Have you ever stepped into the kitchen sink area or bathroom shower only to be overcome by a foul smell? Foul plumbing smells occur sometimes, and you can often correct the issue yourself. Interestingly, it seems like the aromas grow worse when left unattended. To help, Drain Genie Plumbing Services describes how to fix a stinky drain.
Help! My Drain Stinks!
A P-trap is a joint in the drain line. The joint holds water, which prevents odorous gasses from rising and dispersing. If the water evaporates or leaks over time, the gasses come through the kitchen or bathroom drain. In other words, a malfunctioning P-trap typically results in a stinky drain. However, it’s not the only potential cause.
A sewer line blockage can stop waste from flowing out. Eventually, wastewater and debris can back up and penetrate the P-trap. As long as gray water can flow through the lines, the system works. If not, even the best P-trap won’t be able to stop the smelly fumes from making their way into the air.
Turn on the Faucet
Water evaporates. The small amount of water held at the bend in a P-trap evaporates without running the water faucet periodically. Sometimes, evaporation takes a few hours, and other times it may take several days. In either case, the easiest way to remedy evaporated water is to turn on the faucet. For kitchen and bathroom sinks, run water for 10-15 seconds. For bathtubs, plug the drain and let the water run for about a minute before draining the tub.
Run the Garbage Disposal
Fortunately, fixing a stinky drain often involves straightforward tasks. In addition to running the faucet, another easy fix is running the garbage disposal. If food gets caught at the disposal, it beings to rot pretty quickly. When food rots, it smells unpleasant. In this case, simply run the faucet and then turn on the garbage disposal for 15 seconds or so. For an extra kick, throw cut lemon or orange chunks down the drain to improve the smell and sanitize the drain and disposal.
Revive Your Volcano Baking Soda Experiment
Do you remember making volcanoes with baking soda and vinegar? Doing the same in your sink drain can remove blockages and sanitize the line. If you have a smelly drain, try pouring a couple of tablespoons of baking soda down the drain. Then, add a couple of tablespoons of vinegar before tightly plugging the drain. The eruption removes residue, helps clear blockages, and leaves a clean scent.
Schedule a Drain Cleaning Service
If you try to fix a stinky drain using each of these tips to no avail, it’s time to call in a professional. Drain Genie Plumbing helps customers in Orlando, Lake Mary, Winter Park, and other Florida cities. Check out our reviews, view our current specials, schedule service online, or call (407) 710-0210 to speak to a plumbing professional.