How to Remove a Stinky Drain in 5 Different Ways

And no matter how immaculate the rest of your kitchen (or bath) is, a single stinky drain will ruin the tranquility you’ve instilled in that space. If your sink is emitting a musty or fetid odor, the good news is that there are simple, effective — and fast — solutions to this issue. This is your step-by-step guide on not being asked and not having that question mark over your head when people ask the question: Is the subway, walking through rice paddies or just living stinky?

Why Does My Drain Smell?

A foul-smelling drain is generally the result of organic matter accumulation like food bits, fats, soap waste, or bacteriathat has accumulated over time. This can cause a stench or foul odor. In some cases, though, even a dry P-trap under your sink (the U-shaped piece of pipe) may be to blame. You have to understand what it’s caused by so that the right measures can be taken the other way around.

Other Possible Causes:

• Hair build-up: Hair can have slime and sweat absorbed within, allowing rancid odors to grow by replicating bacteria.
• Rotting food particles: Food that gets left behind in kitchen drains can rot and smell.
• Soap scum buildup: Soap scum has a combination of chemicals, and when this is mixed with the minerals in hard water, it creates a viscous film that encourages bacteria.
• Leaks from sewer gas: If the trap of the drain dried out, or there’s a problem with venting, sewer gas can escape and create a strong odor.
• Organic jams that clog: Items like coffee grounds, kitchen grease, or leftover peeled veggies can pile up in the sink and rot over time.

Step 1: Boiling Water Flush

The simplest and most potent remedy: boiling water. Slowly pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to melt fat, then flushout bits with an extra push. If this fast-acting course does not kill the odor, then get rid of it now!

Step 2: Cleaning Smelly Drain with Vinegar and Baking Soda

The vinegar and baking soda combo has long been a trusted cleaning duo for drain cleaning service.

1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda straight into the drain.
2. Follow with 1 cup of white vinegar.
3. Let it sit there for 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll notice some fizzing — that’s the cleaning smelly drain solution doing its job!
4. Run hot water to flush the drain and sweep everything away.

Step 3: Clean the Drain Catcher and Stopper

First, scrub any gunk off the catcher with an old toothbrush and dish soap. Rinse well and put it back in place. This step helps prevent stinky drains in the future.

Drain catcher you can find here

Step 4: A Plunger Can Help

If your pipe is clogged, some strong plunging may be able to knock the crud free.

1. Run water in the sink to wet the entire unit.
2. Ram the plunger down the drain, pour in hot water, put the lid on, and work the plunger up and down vigorously.

This will help remove pipe odor and any organic matter causing the stinky drain.

Step 5: Use a Drain Snake

For more stubborn clogs, a drain snake (or one fashioned by unwinding a coat hanger) can help. Insert it into the drain so it can grab hair and strips of muck rooted deep inside.

Prevent Future Smells from Coming Back

Once your pipes are fresh and clean, you can take steps to avoid future stinky drains:

• Run hot water down the drain periodically.
• Do not dump kitchen grease or coffee grounds down the sink. They belong in a can, not in your pipes.
• Use a drain strainer to catch food scraps and hair build-up.
• Once a week, flush with a baking soda and vinegar mixture to keep it fresh.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If you’ve done all of these and the odor persists, there may be a more serious issue, like a blockage deep in the plumbing or sewer gas leaking out. In this case, it’s best to call a professional plumbers or a drain cleaning service.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that all your drains smell fresh and keep any foul odors from seeping into the bathroom or kitchen. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your home fresh and stinky drain-free!

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