How to Eliminate Smelly Drains

Smelly drains, particularly in the kitchen drain, are a common problem in many Australian households, causing unpleasant odours that can permeate throughout your home. These foul smells can be caused by mixed factors, from irregular use of sinks to clogged pipes and structural issues. 

A blocked drain, often resulting from pipe buildup, can lead to unpleasant odours and stagnation. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the causes of smelly drains, provide actionable DIY cleaning methods, and discuss when to call a professional plumber.

Identifying the Source of the Smell

The first step in eliminating smelly drains is to identify the source of the odour. Some common causes of stinky drain smells include:

• Trapped gunk or dirt in bathroom and kitchen sink drains
• Mould growth, attracted to moisture, releases tiny puffs of gas that smell
• Clogged vent pipes, causing water pooling in the sink and stagnant odours
• Structural problems, such as water leaks, rotting drain pipes, and missing traps or vents
• Issues with the kitchen sink drain, such as water leaks and aging pipes
• Hair and soap scum buildup in the shower drain

Sewer gases can also seep into homes through clogged vent pipes and drains, resulting from decomposing organic matter and bacteria build-up.

Rarely used bathroom and kitchen sinks can also release gases from drain pipes due to the airlock effect of the P-trap. Over time, drain pipes can become clogged with food particles, hair, and other debris, leading to smelly drain odours.

DIY Cleaning Methods for Smelly Drains

Once you’ve identified the source of the smell, you can try several DIY cleaning methods using household remedies:

1. Pour hot water or vinegar down the drain to loosen and flush away organic matter.
2. Use a plunger to unclog the drain.
3. Combine baking soda and vinegar to break down and remove organic matter.
4. Use a snake hose auger or coat hanger to clear out clogs.
5. Clean the P-trap to eliminate strong odours emanating from the drain.

A drain plug can help prevent food scraps from falling into the sink, mitigating bad smells caused by food buildup.

Using Baking Soda and Vinegar to Clean a Smelly Drain

One effective DIY method for cleaning smelly drains is using baking soda and vinegar:

1. Pour a cup of baking soda into the drain.
2. Follow it up with two cups of hot vinegar (near boiling point).
3. Allow the mixture to fizz and sit for an hour.
4. Pour hot tap water down the drain and see if the clog clears.

Combining baking soda and vinegar is effective because baking soda can easily remove lingering odours when mixed with boiling water. The acetic acid in vinegar also neutralises smells. This solution is environmentally sustainable, cheap, and can remove problems like soap buildup.

Other Natural Cleaning Agents

In addition to baking soda and vinegar, you can use alternative natural cleaning agents to freshen and deodorise your drains:

• Lemon juice or essential oils
• Drain cleaners are made from natural ingredients like baking soda and vinegar.
• Drain maintenance products that contain natural enzymes to break down organic matter.

Using Bleach to Clean Smelly Drains

Like other disinfectants, bleach kills almost every species of odour-causing bacteria commonly found in drains and sewer lines. To use bleach to clean your drain:

1. Fill the sink with hot water and add a cup of bleach.
2. Let the sink and the bleach drain.
3. Repeat until the odour is gone.

However, be cautious when using bleach or harsh chemicals, as they can damage pipes and release dangerous gases.

Using a Snake Hose Auger or Coat Hanger

Using a snake hose auger or coat hanger is a simple and effective way to clear clogs in your drain pipes. This method is particularly useful for removing hair, soap scum, and other debris that can cause stinky drain smells.

To use a snake hose auger or coat hanger, follow these steps:

1. Insert the auger or coat hanger into the clogged drain.
2. Hold the plastic tube tightly and turn the handle on the other end of the flexible tube.
3. Gradually pull the wire out to clear the clog.
4. Repeat the process until the clog is removed and the water flows freely.

It’s essential to be gentle when using a snake hose auger or coat hanger, as rough handling can damage the pipes. If you’re uncomfortable using this method or if the clog persists, it’s best to call a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the issue. 

Preventing Future Smelly Drains

Regular maintenance is key to preventing future smelly drains:

• Clean the drain regularly to prevent trapped gunk or dirt.
• Check for mould growth and clean the drain regularly to prevent it.
• Clean the vent pipes regularly to prevent clogs.
• Be mindful of what goes down the drain, avoiding grease, oil, coffee grounds, and non-biodegradable items.
• Regularly clean the sink drain to prevent buildup and odours.

Proper garbage disposal maintenance can also help prevent smelly drains:

• Run cold water through the garbage disposal while it’s running.
• Use a garbage disposal cleaning product to deodorise and clean the disposal.
• Avoid overloading the garbage disposal with too much food waste.

Investing in drain maintenance products like enzyme-based cleaners or bacterial additives can help break down organic matter and keep your drains flowing smoothly. Conserving water and fixing leaks promptly can also reduce strain on your plum bing system.

When to Call a Professional

While DIY pluming methods can be effective, there are some signs that you may need professional help:

• If you’ve tried DIY cleaning methods and the smell persists.
• If you suspect a structural problem, such as a water leak, rotting drain pipes, or issues with your sewer line.
• If you’re uncomfortable using DIY cleaning methods or unsure of the cause of the smell.

A professional plumber has the experience and tools to diagnose the root cause of your smelly drains and provide practical solutions. 

We can access high-quality products and equipment to effectively remove buildup, eliminate odours, and prevent future issues. Attempting to clean your drains on your own can be dangerous if you’re unfamiliar with plumbing techniques, so it’s best to seek professional help to ensure the job is done safely and effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Identify the source of the smell, which trapped gunk, mould growth, clogged vent pipes, or structural problems can cause.
• Try DIY cleaning methods, such as using hot water, vinegar, baking soda, or natural cleaning agents.
• Prevent future smells through regular drain maintenance, proper garbage disposal usage, and investing in drain maintenance products.
• Call a professional plumber if DIY methods don’t work, you suspect a structural problem, or you’re unsure of the cause of the smell.