How To Fix and Clean Smelly Drains

Smelly drains can be annoying and unpleasant, and they can create problems for you. Many reasons could lead to smelly drains in your home or on your property. Because of several reasons, you cannot ignore the problem, and you have to fix or clean smelly drains. If you are ignoring the problem, you may have to deal with the hazards and health issues and have to live in uncomfortable circumstances.

Resolving foul-smelling drains is essential if you want to prevent germs and bacteria around your surroundings. It is also important when you want to prevent additional plumbing problems like clogged drains. With professional drain cleaning or DIY drain cleaning activities, you can protect yourself from expensive plumbing repairs. As well, you can make sure your living space is very comfortable and healthy for you. Well, check below how to clean or fix the issues and keep your house clean and plumbing problems-free. So let's start with the directions on cleaning smelly drains. With these ideas, you can keep your drains smell-free and flowing constantly.

Important Takeaways Coming Up:

• How to determine the cause of the odour and take appropriate action?


• How to apply temporary solutions such as vinegar, baking soda, and hot water?


• How to use commercial drain cleaners or a drain snake to do deep cleaning procedures?


• How to put preventive measures in place, such as installing drain strainers, eliminating food particles and oil, and performing routine maintenance?

Common Causes of Smelly Drains

As you know, ignoring the smelly drains is not an option, as it can worsen the situation in the long run. You must solve the problem by knowing the underlying causes. The following are some of the common causes that may be the reason for smelly drains on your property.

• Debris accumulation: Leftover food fragments and greasy residue could be the reason for smelly drains. Some greasy things can clog the drains and may cause the growth of mould and germs.


• Growth of bacteria: When you leave your drains ignorable or you don't clean them timely, they may be the source of bacteria leading to smelly drains.


• Slow or clogged drains: Standing water is the main reason for having smelly drains. Clogged drains may develop a bad odour or can lead to blocking the main drains.


• Dry drain traps (also known as P-traps): Having dry drain traps can also be a reason for smelly air around the drains. Odours may leak out from the drains because of these dry traps.


• Sewer line problems or blockages: Sewage overflow into your drains due to bottlenecks or cracks in your sewer line can produce unpleasant odours.

To solve these problems, you need to hire professionals or use DIY cleaning drain techniques. So, let's proceed with the quick fixes for smelly drains.

Quick Fixes for Smelly Drains

Here are a few easy and efficient DIY ways to get rid of foul-smelling drains:

Boiling Water Flush

By using boiling water, you will be capable of breaking down the grease and dirt. You can easily use this technique in the kitchen daily, as it works to remove greasy particles. Simply, you can use a kettle of water to boil water and then pour it into a drain and leave it for a few hours. You will see the result of clearing the drain.

The Method of Baking Soda and Vinegar

You can use baking soda and vinegar in this all-natural and efficient cleaning method if you want to remove odours and break down dirt. You can fill the drain with one cup of baking soda. Then, you will have to add one cup of vinegar and leave the mixture overnight or for two to three hours. The next morning, you can rinse the drain using hot water.

Ice Cubes and Salt for Trash Removal

You can also eliminate garbage disposal odour and filth with this technique. For this, you need to:

• Fill the disposal with half a cup of salt.


• Include some ice cubes.


• Flush with hot water and run the disposal.


• Use cold water to rinse.

Drain Cleaners and Plungers

Plungers and drain cleaners can work well for more stubborn obstructions. Actions to take:

• To generate suction and remove the obstruction, use a plunger.


• Use a drain cleaner as directed by the manufacturer if the obstruction continues.

Always, you should remember to take safety precautions when you are working with chemicals, boiling water, and sharp objects. When you are unable to solve the issue, you may need to communicate with a professional who can easily find out the issue and fix it. By using professional techniques, they can address the cause of smelly drains and clean them well.

Deep Cleaning Techniques To Get Rid of Smelly Drains

Deep cleaning techniques are also useful when you see short-term solutions are not enough for you. The following deep cleaning methods will help you clear more stubborn drain blocks and obstacles:

Making Use of a Drain Snake

To manually unclog deeper obstructions, you can use a drain snake. Some people know this device as an auger. This will help clear the drains as it is a long and flexible rod. You can read the instructions before using the drain snake. As you push the drain snake deeper into the pipe, you can feed it into the drain and rotate it. Then, you will have to remove any debris with the snake as you bring it back out when you encounter resistance. Well, continue this procedure until you get a result.

Commercial Drain Cleaners

Although you can use commercial drain cleaners, as a last resort and with caution, chemical drain cleaners can be quite effective. You can apply this kind of cleaner:

• When the obstruction has not been removed by other means.


