Having a smelly drain can be a real nuisance, but fortunately, there are ways to eliminate the odour and keep your home smelling fresh. In this article, we’ll go through a guide on how to clean your home’s drainage system and eliminate those smelly drains once and for all.
What Causes Smelly Drains?
Before we dive into how to clean smelly drains, let’s first look at what causes them in the first place. One of the most common causes of smelly drains is the buildup of organic matter such as hair, soap scum, and food particles. When this organic matter accumulates in your pipes, it starts to decompose and releases an unpleasant odour. Another common cause of smelly drains is a dry P-trap. The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that is designed to trap water, which creates a seal that prevents sewer gases from coming up into your home. If the P-trap dries out, then these gases can escape and cause an unpleasant smell.
There are several factors that can cause smelly drains in your home. One of the most common causes is the buildup of organic matter in your pipes. Over time, things like food particles, hair, and soap scum can accumulate and create a breeding ground for bacteria. This bacteria can produce a foul odor that wafts up through your drains and into your home.
Another common cause of smelly drains is a dry P-trap. The P-trap is a curved section of pipe under your sink that holds a small amount of water. This water creates a seal that prevents sewer gases from entering your home. If the water in the P-trap evaporates, however, the seal is broken and sewer gases can escape, causing an unpleasant odor.
Blocked drains can also cause smelly drains. When your drains become clogged, water and organic matter can become trapped in your pipes, leading to the growth of bacteria and the production of odors. If you notice a foul smell coming from your drains, it’s possible that you have a blockage that needs to be cleared.
Finally, broken or damaged pipes can also cause smelly drains. When pipes crack or break, they can allow sewer gases to escape into your home. This can be a serious health hazard, as these gases can contain harmful bacteria and other contaminants.
To eliminate smelly drains, it’s important to identify the cause of the problem. If the issue is simply a dry P-trap, running water for a few seconds can refill the trap and eliminate the odor. For clogs, a plunger or drain snake can be used to clear the blockage. If the problem is more serious, such as a broken pipe, it’s important to call a professional plumber to diagnose and repair the issue.
In addition to addressing the underlying cause of smelly drains, there are also some preventative measures you can take to keep your pipes clean and odor-free. This includes avoiding pouring grease down your drains, using a drain strainer to catch food particles and hair, and regularly cleaning your drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your home’s drainage system stays clean and fresh-smelling.
How to Clean Smelly Drains
Step 1: Remove the Debris
The first step to cleaning a smelly drain is to remove any debris that may be causing the odour. To do this, you’ll need to remove the drain cover and use a pair of gloves to pull out any hair, soap scum, or food particles that are clogging the drain.
Step 2: Flush with Hot Water
After removing any debris, flush the drain with hot water for a few minutes. This will help to wash away any remaining organic matter that may be stuck in the pipes.
Step 3: Use a Cleaning Solution
If the hot water flush doesn’t do the trick, you can use a cleaning solution to eliminate any remaining odours. One effective solution is a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Start by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes before flushing with hot water.
Step 4: Maintain Regular Cleaning
To prevent smelly drains from occurring in the future, it’s important to maintain regular cleaning. This includes flushing your drains with hot water once a week, using a drain cover to catch any debris, and avoiding pouring grease or oil down the drain.
When to Call in the Professionals
If you’ve tried all of these methods and are still experiencing smelly drains, it may be time to call in the professionals. In some cases, the cause of the odour may be due to a more serious issue such as a broken pipe or a blocked sewer line. A professional plumber can perform a pipe camera inspection to identify the root cause of the problem and recommend the best course of action.
Conclusion
Smelly drains can be a real nuisance, but fortunately, there are ways to eliminate the odour and keep your home smelling fresh. By following the steps outlined in this guide and maintaining regular cleaning, you can ensure that your home’s drainage system stays clean and odour-free. If you’re experiencing persistent odours, don’t hesitate to call in Streamline Pipes, the plumbing professionals servicing Sydney suburbs, for the fast and reliable help you need.
- Is Pipe Relining Worth the Cost? Here’s What You Need to Know - February 25, 2023
- Why Brawoliner is the Best in Pipe Relining Business - February 20, 2023
- Causes of Blocked Pipes and How They Can Flood Your Home - February 15, 2023
