Smelly drains are quiet unpleasant to say the least. Getting to the bottom of the problem can sometimes require an in-depth investigation, but can often be an easy fix (yay!) !
See some common causes of those Smelly Drains below!
Dry P-trap
Have a look under your sink. You see that U shaped pipe? Thats the P-trap! Now your p-trap should always contain water, as this acts a protective barrier to prevent any odours from exiting the drain entry point (ie into your home). Therefore, as you are probably understanding, if your p-trap is dry, there is a high change of bad odours entering your home. This issue is commonly found in sinks that aren’t used very often, as without regular uses, the p-trap eventually dries up. A simple solution to remove the smell is to run the tap for a few minutes so the water can re-accumulate in the trap and the barrier is reinstated.
Build up of Debris
All drains have the potential for debris to go down them; The shower drain includes hair. The kitchen drain includes fat, oil and food scraps. Although at the time you don’t believe these small amounts will have an affect… Overtime, all those ‘small amounts’ add up! These forms of debris are capable of blocking drains, disabling them from being able to flow efficiently and therefore more often than not, causing a bad odour/smelly drain.
A great way to prevent this debris from entering into the drain is to invest in a drain strainer (as I am sure you have heard before!!) These will stop all these forms of debris, from entering into your drain and instead of being disposed down the drain, they can go into the rubbish bin. Say good by to smelly drains!
Got Blocked drains? See our Top Tips for Clearing a Blocked Drain
Damaged Pipe
Who would have thought a tiny crack could cause such a smell! But it is unfortunately true! The smallest crack in a pipe can alter the pipes ability to remove all debris that has the potential to cause smelly drains. A cracked pipe also has the potential to cause quiet series damage to other structures, so it’s important to solve this issue sooner, rather than later!
Not sure when to call a plumber or when you can fix an issue yourself? See our post HERE
Faulty Plumbing
If you have a chronic, unpleasant smell that you can’t seem to get rid of, although trying many different things, it is likely that there is an issue with your plumbing structure. This could be a result of poor installation or faulty repairs. Be aware that even if the structure looks visually sound, just the slightest problem can cause a smelly drain. As you are probably anticipating… This is one to call a plumber for!
Dirty Dishwasher.
You know when you just chuck a plate in the dishwasher and don’t worry about scraping those small amounts of scrap off or rinsing the plate? If this is done time and time again, these scraps will build up and develop an unpleasant smell in your kitchen. It’s recommended to clean the drain covers and strainer every week and rinse your plates and bowls before placing them in the dishwasher. It’s also recommended to leave the dishwasher door slightly open all the time, as this prevents the growth of mould and allows the dishwasher to properly dry between washes.
There are many causes of smelly drains, but also many ways to combat them! If you are feeling a bit lost and think you need a professional, feel free to contact our friendly staff who will guide you on the best solution!
