How to Clean Smelly Drains

A smelly drain is one of the most frustrating home issues to deal with. There’s nothing worse than walking into your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, only to be hit with an unpleasant, musty, or even sewer-like smell.

But don’t panic! Smelly drains are a common problem, and there are plenty of ways to fix the issue before you have to call in the experts. In this blog, we’ll explain how to clean smelly drains, keeping them fresh and odour-free.

Why Do Drains Smell in the First Place?

Before we dive into cleaning, let’s explore some common causes of drain odours. Understanding the root cause can help you choose the most effective way to clean your smelly drains.

1. Food Buildup in the Kitchen Sink

If your kitchen sink has started smelling like old leftovers, the culprit could be bits of food stuck in the drain. Small particles of food often get washed down, even if you don’t think they will, and they can get stuck in your pipes, leading to a foul smell.

2. Fats, Oils, and Grease

Pouring fats, oils, and grease down the drain may seem harmless at first, but these substances can solidify in your pipes, causing clogs that lead to terrible odours.

3. Soap Scum and Hair

In the bathroom, soap scum and hair can easily build up in your shower or sink drain. Over time, this residue can cause unpleasant smells. If you’ve ever walked into the bathroom and been hit with a musty, damp scent, soap scum and hair are usually to blame.

4. Sewer Gas

Sometimes, the smell of drains can be caused by sewer gas. This is the worst of the worst. Sewer gas contains harmful chemicals like methane and hydrogen sulphide that can cause serious health issues, so it’s important to deal with this as soon as possible. Sewer gas often escapes through your drain if there’s a break or blockage in your pipes.

5. Mould and Mildew

In bathrooms or areas with high humidity, mould and mildew can grow in drains, particularly if they’ve been left wet for a while. The musty smell these fungi produce can be strong and persistent.

Now that we understand some of the causes, let’s look at how to fix a smelly drain.

How to Clean Smelly Drains

1. Hot Water Flush

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. Pouring hot water, but not boiling, down the drain can help loosen food particles, grease, and soap scum that are causing the unpleasant smell. Boiling water can cause damage to your pipe. Carefully pour it down the drain in stages, waiting about a minute between each pour to give it time to break down the debris.

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar

For a more powerful clean, try the classic baking soda and vinegar solution. The fizzing action helps break down debris and neutralise bad odours.

• Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
• Follow with half a cup of white vinegar.
• Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes (you should hear some fizzing and bubbling).
• After 15 minutes, flush the drain with hot water to wash away the loosened grime and debris.

3. Lemon and Baking Soda

Lemon is naturally antibacterial and can help freshen up your drain, leaving behind a pleasant, citrusy scent. Combine baking soda and lemon juice for a natural and effective solution.

• Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
• Squeeze in the juice of one lemon.
• Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

4. Commercial Drain Cleaners

If the above methods don’t do the trick, you may want to use a commercial drain cleaner. These products are available at most supermarkets or hardware stores and are designed to break down stubborn clogs and eliminate bad smells. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully. Improper use can lead to corrosion or cracks in pipes.

5. Use a Drain Snake

For strong smells that just won’t go away, a drain snake can be a lifesaver. This tool allows you to physically break up blockages that could be causing odours in the drain. Simply insert the snake into the drain, twist, and pull out any debris.

6. Clean the Trap

The drain trap can collect grime, hair, and food particles, which can lead to bad smells. To clean it, start by turning off the water and placing a bucket under the trap to catch any debris. Loosen the nuts holding the trap in place, remove it, and use a bottle brush or old toothbrush to scrub away any buildup.

For stubborn residue, soak the trap in warm water with dish soap. Once cleaned, flush the drain with hot water, then securely reattach the trap, making sure all connections are tight.

7. Hydro-Jetting

If you’ve tried everything and the smell still lingers, it’s time to reach out to a plumber in Sydney. Hydro-jetting is a technique that uses high-pressure water to clear blockages and clean pipes. It’s an effective way to get rid of deep-set clogs and the smells they cause.

How to Prevent Smelly Drains in the Future

Once you’ve cleaned your smelly drain, you don’t want the problem to come back. Here are a few tips for preventing future smelly drains:

• Use Drain Covers: Prevent food particles, hair, and other debris from going down the drain by using drain covers or strainers.
• Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain: Always dispose of grease and oils in the trash, not the sink. They can cause serious clogs and odours.
• Regular Maintenance: Clean your drains regularly with hot water or a baking soda and vinegar mixture to prevent buildup.

When to Seek Professional Plumbing Services

While most smelly drain issues can be tackled with DIY methods, there are times when professional plumbing services are necessary. Here are some signs that it’s time to call in the experts:

• Persistent Odours: If the bad smell doesn’t go away after multiple cleaning attempts, it could indicate a deeper problem that needs professional tools to clear.
• Sewer Gas Smell: If the odour resembles sewage or rotten eggs, it’s likely that there’s an issue with the sewer line or a broken seal. This is a serious problem that requires immediate attention from a plumber.
• Recurrent Drain Smells: If smelly drains keep coming back despite regular cleaning, there could be an underlying plumbing issue, such as pipe damage or improper venting, that needs professional inspection.

Conclusion

Smelly drains are a common household problem. With the right cleaning methods, you can get rid of the odour and keep your home smelling fresh. Just remember to take care of your drains regularly, and you’ll avoid unpleasant smells down the line.

If your DIY efforts don’t seem to be working, don’t hesitate to call in a trusted plumber to solve the issue. At Fix N Flow, we’re here to bring the freshness back to your drains! Call us today at 1300 319 275 or submit our online form to schedule a service. We’re here to help you eliminate those unpleasant drain odours for good!