Ways to Eliminate Drain Odors

Have you ever walked into your kitchen only to be greeted by a foul stench? You start searching—it’s not the garbage can, and it is clearly not the fridge. No, the cause seems to be a stinky kitchen drain. The good news is, with a bit of detective work and drain-cleaning efforts, you can say goodbye to that unpleasant smell and say hello to freshness!

What Causes a Stinky Drain?

Your sink can smell bad for a few reasons. Identifying the cause is the best way to begin freshening up your kitchen and preventing a recurrence. The most common culprits include:

• Bacteria: A kitchen drain clogged with food particles, grease buildup and other gunk is a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms that create unpleasant odors as they feed.
• Blocked drain: Stopped up pipes can lead to stagnant water and bacteria growth, making the smell worse.
• Sewer gases: If the P-trap below the sink dries out, sewer gases may come up from the drain, leading to a lingering sewer smell. This typically happens in plumbing that is no longer used
• Plumbing errors: From DIY problems to missing traps or drain vents, plumbing problems can allow unwanted smells to permeate your living space.

Ways to Clear a Stinky Drain

Here are four surefire strategies to cure potent drain odors:

• Hot water: Heat a mixture of water and vinegar until it nearly boils and slowly pour it into the drain. The hot water clears out the sludge and vinegar counteracts the stench.
• Baking soda and vinegar: Get started with the hot water technique mentioned above. If it’s insufficient, put a cup of baking soda down the drain and then pour two cups of hot vinegar. Enjoy the fizz and let it sit for an hour. Then, clear the drain with more hot water to get rid of stubborn gunk and bacteria.
• P-trap cleaning: Don your rubber gloves and put a bucket below the P-trap. Unfasten the pipe by hand or with a wrench, if necessary, and set it aside. Clean out the contents into the trash, wash out the pipe and reattach your sink’s plumbing.
• A note on bleach: Although it is a powerful antibacterial agent, bleach is not advisable for cleaning drains. It can cause harm to your pipes and potentially create toxic gases, so avoid the use of bleach in this scenario.

Tips for Pleasant-Smelling Drains

It’s simple to keep smelly drains from happening with a little routine cleaning. Here’s what we encourage:

• Turn on your garbage disposal and rinse with cold water for 20 seconds after grinding up food to completely flush particles out the pipes.
• Clean the drain once a week with a gallon of near-boiling water to stop the buildup of odor-causing gunk.
• Run water down seldom-used sinks to keep the P-trap filled. For additional protection, put a bit of mineral oil in the drain, because that reduces evaporation.
• Sprinkle a handful of baking soda down the drain followed by hot water to absorb and counteract odors.
• From time to time, follow up the baking soda process with a cup of white vinegar for a even greater clean. Let it sit for a half-hour, then flush the drain extensively with hot water.
• Cut up lemon or orange peels to leave your sink smelling fragrant.
• Make use of enzyme cleaners to prevent the buildup of odor-causing residue without turning to harsh chemicals.
• Hire a pro to examine your plumbing periodically. This can help catch odor-causing issues before they become trouble.
• Don’t pour grease and other foods down the drain that can easily clog or rot, such as coffee grounds and fibrous vegetables.
• Try using mesh strainers to catch food particles and other debris before they go down the drain. Then, throw the debris from the strainers into the trash to keep your pipes flowing easily and smelling pleasant.
• Hire professional drain cleaning to ensure a thorough job. Licensed plumbers have the tools and skill to clear tough clogs and smelly problems. Additionally, they can supply you with personalized advice specific to your residence’s plumbing system.

Call for Expert Drain Cleaning in Windsor with Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts

If your attempts to clean the foul-smelling kitchen drain are not successful, it’s time to call in the specialists. Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts provides fast, durable plumbing solutions in Windsor, including professional drain cleaning. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee means we’re dedicated to your complete happiness.

So, the next time your smelly drains make you want to run out of the room, go with the knowledgeable pros at Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts. Plan your appointment by phoning 226-773-3357 today!