Whether you’re dealing with an occasional nasty whiff or a constant stench that plagues your home, smelly drains are a nuisance!
Luckily, there are some at-home solutions to tackle this problem. In this post, we’ll look at some causes of smelly drains, simple ways to freshen them up, and how to prevent them from getting smelly again.
Keep reading to say goodbye to unpleasant odours and hello to a fresh, clean home!
What causes smelly drains?
Smelly drains can have several different causes. Here are a few common culprits:
Food build-up in kitchen sinks
You’ll likely rinse bits of food down the drain as you use your kitchen sinks for food prepping and washing dirty dishes. Over time, these food particles can start to decompose, creating unpleasant smells. Grease, oils, and fats can also cling to the pipes, attracting bacteria and worsening these smells.
Another sign you’re experiencing food build-up in your kitchen sink is if you’re experiencing blockages. See our helpful guide on how to clear a blocked sink for DIY solutions!
Build-up of soap and hair in bathrooms
Soap residue in bathroom sinks, showers, and baths can form a sticky film and cling to your drains. Hair and other debris that also gets washed down the drains can get trapped in this film and create nasty smells.
If your shower is clogged, there’s a good chance this could be causing the smell. See our how to unblock a shower drain guide for some simple step-by-step fixes.
Dry P-traps
The P-trap is a U-shaped section of pipe below your drain. It acts as a barrier to prevent sewer gases from entering your home. However, if the drain hasn’t been used in a while, the water in the P-trap may evaporate, allowing odours from the sewage system to seep in.
Mould or mildew growth
Damp conditions and organic matter in drains create the perfect environment for mould and mildew. If your drains produce a musty smell, it could be due to mould growing in them.
Plumbing issues
Sometimes, smelly drains can indicate a more serious plumbing issue. For example, sewage or rotten egg smells could be a sign of malfunctioning vent pipes or water heater issues. If you suspect underlying problems like this, it’s best to contact a professional plumber for help.
5 ways to fix smelly drains
Smelly drains can be unpleasant and inconvenient. However, the good news is that there are some easy-to-follow DIY solutions that can rid your drains of unwanted odours. Plus, most of these methods use items you’ll probably have at home.
1. Run the tap
If a dry P-trap is the reason for your stinky drains, the solution is almost too easy! Simply run the tap for a few minutes at regular intervals to restore the small amount of water needed. This should get rid of the smell by recreating the sewage barrier that blocks out odours.
2. Hot water and washing up liquid
This light cleaning solution is a great one to start with. Pour washing up liquid down your drain and leave it to soak for about 15 minutes. Then, boil a kettle of water and pour it down the drain a little at a time.
Hot water will help break down grease and soap residue, while dish soap works to dislodge any trapped debris. Repeat this a couple of times for better results if need be.
3. Baking soda and vinegar
A baking soda and vinegar solution is effective in both kitchens and bathrooms. Mix 250ml of white vinegar and 250ml of baking soda together. Pour it down the drain and let it sit for up to an hour.
The reaction between baking soda and vinegar can break up clogs and loosen up grime that could be causing unpleasant smells. Afterwards, pour hot water down the drain to flush out the solution.
4. Shop-bought drain cleaners
If you’re not having much luck with these DIY solutions, try a commercial drain cleaner. These are specifically designed to remove blockages and eliminate odours, so you can trust these to get the job done.
Enzyme-based cleaners are particularly effective; they work by breaking down organic matter in the drain and eliminating the source of the smell. Remember to follow the product instructions carefully and wear protective gloves.
5. Diluted bleach solutions
If you suspect mould or mildew is causing your smelly drains, or if other methods have been unsuccessful, a bleach solution could solve the issue. Mix bleach with water to dilute it, pour it down the plug, and leave it to work for around one hour before rinsing away with boiling water.
When using bleach, proceed with caution. Bleach can react with residue in the drains and corrode pipes, so it should always be diluted to minimise these risks. It’s best to try other solutions before resorting to bleach.
When to call in a JustFix professional
Whilst it’s possible to solve smelly drains yourself, sometimes it’s best to call in a professional plumber. Here’s when you might need to draft in an expert:
- Persistent odour: If the smell doesn’t go away after multiple cleanings, it could indicate a deeper plumbing issue.
- Sewage smells: A strong sewage odour may signal a broken sewer line, which needs immediate professional attention.
- Slow or backed-up drains: When drains are consistently slow or backing up, it can indicate a blockage in the main line.
- Leaks or water damage: Smelly drains sometimes come with dampness or leaks around the drain area, leading to mould growth and structural damage. In these cases, a professional can assess the full scope of the problem.
If your drains are still smelly after trying these at-home solutions, or if any of the above issues sound familiar, it’s probably best to get professional help.
With JustFix, it’s never been easier to find and book a plumber. Our network of professional plumbers can conduct a thorough assessment, provide solutions for underlying problems, and get rid of your smelly drains once and for all!
Simply use our app or website to share a few details, and we’ll connect you with a plumber in your local area. From plumbers in Newcastle-upon-Tyne to plumbers in Brighton we operate across the country, bringing you vetted tradespeople.
Best of all, with fixed hourly rates and a 12-month guarantee on all work, you can be sure of no stinky surprises down the line!
How to prevent smelly drains in the future
Once you’ve eliminated that nasty odour, you’ll want to make sure it stays gone for good! Here are a few simple tips to help prevent smelly drains coming back:
1. Run hot water regularly
Simply running hot water can flush your drains and help dislodge any potential blockages before they start to smell. Do this at least once a week, especially for sinks that aren’t used often.
2. Dispose of food waste properly
Never pour oils, fats, or grease down the sink. Instead, collect them in a jar or can and dispose of them in the rubbish or find ways to reuse them in your cooking.
Consider using a strainer to catch food particles. Throw these into the bin rather than letting them wash down the drain.
3. Clean your drains routinely
Pouring a baking soda and vinegar solution down your drains each month can help keep them clean. This will prevent the build-up of food, soap, or hair, which eventually causes drains to smell. This simple step can make a big difference over time.
FAQs about smelly drains
Why do my drains smell like rotten eggs?
A rotten egg smell often comes from hydrogen sulphide gas, which is commonly produced by bacteria in the pipes. Try using the baking soda and vinegar solution to eliminate this smell.
A rotten egg smell could also indicate water heater issues, so if the smell persists, it’s advisable to call a professional plumber to check for underlying problems.
Can I use bleach to clean my drains?
Bleach can be an effective solution, but it should be used sparingly. Regular use of bleach can corrode pipes, especially if they’re older. Consider using bleach only for occasional deep cleaning when other solutions haven’t worked, and rinse thoroughly with water afterwards.
How often should I clean my drains?
Doing a light clean about once a month is a good idea, especially in the kitchen or heavily used bathroom sinks. This prevents the long-term build-up, which leads to blockages and unpleasant smells.
