boiling water. It’s great at breaking down and flushing out odor-causing residues. Here’s what you do:
- Boil a pot or kettle of water
- Carefully pour the boiling water down into the drain.
- Repeat two or three times (let it work its magic for a few seconds between every pour).
Clearing with a Plunger
Sometimes, a plunger can get rid of smelly drains in bathroom or kitchen sinks, but you must do it right.
- Roll the plunger into the drain.
- Push the plunger down on one side of the drain.
- Roll the plunger around the drain to form a tight seal.
- Make sure the plunger is covering all edges of the drain.
- Once it’s secure, place one of two hands on the handle.
- Press up and down swiftly for 15-20 seconds.
Note: Be sure to wear rubber gloves and a mask if the odor is strong during the process.
While DIY methods can offer temporary relief, they often don’t address the cause of the issue. A skilled professional has the expertise to identify and resolve the problems, ensuring your drains stay fresh and clear.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Just like there are times when you need to call an emergency plumber, there are also times when you need to contact an expert who knows how to fix smelly drains.
The following are signs you need to call a drain cleaning professional:
- Persistent Odors: When DIY remedies don’t solve the smelly drain issue, there may be an underlying problem.
- Recurring Blockages: Frequent blockages are a surefire sign of a deeper issue with the drains.
- Slow Drains: When your persistent cleaning efforts don’t help slow drainage, call a professional.
- Sewage Smells: There may be a potentially serious issue if you’ve noticed sewer gas odor (like rotten eggs).
- Visible Mold or Mildew: Mold and mildew around the drains are signs that you need to call a professional.
- Unusual Noises: Call a pro if you hear gurgling or other strange noises from the drains.
Why Have a Professional Plumber Come Out
At Bill Howe, we take pride in educating our customers with valuable tips, like how to unclog shower drains or how to get rid of smelly drains in bathrooms, kitchens, and showers. At the same time, we realize that hiring a professional is often the best thing to do. Here’s why:
- Expert Diagnosis: Highly trained technicians know how to identify and address the underlying cause of the problem.
- Advanced Tools and Techniques: Professional plumbers use professional-grade equipment.
- Preventative Maintenance: Certified plumbers ensure the issue doesn’t come back and offer proper maintenance advice.
- Health and Safety: Bacteria and mold are harmful. Stay out of harm’s way—hire a professional!
- Cost-effectiveness: Going the DIY route can do more harm than good. Bill Howe’s plumbers fix smelly drains right the first time!
Call Bill Howe for Professional Drain Cleaning
Don’t go it alone—leave the dirty work to a professional. When it comes to expert plumbing services, no one does it better than Bill Howe!
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