What to Do When Your Drain Smells: Quick Solutions for a Fresher Home

Are you dealing with a smelly drain that seems to linger no matter what you try? If you've noticed a foul odour wafting up from your sink or shower, you're not alone. 

Drain smells are common household nuisances, often caused by a variety of issues, from food scraps and soap buildup to more serious plumbing problems like sewer gas leaks. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through quick solutions to eliminate drain smells and help you keep your home smelling fresh.

Why is There a Drain Smell in the House and How Do I Get Rid of It?

Drain smells can originate from multiple sources within your plumbing system. Understanding the cause of the smell is the first step in finding the right solution. Here are the common culprits behind unpleasant drain odours:

Bad Vent Pipes

Modern plumbing systems rely on vent traps to regulate airflow in the pipes and manage sewer gas. If your vent pipes fail, you might begin to notice unpleasant odours indoors, as sewer gases escape through the system.

Broken Toilet Ring

The wax ring under your toilet is essential for creating an airtight seal. Over time, this seal can deteriorate, allowing sewer gases to escape and cause odours in your bathroom.

Shower Floor Drains

Floor drains, especially in showers, are common sources of drain smells. Hair, soap scum, and other residues can accumulate, creating a breeding ground for foul odours.

Kitchen Sink

The combination of food waste, hot water, and dish soap in your kitchen sink can cause blockages and build-up, resulting in unpleasant smells. Unlike other drains, kitchen sink smells don’t often resemble the rotten-egg scent associated with sewer gases.

5 Tips on How to Get Rid of the Drain Smell in My House

Getting rid of drain smells doesn't have to be a complicated process. There are several simple methods you can try to freshen up your plumbing system. Below are some quick solutions you can apply to most household drains.

1. Use Bleach

Bleach is an excellent disinfectant and can help eliminate odour-causing bacteria in your drains. For best results, mix bleach with hot water and pour it down the drain. This method can help neutralise odours and disinfect the pipes.

2. Pour Hot or Boiling Water Down the Drain

Hot water is an effective way to break down grease, soap scum, and other residue that may be causing your drain to smell. Simply pour hot water down the drain, but be cautious with PVC pipes—use hot tap water instead of boiling water for these pipes.

3. Try a Drain Snake

If the smell is caused by a stubborn blockage deep in your pipes, a drain snake might be your best bet. This tool helps dislodge debris and clear the block, removing the source of the smell. It’s especially useful for bathroom drains where hair and soap build-up are common.

4. Replace the Toilet Ring

If the wax ring under your toilet has failed, it’s essential to replace it to prevent further odours from entering your home. This is a relatively simple job for a plumber and can drastically improve the smell in your bathroom.

5. Use a Commercial Cleaner

If the odour persists, you can try using a commercial drain cleaner. Products like Drano Max Gel can be highly effective in clearing tough blockages and removing bad smells. However, use these cleaners cautiously, as they can be harsh on pipes if not used properly.

Get a Professional Solution for a Drain Smell in the House

Sometimes, DIY fixes just won’t do the trick, especially if the smell is persistent or worsening. If the issue continues after trying home remedies, it's time to call in a professional plumber to investigate the cause of the odour.

Why You Need a Professional Plumber

A professional plumber can:

• Inspect your plumbing system for underlying issues that are contributing to the smell, such as damaged vent pipes or sewer gas leaks.
  
  
• Identify the source of blockages that may be difficult to remove with home tools.
  
  
• Ensure your plumbing is functioning properly by repairing leaks, replacing seals, and clearing deep blockages.
  
  

Preventing Drain Smells from Happening Again

The key to keeping your drains fresh and odour-free is regular maintenance. Here are some proactive steps to prevent future smells:

• Use a drain guard to catch food, hair, and other debris before they can block your pipes.
  
  
• Flush drains regularly with hot water to break down any build-up before it becomes a problem.
  
  
• Clean your drains monthly with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water, to remove residues and neutralise smells.
  
  

By staying on top of maintenance, you can avoid most common drain issues and keep your home smelling fresh year-round.

Why Choose Us for Drain Smell Solutions?

At Sewer Surgeon, we understand how unpleasant drain smells can be, and we’re here to help you get rid of them for good. Our expert plumbers offer comprehensive plumbing services, from drain cleaning to pipe inspections, ensuring that any odour-causing issues are addressed swiftly.

If you’ve tried DIY methods and still can’t get rid of that persistent smell, call us for a professional solution. Our team of skilled plumbers can diagnose and fix the root cause of the problem, restoring a fresh and clean environment in your home.

Call at 1300 734 677 for all your drain maintenance needs and to schedule an inspection. Our team is ready to provide efficient, affordable solutions to keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I get rid of the bad smell from drains in my house?

You can start by using bleach, hot water, or a drain snake to clear blockages. Baking soda and vinegar can also help neutralise odours. If these methods don’t work, a commercial cleaner might be necessary.

2. How do I freshen a smelly drain?

Regularly cleaning your drains with baking soda, vinegar, and hot water can help prevent smells. You can also try running the garbage disposal with citrus peels for a pleasant scent.

3. What can I pour down the drain to stop the smell?

Pouring hot water, bleach, or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down your drain can help neutralise the smell. For persistent odours, a commercial cleaner may be required.

4. Why do my drains smell like rotten eggs?

The rotten egg smell is typically caused by hydrogen sulphide gas, which can come from sewer gas leaks or build-up in your drains. Identifying the source of the gas and sealing leaks will eliminate the odour.

5. How often should I clean my drains to prevent odours?

Cleaning your drains once a month using natural remedies like baking soda and vinegar can help keep your plumbing fresh. Regular maintenance prevents the build-up of materials that cause unpleasant smells.

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