If your drain smells bad, you’re not alone. It’s a common problem that can be caused by a variety of things. In today’s blog post, we’ll go over some of the most common things that cause smelly drains and how to deal with them once and for all. We’ll also give you some tips that you can use to prevent bad smells in the future.
Contact the team at Diamondback Plumbing if you’d like to learn more about how you can deal with smelly drains in your home or business.
Table of Contents
The top reasons your drain smells bad
Here are some most likely reasons your drain smells bad:
1. Food scraps
One of the most common reasons why your drain smells bad is because there are food scraps stuck in it. When you wash dishes or prepare food, bits of food can end up going down the drain. Over time, these bits of food will start to rot and produce a bad smell. To avoid this, be sure to scrape all food scraps into the trash before washing dishes or preparing food.
2. Grease and oil
Another common reason for a smelly drain is grease and oil build-up. When you cook, grease and oil can end up going down the drain. Over time, this grease and oil will start to rot and produce a bad smell. To avoid this, be sure to wipe all grease and oil off of dishes before washing them. You can also pour hot water down the drain on a regular basis to help dissolve any build-up.
3. Soap scum
Soap scum can also cause your drain to smell bad. Soap scum is the film that is left behind when soap mixes with water. This film can build up on the sides of your drain, trapping dirt, bacteria, and other particles. To avoid this, be sure to clean your drains regularly with a plunger or a plumber’s snake.
4. Mold and mildew
Mold and mildew can also cause your drain to smell bad. Mold and mildew thrive in damp, dark environments like drains. If your drain is not properly ventilated, mold and mildew can start to grow, producing a bad smell. To avoid this, be sure to keep your drains clean and dry by using a plunger or a plumber’s snake on a regular basis. You can also pour bleach down the drain once a week to help kill mold and mildew spores
5. You are using the wrong cleaning products
If you are using the wrong cleaning products, they can actually make your drain smell worse. For example, if you use a harsh chemical cleaner on your drains, it can kill the good bacteria that help to break down organic matter. This can leave behind a build-up of organic matter that will start to rot and produce an unpleasant smell.
6. There is a leak in the drain
Another common reason why your drain smells bad is because there is a leak in the drain. If water is leaking from the drain pipe, it can cause the surrounding area to become damp and humid. This dampness can provide an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, which can cause your drain to smell bad.
7. You have a septic tank problem
If you own a septic tank, it’s important to keep it well maintained. If the septic tank becomes full or overloaded, it forces sewage to back up into your home, which makes your drains smell bad. Additionally, if the septic tank is not properly maintained, it can start to leak sewage into the ground, which can also cause your drains to smell bad.
8. There is something dead in your drain
If you have an animal that has died in your home, it is important to remove it as soon as possible. If an animal carcass is left in your drain, it will start to decompose and produce an unpleasant smell. In addition, if you have a pest problem in your home, such as rats or mice, they may die in your drains and cause them to smell bad.
Call a plumber to fix your smelly drain
A smelly drain can be a sign of a serious problem. If you notice an unpleasant odor coming from your drain, it’s important to take action immediately.
The best way to deal with a smelly drain is to call a professional plumber. Plumbers have the tools and experience necessary to quickly and safely clean your drain, getting rid of the odors for good. In addition, they can also inspect your plumbing system for any other potential problems.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing a bad smell from your drains, it’s important to take action and find the source of the problem.
Contacting a professional plumbing service is always the best option, as they will have the expertise and equipment necessary to properly diagnose and solve the issue.
Also read: Kitchen Sink Remodel How to Choose the Right Sink
