How to Clean a Smelly Drain

Have you ever walked into your kitchen only to get hit in the face by a foul stench? You start looking around—it’s not the garbage can, and it isn’t coming from the fridge. No, the cause seems to be a smelly kitchen drain. The good news is, with a bit of detective work and drain-cleaning efforts, you can alleviate that annoying smell and say hello to freshness!

Why Does My Drain Smell Bad??

Your sink can develop an offensive odor for a few reasons. Pinpointing the cause is the first step of freshening up your kitchen and avoiding a recurrence. The most frequent culprits include:

• Bacteria: A kitchen drain clogged with food particles, grease buildup and other crud 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, adding to the bad odor.
• Sewer gases: If the P-trap located under the sink dries out, sewer gases may come up from the drain, creating a lingering sewer smell. This most often happens in plumbing that is no longer used
• Plumbing flaws: From DIY problems to missing traps or drain vents, plumbing problems can allow unwelcome smells to permeate your living space.

How to Fix a Stinky Drain

Here are four surefire methods to cure smelly drain odors:

• Hot water: Heat a mixture of water and vinegar until it nearly boils and slowly pour it in the drain. The hot water clears out the debris and vinegar negates the stench.
• Baking soda and vinegar: Begin with the hot water method outlined above. If it’s inadequate, put a cup of baking soda down the drain and follow that with two cups of hot vinegar. Enjoy the fizz and let the solution work for an hour. Then, clear the drain with more hot water to get rid of stubborn gunk and bacteria.
• P-trap cleaning: Don your protective gloves and position a bucket below the P-trap. Unscrew the pipe by hand or with a wrench, if needed, and take the pipe out. Dump the contents into the trash, flush any leftovers out of the pipe and reassemble your sink’s plumbing.
• A note on bleach: Although it’s an effective antibacterial agent, bleach is not advisable for cleaning drains. It can damage your pipes and possibly create toxic gases, so don’t use bleach in this circumstance.

Strategies for Fresh and Clean Drains

It’s easy to keep smelly drains under control with a little maintenance. Here’s what we encourage:

• Operate your garbage disposal and flush it with cold water for 20 seconds after grinding up food to totally flush particles down the pipes.
• Flush the drain every week or so with a gallon of near-boiling water to stop the buildup of odor-causing gunk.
• Run water through rarely used sinks to keep the P-trap filled. For additional protection, pour a small amount of mineral oil in the drain, because that decreases the rate of evaporation.
• Pour a handful of baking soda down the drain followed by hot water to absorb and reduce any odors.
• Periodically, follow up the baking soda treatment with a cup of white vinegar for a even greater clean. Allow the baking soda to activate for 30 minutes, then rinse the drain extensively with hot water.
• Cut up lemon or orange peels to leave your sink smelling fragrant.
• Use enzyme cleaners to stop the buildup of odor-causing residue without resorting to the use of harsh chemicals.
• Hire a professional to check your plumbing occasionally. This can help catch odor-causing issues before they become trouble.
• Avoid pouring grease and other foods into the drain that can easily clog or decompose, such as coffee grounds and fibrous vegetables.
• Install mesh strainers to catch food particles and other debris before they go down the drain. Next, dump the strainers into the trash to keep your pipes flowing easily and smelling clean.
• Schedule professional drain cleaning to ensure a properly done job. Licensed plumbers have the tools and knowledge to clear tough clogs and smelly problems. Additionally, they can supply you with personalized advice specific to your household’s plumbing system.

Get Experienced Drain Cleaning in Edmonton with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

If your efforts to clean the smelly kitchen drain are not successful, it’s time to call in the specialists. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning provides fast, lasting plumbing solutions in Edmonton, 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 gag, reach out to the knowledgeable pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule your appointment by phoning 587-404-0790 today!