Ways to Eliminate Drain Odors

Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we offer professional drain cleaning services. As seasoned plumbers, we understand the measures you can take to keep your drains in good working order.

What Causes Smelly Drains?

A smelly drain can be caused by a number of things, most commonly by built-up gunk or blockages in your pipes. Here are some of the culprits:

• Food scraps, grease, and hair: These organic materials can accumulate in your pipes over time, decompose, and create unpleasant odors. This is especially true for kitchen drains.
• Soap scum and limescale: In bathroom sinks and tubs, soap scum and limescale buildup can trap debris and contribute to odors. Hard water areas are more prone to limescale buildup.
• Dry P-trap: A P-trap is the curved section of pipe beneath your sink that traps water to prevent sewer gases from entering your home. If the P-trap dries out due to infrequent use, that seal is broken, and sewer gases can seep through.
• Clogged vent pipe: The vent pipe allows sewer gases to escape the plumbing system. If it's clogged with debris or damaged, those gases can back up into your drains and cause a stink.

Ways to Eliminate Drain Odors

Pour Hot or Boiling Water Down The Drain

This is a quick and easy way to flush out any built-up grease or debris that might be causing drain odor. The skilled plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing recommend you pour boiling water down the drain once a week to melt and flush away any grease or soap buildup.

Use the Cleaning Power of Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can help neutralize mild odors. You can use it alone or combine it with vinegar for a fizzing reaction that can help loosen grime. Here are the simple steps to follow:

• Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
• Follow it with a cup of white vinegar.
• Let the mixture sit for 15-30 minutes.
• Flush the drain with hot water.

Clean the P-trap

The P-trap is the U-shaped bend under your sink or drain. It traps water to prevent sewer gases from entering your home. The P-trap should be cleaned every three months to remove any accumulated debris and gunk that can cause unpleasant odors.

Inspect the Vent Stack

The vent stack allows sewer gases to escape your home. If it's clogged or damaged, it could be the source of the odor. A clogged or damaged vent stack impedes air flow, creating a vacuum effect in the drains. Inspecting the vent stack is a job that should be left to a professional plumbing repair service.

Maintain Regular Drain Cleaning

Regularly cleaning your drains can help prevent clogs and odors from developing in the first place. You can use a plunger, a drain snake, or a bio-enzyme drain cleaner for this.

Call a Professional Plumber

If the odor persists after trying the above methods, it's advisable to call a professional plumbing service. The experts can diagnose the problem and offer reliable solutions that will ensure your drains are in good shape.

Need Help With Eliminating Drain Odors? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing

If you’re experiencing recurring drain odors despite your best efforts to clean and maintain them, it might be time to schedule a professional inspection with a trusted plumbing service. Sometimes, recurring odors, clogs, and leaks can be a sign of an aging or deteriorating drain line. Our plumbers in Wetzel County will use specialized video cameras to view the insides of your pipes and diagnose the cause of the problem. They will be able to recommend the most appropriate action, which may include a drain line replacement.