• For stubborn obstructions that need strong cleaning force.

• Always adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.


• Put on safety goggles and gloves.


• Make sure the space has adequate airflow.


• Refrain from combining chemicals or utilising them in conjunction with other cleaning techniques.

Enzyme Cleaners: A Sustainable Choice

Enzyme cleaners are a sustainable choice. You can try all-natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable methods of clearing to clean the smelly drains.

• Protein-based materials, such as oil, hair, and food particles, are broken down by enzymes.


• These materials are changed by the enzymes into innocuous chemicals like water and carbon dioxide.

• Environmentally and pipe-safe.


• Non-toxic and non-corrosive.


• Suitable for routine upkeep and prevention.

When utilising any cleaning method, always you should remember to adhere to the manufacturer's directions and safety precautions. For more complications, you should seek advice from a qualified plumber. Professionals will clear off drains and help you to get rid of the smelly drains.

Preventing Smelly Drains

It is not difficult to prevent smelly drains. You just need to maintain or clean them promptly with the help of professional cleaning services. Or, you can try DIY methods for routine maintenance of your drains. You can try the following tips.

• Weekly Hot Water Flush: Using hot water to keep drains clean is the best option as it dissolves oily buildups and debris.


• Baking Soda and Detergent: You can also try the mixture of baking soda and detergent. You can combine them in equal parts and pour this mixture into the drains and let it set for hours. This will dissolve the oily and greasy particles from the drains.


• Monthly Drain Cleaning: With the help of a plumbing snake you can clear your drains. You can also try drain cleaner, which will help you to clear the obstructions in your drains.

Best Practices

• Don't Pour Grease and Big Food Particles: Don't pour greasy and big food particles into the drains. As they can lead to blockages, and you will have to deal with smelly drains.


• Install Drain Strainers: You can also install drain strainers that will lower the possibility of clogging and smell in drains. It will help by capturing debris before it enters the drain.


• Keep the P-Trap Wet: For the prevention of smelly odours or gases, you can keep the P-Traps wet. It is especially useful in the sink.


• Remember the waste Disposal: With some considerations, you can also prevent odours and obstructions. You should dispose of the waste into dustbins if possible. You can routinely clean and maintain your waste disposal.


• Pay Attention to What You Flush: Also, this is very necessary to pay attention to what you are flushing. For instance, you should avoid flushing out paper towels, sanitary products, and wet wipes. Because they can cause blockages and odours.

With these tips and practices, you can keep your plumbing system functioning properly and help avoid smelly drains.

When to Call a Professional Drain Plumber?

Sometimes you should consult a professional drain plumber. It becomes more important when DIY techniques are insufficient to clean the drains. Professionals have enough experience and tools to solve the drain problems. With the following indications, you can determine when you need to call a professional drain cleaning company.

• Persistent Odours: If the smell doesn't go away after attempting DIY techniques, there may be a more serious problem. And you need to consult with a qualified drain cleaner.


• Recurrent Blockages: A more significant problem, like a sewer line issue, may be indicated if you're having recurrent clogs or blockages.


• Indications of Sewer Problems: You can also contact an expert if you observe any of the backlogs in sewage, degrading slowly, or gurgling noises and cracks in the walls or foundation


• Multiple Clogged Drains: If you notice an issue with your main sewer line, you can communicate with the expert.

Why Call Professional Drain Cleaners?

• Experts can address the issue's underlying cause and address it. They have the talent to fix the drain issues with long-lasting solutions.


• Professionals can easily handle dangerous materials and circumstances when you call them for drain cleaning.


• You will feel less stressed and at ease because professionals have the experience to take care of your drain problems.


• Professionals can identify potential problems early and prevent future blockages, saving time and money.


• Experts utilize high-tech tools like hydro-jetters and cameras for thorough cleaning and inspection.


• Experts can remove unpleasant smells caused by accumulated debris or stagnant water in the drains.


• Professionals can provide guidance on maintaining your drains and preventing future clogs.

So, when you don’t get results with the DIY or short-term solutions, you can contact professional plumbers. They will assist you in all types of drain cleaning.

Conclusion

A mix of fast solutions, thorough cleaning methods, and preventative measures is needed to repair and clean foul-smelling drains. You may get rid of unpleasant smells and maintain the free flow of your drains. It's time to hire an expert if the smell doesn't go away after trying the aforementioned solutions. A qualified drain plumber can identify and address underlying problems. They will give you long-term solutions. Don't let foul-smelling drains interfere with your everyday routine. You should take action now to maintain odour-free, free-flowing drains.