Although Drains in a house aren’t the most exciting thing, it can be very frustrating when you have a smelly Drain. Sometimes the stench from the kitchen sink is so foul that it invades the whole of your property, even forcing you to stay somewhere else.
There are plenty of causes of drain odour, including plumbing problems, poor ventilation or even microbes that feed on leftover food. In this article, I’ll explain some techniques for avoiding smelly drains in your property.
Experiencing Foul Smells From Your Drains? You May Have A Blockage.
Book a drain unblocking engineer today.
Clogged Drains Have A Tendency To Smell
Clogged drains tend to smell. This is because of the bacteria that form as a result of the drain being clogged. The bacteria feed off of the material that has caused the clog in your drain, and this causes a foul smell to be emitted from the pipe. In some cases, clearing out the clog will get rid of the smell; however, if the bacteria are still present in your drain pipe, you could still have an issue with smells coming from your drain.
If you want to keep your drains clear of debris that leads to smelly drains, you need to keep materials that are likely to cause a clog away from your drains. You should not put food scraps down your kitchen sink or flush feminine products or anything like paper towels or diapers down toilets. In addition, if you have long hair, it can easily clog up a shower drain, and this will also cause odours to emit from your shower.
It is crucial to unclog your drains regularly, so they do not get backed up with food particles and grease. An accumulation of these waste materials can cause an overflow or backup of sewage into your home or business.
Common Causes of Drain Odour
The most common cause of drain odour is the build-up of food particles and other matter that gets stuck inside the pipes beneath your sink or bathroom. This material builds up over time, causing an unpleasant odour that can be quite strong when water passes through the pipe. The easiest way to fix this problem is to use a drain cleaner regularly. If there is a significant build-up, you may have a serious blockage, in which case, it’s best to get a professional to tackle the issue for you with drain unblocking services.
Another common cause of drain odour is the build-up of mould or mildew in your pipes. Like with food particles, this build-up occurs over time and can lead to an unpleasant smell when water passes through the pipe. You can regularly remove this build-up by using bleach or another mild antiseptic solution.
If neither of these fixes works for you, it’s time to call in a professional plumber.
Natural Ways to Avoid Smelly Drains In Your Property
Most of us do not think about our drains until they become clogged. However, it is a good idea to prevent this problem from happening in the first place.
If you want to avoid smelly drains in your property, then here are some tips to keep in mind:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the best ways to clean drains that have been clogged by hair or other substances. This ingredient helps break down gunk so that it can be easily removed from the drain without causing harm to your pipes or plumbing system.
Vinegar
Vinegar is another natural cleaner that works well on clogged drains because it has antibacterial properties that kill germs and bacteria in the pipes and other places around the house, such as pet bowls, pet beds, litter boxes etc… Vinegar also works great for removing hard water stains from sinks and faucets in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, etc.
Lemon Juice
Pour 1/2 cup lemon juice down the drain every week to help keep it clean and eliminate odours. The citric acid in the lemon juice acts as an abrasive cleaner that eats away at the grime building up on the sides of your pipes. It will also work to deodorize the area, leaving your home smelling fresh.
Bleach
If you have PVC pipes, pour about a quarter cup of bleach into your drain and let it sit for a few hours before flushing with warm water. Bleach can damage the seals in older plumbing systems, so you’ll want to avoid using this method if you’re unsure what kind of pipes you have.
Hydrogen Peroxide
One of the most effective ways to clean and deodorize a clogged drain is hydrogen peroxide. Use about 1 cup of peroxide down the drain, then let it sit for one hour. After an hour, run hot water down the drain to clear out the peroxide and any residue from your pipes. If you still smell an odour, repeat this process until you no longer notice it.
Drain Cleaners
Drain cleaners are chemical solutions designed to help you unclog a clogged drain. They can be found in most hardware stores and grocery stores. However, there are some dangers associated with using commercial drain cleaners.
The first danger is the number of chemicals in the product. Some commercial drain cleaners contain bleach or other harsh chemicals that can damage the pipes and plumbing in your home over time. It’s always a good idea to read the ingredients label on any commercial cleaner before using it in your home.
The second danger is using too much of the product. If you use more than what is recommended by the manufacturer, then you run the risk of causing more damage than good by corroding your pipes with excess chemical residue left behind after use.
Final Thought
The best way to avoid smelly drains in your property is through regular maintenance and clearing clogs. You should also avoid pouring grease down drains because this will clog up your pipes over time and make them smell like sewage.
When they fill up with water again after draining out, grease from cooking oil or buttery sauces from a steak dinner cooked at home on the stovetop or grill outside on your patio.
Experiencing Foul Smells From Your Drains? You May Have A Blockage.
Book a drain unblocking engineer today.
Contact Drain 247 for Drain Unblocking
At Drain 247, our drain unblockers cover all types of drainage systems in Hertfordshire and London. If you have a blocked drain, we’re here to provide a fast and effective drain unblocking service. We clear 99.7% of blockages within the first hour, so don’t delay and get in touch today.
Call us on 0800 612 8038 or fill out our contact form here.
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