Smelly drains are a common household problem that can make your kitchen or bathroom smell unpleasant. Bad odours from drains usually happen when things like food, grease or hair build up inside the pipes. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix these odours and prevent them from ever coming back.
Causes of Smelly Drains
One of the main reasons drains smell bad is buildup in the pipes. Over time, food scraps in kitchen sinks or hair and soap in bathroom drains accumulate, creating clogs or slow drainage. As these materials decompose, they release smells.
In some cases, a dry P-trap (the curved pipe under your sink) may lose its water seal, allowing sewer gases to rise up through the drain. In areas with hard water, mineral buildup can occur in pipes over time. This buildup can trap food particles and soap scum.
How to Fix a Smelly Drain
One of the simplest ways to counteract smelly drains is to clean them regularly. Pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain helps break down buildup and neutralise smells. Follow this with hot water to flush out any remaining debris
Consider using enzyme-based drain cleaners, which will break down organic matter like food, grease, and hair without damaging any of your pipes. If that still doesn’t work, remove the P-trap under the sink and clean it manually to remove any gunk or standing water that may be causing the odour. If you suspect it is a deep clog, use a plumber’s snake to break up and remove the blockage.
For tougher clogs, a CCTV drain survey may be necessary. If you are looking for a CCTV drain survey Birmingham, choose one such as wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/cctv-drain-surveys-birmingham/ that can identify and investigate the blockage.
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You can also prevent future odours by being mindful of what goes down your drains. Avoid putting grease or large food particles down the kitchen drain, and use drain covers in the bathroom to trap hair. Regularly running water through infrequently used drains keeps the P-trap filled and prevents sewer gases from entering your home.