Regardless of how cautious we are, everyone has had to contend with stinky drains at some point. Every item down a drain leaves traces – from food particles and grease to hair and soap remnants. Over time, these deposits foster bacteria growth, culminating in an unpleasant odor emanating from your drains. In this article, we’ll cover the reasons you may have stinky drains and what you can do to fix it.
Reasons Your Drains Stink
Aside from the debris that passes through them, drains may also reek if a sink’s P-trap fails to prevent gases from the sewer from ascending through the drain and into the house, an issue commonly found with infrequently used sinks.
Blocked vents represent another potential cause of foul-smelling drains. Plumbing systems incorporate vents that allow gases to escape outside, but if these vents are obstructed, the gases may seep into the house via the drain.
If your kitchen or bathroom drain emits an offensive odor, you can resolve the issue yourself in many cases.
Solutions for a Stinky Drain: DIY Tips
There exist several do-it-yourself techniques for eliminating the awful smell from your drain. Here are some homeowner-friendly strategies for tackling the problem:
- Boiling Water
Occasionally, a good hot water flush can banish the offending odor. Boil a small pot of Water, pour half down the drain, wait for a few minutes, follow with cold Water, and pour the remaining hot Water down the drain.
- Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
The citric acid from lemons and baking soda’s cleansing abilities can create a potent solution. Begin by pouring a half cup of baking soda and the same dose of lemon juice down the drain, block the drain, and let the mixture work its magic for an hour. Finally, unblock the drain and flush it with hot tap water.
- Distilled White Vinegar
When heated, the acid in white vinegar can offset bad odors and dissolve gunk. To do this, simmer four cups of vinegar, pour two cups down the drain, allow the tap water to run for a minute, and then pour the remaining hot vinegar.
- Salt and Baking Soda
The combination of salt’s abrasive properties and baking soda’s cleansing capabilities can serve as an effective remedy for odorous drains. This technique requires you to pour one cup of baking soda and half a cup of salt into the drain, let it sit for several hours (or even overnight for especially persistent odors), and then flush the mixture with two cups of boiling water.
If you want to learn more about drain repairs or need advice from our skilled plumbers in North Carolina, don’t hesitate to contact Drain Express. We provide round-the-clock emergency plumbing services and offer complimentary estimates, same-day service, and discounts.
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