Drain Odor – How To Get Rid of It Yourself

Do you know you can save the money you spend on your plumber for other things? Also, your plumber may delay in coming to fix the issue – and nobody likes to stay around a smelly drain. Moreover, there could be times when you’re low on or out of cash.

So we’ve written this article just to help provide some tips to help you fast. But according to John Whittmore from Pipeline Drainage Solutions, if the case is worse than you can handle, get a professional to avoid more damages. So, keep reading to learn more.

DIY Ways to Get Rid of Drain Odor

1. Hot Water Fights Clogs.

Clogged-up drains happen to be the leading cause of most smelly drains. Such can result from oily or greasy substances finding their way into the drain. Also, other factors such as washed food leftovers may end up accumulating. This will, in turn, hinder the passage of liquid or solid substances out of the drain.

Heat some water for oily or greasy clogs in your drain until it boils and turns it into the sink. You’re probably thinking about the possible damage hot water can cause to pipes. Luckily, hot water has no adverse effect on pipes, irrespective of whether the pipes are new or old.

2. Grab Your Vinegar & Baking Soda

Maybe you never knew this, but your baking soda can serve other purposes besides baking. To eliminate the foul odor from your drain, use baking soda with vinegar. The chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda helps you break clogs and stop foul odor.

First, pour some quantity of the dry baking soda inside the drain. Then slowly pour your vinegar into the drain and listen for the bubbling noise it makes when reacting with the baking soda. Once you stop hearing the bubbling sound and your drain smells normal, you’re good to go.

3. Be Creative with Bleach.

The major focus when trying to get rid of smelly drains boils down to the cause of the smell. As such, killing suck bacteria can help restore the smell of your drain. Notably, your traditional household bleach effectively kills bacteria causing such odor.

So, boil some water and empty it into the sink. You must first seal the plug to prevent the hot water from draining out. After that, pour fine bleach into the water and unblock the plug so the water can flow out. Repeat the process until you can only perceive bleach and not the odor.

4. Use a Drain Snake to Remove Clogs.

Sometimes, hot water may be ineffective in dislodging comics in your drain. In that case, your next handy remedy is using a drain snake. However, you must note that this process doesn’t remove the odor. It only removes clogs that may be trapping rotting food in the drain.

You can purchase the snake at a hardware store close to you. Insert the snake in the drain and shake it while your tap is on. Pull the snake out and brush off the clogs pulled up alongside. Continue doing this until you can’t find clogs on the snake anymore.

5. Prevent Sewer Gases from Entering Your House

If your P-trap is faulty, the odds are that sewer gases will seep into your home. The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that always contains water and prevents sewer gases from escaping into the bathroom. Aside from the unpleasant stench that these gases generate, sewer gases are harmful to the respiratory system if inhaled for long.

While you can call your plumber to help you fix an empty P-trap, there’s an alternative solution. Occasionally pour water inside the drain of rooms you don’t use frequently. Also, pouring mineral oil in the sink can help do away with the sewer gases.

Conclusion

The tips above will help you get rid of smelly drains. However, note that these simple DIY steps may not work in all smelly drain situations.

You must always consult your plumber if all your efforts prove futile. If there are practices you’re unsure of, still consult a certified plumber.

Home Base Project Team
Home Base Project Team
At The Home Base Project, we offer practical, real-life tips and inspiration about DIY, decorating and gardening. The Home Base Project provide the best information about home renovation and design, connecting home design enthusiasts and home professionals across the world.