How to fix a smelly drain

Nobody likes a smelly drain. The unpleasant odour coming from your sink or shower drain could be a real nuisance, and it's even worse when you have guests around. A smelly drain could be a sign of a significant problem within your plumbing system, so you should act quickly to solve it.

Fortunately, it's often a simple problem to fix. In this article, we'll go over some of the most common causes of smelly drains and what you can do to fix this stinky drain issue. Read on to uncover more about how to fix a smelly drain.

Causes of Stinky Drains

Before diving into the solutions, let's take a look at what causes a smelly drain in the first place. There are copious different reasons why your drain might be emitting an unpleasant odour. These include:

Bacteria accumulation

Bacteria could build up in your drain over time, particularly in places where there's a lot of organic matter, like food particles, hair, dirt or soap scum. These bacteria could produce a foul smell as they break down the organic matter, which could be the cause of the drain smell in your house.

Dry P-trap

The P-trap installed under your sink is a curved piece of pipe designed to hold water. This trap creates a barrier between your drain and the sewer system. Thus preventing sewer gases from coming back up into your home.

If you do not use your drain for an extended period, the P-trap dries out, and it can't do its job. Consequently, you might start to notice unpleasant smells coming from your drain.

Missing or clogged vent pipes

Your drain pipes are connected to a wide range of vent pipes forming the drain-waste-vent (DWV) system. This system brings in clean air and forces out wastewater odour and gases. The smelly drain could be caused by clogs in the drain-waste-vent system.

Garbage disposal

If you leave food scraps to rot in your kitchen garbage disposal, it will cause smelly drains. A rotten or mouldy smell emanating from your drains is a sign of food scraps rotten inside.

No drain trap

Installing a drain trap in your new bathtub or sink is essential to ensure the sewer smell doesn't enter your home. If you don't have it, then there is nothing blocking the odour from entering your house.

Sewer issues

Sometimes, a smelly drain is a symptom of a more significant problem with your sewer system. If you notice multiple drains emitting an odour or hear gurgling noises coming from your toilet, it could be a sign of a damaged or blocked sewer line. In this case, get the issue checked and fixed immediately.

How to Eliminate Smelly Drains

Depending on the cause of the smelly drain in your home, there are several methods you can use to get rid of the drain odour.

Clean the drain

If the problem is simply a buildup of bacteria or organic matter, cleaning smelly drains can often solve the issue. There are a few different methods you could use to clean smelly drains:

• Baking soda and vinegar mix: Pour a full cup of baking soda down the smelly drain in question, followed by a cup of vinegar. The combination will fizz and bubble, which helps to dislodge any buildup in the drain. Wait 15 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water.
• Hot water and dish soap: Boil a pot of hot water, then mix in a few tablespoons of dish soap. Slowly pour the mixture down the drain, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, flush the drain with hot water.
• Drain snake: If you have a particularly stubborn clog, a drain snake can also be an effective tool to remove it. Insert the snake into the stinky drain and twist it around to break up any blockages. Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging your pipes.

Check the P-trap

If the odour comes from your sink drain, the next thing to check is the P-trap. As mentioned earlier, the P-trap is designed to hold water and prevent sewer gas from coming back up through your drain. If the P-trap is dry, it won't be able to do its job. Here's how to check the P-trap:

• Switch off the water supply to the sink.
• Position a bucket under the P-trap to catch any water that spills out.
• Use a pair of pliers to gradually loosen the P-trap's slip nuts on either side and carefully remove the trap.
• Check for any blockages in the P-trap and clean it out if necessary.
• Run water through the drain to ensure that the P-trap is functioning correctly.
• Reattach the P-trap and tighten the slip nuts.

Ventilate the drain

If the odour is coming from your shower drain, the problem might be caused by a lack of ventilation. Without proper ventilation, moisture could build up in your pipes, leading to bacteria growth and unpleasant smells. Here are a few ways to ventilate your shower drain:

• Install a drain vent: A drain vent is a small device that attaches to your shower drain and allows air to flow in and out of the drain. They're relatively inexpensive and easy to install and could be a good solution if you're experiencing recurring odours from your shower drain.
• Use a fan: If your bathroom has an extractor fan, turn it on while showering. This will help to circulate air and prevent moisture from building up in your pipes.
• Open your bathroom windows: If your bathroom has a window, make sure to open it while you're showering. This will allow fresh air to enter the room and circulate, thus, preventing moisture buildup.

Contact a professional plumber

If you've tried all of the solutions mentioned here and are still experiencing a smelly drain, then a more extensive issue might be at play. In this case, it's best to call a plumber to diagnose the problem. They may need to inspect your sewer line or replace damaged pipes to eliminate the odour.

How to Prevent Smelly Drains

Once you've fixed your smelly drain, there are a few tips you could apply to prevent it from recurring. These include:

Using a drain strainer

A drain strainer is a small device designed to fit over your drain and catch hair, food particles, and other debris before they can go down the drain. This could help to prevent clogs and bacterial buildup. An effective strainer does not affect the water flow and stays in place.

Clean your drains regularly

You should make flushing and cleaning your drains a regular undertaking. This ensures that no blockages can occur and cause a foul smell. Every month, you could clean your drains using homemade solutions, including hot water, vinegar, and baking soda.

You should also regularly inspect your plumbing system to ensure there are no clogs or other issues that could cause smelly drains.

Reevaluate all your toiletries

It's good to know that some body washes, soaps, and lotions could clog your drains and cause odours. Products with large chunks of exfoliating materials, oatmeal, or thick lotions could lead to clogged drains. If you have to use these products, then it's advisable to have an effective drain catcher and ensure you flush your drain regularly.

Need Expert Help With Your Smelly Drains?

Fixing a smelly drain doesn't have to be a complicated process. Following the steps outlined above, you could effectively eliminate unpleasant odours and keep your smelly and blocked drains running smoothly.

However, if you've tried all of these solutions and you're still experiencing a smelly drain, it's vital to seek professional help. A reliable plumber can diagnose the underlying issue and provide a solution that will eliminate the odour for good.