Foul smelling drains are a common problem for households and businesses across the country, leaving many feeling uncomfortable and frustrated with their drains. We often get asked what causes the vile odour, and what can be done to remedy it, so this month we’ve put together this handy guide on the causes of smelly drains, and steps you can take to fix the problem.
Drains smelly causes
A foul smelling drain is indicative of a much deeper problem, and there are a few likely causes which we will focus our article on:
Bathroom basins – Your bathroom basins can see a buildup of grime, toothpaste, soap and – the main offender – hair which can develop into a blockage that begins to form a foul smelling scummy layer.
Kitchen sinks – Our kitchen sinks see a lot of debris they shouldn’t, with food leftovers, grease and oils often finding their way down the plughole. If this sounds familiar, it is probable that your kitchen sink is blocked with old bits of food that are rotting away and emitting an unpleasant odour.
Outside drains – If it is your outside drains that are causing a stink, it is likely that you have a serious blockage that is causing your sewage water to stagnate and back up.
Getting rid of the smell
The best way to deal with the foul smell is entirely dependant on the cause of the problem. For blockages in your bathroom basin or your kitchen sink there are a number of methods you can try to eradicate the problem yourself, such as:
- Pour a drain unblocker down the sink, leave it overnight and rinse with warm water the next day.
- Prepare a mixture of white wine vinegar and baking soda and leave it to soak in the drain.
- Use your hands, if possible, or a flexible rod for tighter spaces to carefully try and remove any visible blockages.
- Remove the trap from your basin, if possible, and remove any blockages from inside it, remembering to refill the trap with two litres of water after you have reattached it.
If none of these tips have helped you fix your problem, you will need to call in a plumber to have a look.
If you suspect your outside drain is blocked you will need to enlist a professional plumbing service to inspect your pipes and remove the blockage.
For 24 hour call-outs, a reliable and professional team and 20 years’ industry experience, look no further than Wildon UK. We operate throughout the UK to provide a first class service every time. We work with both domestic and commercial clients, and no problem is too big or too small. Get in contact today to find out more; we’ll be happy to help in any way we can.
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