What Are The Causes of Drain Smells?

No one enjoys the unpleasant experience of drain smells wafting through their home, especially when you can’t find the source of the problem! These foul odours can be frustrating and embarrassing, making your home an uncomfortable place to live. Unfortunately, drain smells are a common issue that most homeowners will face at some point. Understanding the causes of these unpleasant odours is crucial in tackling the problem quickly and effectively. Whether it’s a minor issue or a sign of something more serious, knowing what’s causing the smell is the first step towards returning your home to its fresh, clean state. As experts in drain cleaning in Warrington, we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the common causes of drain smells and, more importantly, how to fix them.

Common Causes of Drain Smells

Blocked Drains

One of the most common causes of drain smells is a blockage that is hiding somewhere in your plumbing system. Over time, your pipes can become clogged due to the build-up of food particles, grease, hair, and other debris. As these organic materials sit in your drains, they will start to decompose, releasing the foul odours that can make their way into your home. The longer the blockage is left unaddressed, the worse the smell will become.

Dry P-Trap

The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe positioned below your sink and is essential for keeping sewer gases from entering your home. It works by holding a small amount of water that acts as a barrier to block these gases. However, if a sink or drain is not used regularly, the water in the P-trap can evaporate, allowing unpleasant sewer gases to escape and fill your home with foul odours.

Sewer Line Issues

A more serious cause of drain smells can be problems with your main sewer line. A crack, break, or blockage in the sewer line can cause sewage to back up, resulting in strong, persistent smells that you can’t get rid of. This issue can also lead to more severe problems like sewage leaks, which can be hazardous to your health and if you suspect that there is an issue with the sewer line, you need to call in the professionals immediately.

Biofilm Build-Up

Biofilm is a slimy substance that can develop inside your pipes over time. It’s a combination of bacteria, mould, and other organic materials that stick to the walls of your pipes, creating a breeding ground for foul odours. As the biofilm builds up, the smell can become more noticeable, especially when you run water through the affected drain.

Ventilation Problems

Your plumbing system relies on proper ventilation to allow air to flow through the pipes and maintain pressure. If there’s a blockage in the vent pipes, it can disrupt the air circulation, causing sewer gases to build up and escape through your drains. This can lead to unpleasant smells in your home and is a sign that your plumbing system may need attention.

How To Fix Drain Smelling

Now that you know what might be causing those unpleasant drain smells, let’s take a look at how to fix them. Addressing the issue quickly can help to prevent it from becoming a bigger problem.

Clear Blockages

If you suspect a blockage is causing the smell, try clearing it with a plunger or drain snake. These tools can help dislodge the debris causing the clog. You might need to use a chemical drain cleaner for stubborn blockages deep within the pipes, but be cautious, as these can sometimes damage your pipes. If the smell still won’t go away, then it is best to call in a professional to ensure the blockage is fully removed.

Refill The P-Trap

If a dry P-trap is the culprit, the fix is simple. Run water down the affected drain for a minute or two to refill the P-trap and restore the water barrier. For drains that are rarely used, consider pouring a small amount of mineral oil into the P-trap to slow down evaporation and keep the water seal intact for longer.

Check For Sewer Line Issues

If you suspect a problem with your sewer line, it is important to contact a professional plumber immediately. Sewer line issues are complex and can cause significant damage to your property if not addressed quickly and correctly. As experts in drain repairs in Wirral, we will be able to conduct a CCTV drain survey to inspect the condition of your sewer line and recommend the best course of action.

Remove Biofilm

To tackle biofilm buildup, start by cleaning your drains with a mixture of boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar. Pour the boiling water down the drain, followed by the baking soda, and then the vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, then flush with more boiling water. This natural solution can help break down the biofilm and remove the source of the smell. For more stubborn biofilm, a specialised drain cleaner may be necessary.

Fix Ventilation Problems

If ventilation issues are causing the smells, you’ll need a professional to assess and fix the problem. They can inspect your vent pipes for blockages and make any necessary repairs to restore proper airflow through your plumbing system, eliminating the unpleasant odours.

Preventing Drain Smells in The Future

While it’s important to know how to fix drain smelling, preventing them from occurring in the first place is even better. Here are a few tips to keep your drains smelling fresh:

• Regular Cleaning: Make drain cleaning a part of your monthly routine by using natural remedies like baking soda and vinegar or boiling water to flush out your pipes. Try not to rely on chemical cleaners, as these can corrode the inside of your pipes over time, which will lead to much larger and more expensive problems to fix!
• Proper Waste Disposal: Avoid putting food scraps, grease, and other debris down the drain. Instead, dispose of them in the rubbish bin or compost so they don’t sit and decompose inside your drainage system.
• Run Water Regularly: Even in rarely used sinks or drains, run water occasionally to ensure the P-trap stays full and blocks sewer gases.
• Regular Inspections: It is important to have your plumbing system inspected by professionals regularly to catch any potential issues before they become serious problems. It is a good idea to conduct an annual inspection to ensure there are no risks of plumbing disasters in the future!

Trust The Experts At Mersey Rod

Drain smells are more than just an inconvenience— an unpleasant smell that won’t budge can indicate underlying issues in your plumbing system that need attention. Our experienced and knowledgeable team at Mersey Rod are here to help you identify the cause of the smell and provide effective solutions to get your home back to normal. Whether it’s a simple blockage or a more serious sewer line issue, our qualified engineers are ready to assist with expert advice and services that won’t break the bank.

Don’t let drain smells disrupt your life—get in touch with us today for more information and to schedule an inspection. We’re always happy to help!