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Drain smells are a common problem. The pipes beneath your sinks and showers can be breeding grounds for all sorts of bacteria. When they release gas, it can cause unpleasant odors in your kitchen or bathroom. With the right drain deodorizer, however, you can eliminate the smell.
What Causes Drain Odors?
Many drain odors are caused by bacteria, which grow from the food particles, oils and toiletry residues that get trapped in your pipes. As the bacteria break down, they release smelly gases. In some cases, odors happen because of clogs or problems with your pipes, seals or vents.
How to Deodorize a Sink Drain
If you’re dealing with a smelly drain, you can use these steps to get rid of the odor:
- Pour boiling water down the drain: The hot water helps release particles that are stuck to the side of the pipes. It can also help break up clogs and clumps.
- Use a commercial deodorizer: Buy a liquid or solid drain deodorizer, and use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most options can be dropped or poured directly into the drain.
- Use baking soda and vinegar: These natural sink drain deodorizers help clean the inside of your pipes and get rid of odors at the same time. First, pour baking soda into the drain — about ½ to 1 cup is plenty. Then, pour about 1 cup of vinegar into the drain, and cover it quickly with a drain stopper or drain plug. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, and rinse with boiling water.
- Break up clogs: If you notice your sink or shower is draining more slowly than usual, a clog could be to blame. Brands, such as Drano and Green Gobbler, make products you can pour down the drain. If necessary, you can use a drain snake to remove tough clogs.
The best way to prevent odors in the first place is to clean your drains regularly. It’s also a good idea to use a drain screen to keep out hair and food particles. That way, they’re less likely to clog the pipes or get stuck on the pipe walls.
What if Drain Deodorizers Don’t Work?
If you’re still noticing a smell after you’ve cleaned and deodorized the drain, it might be time to call in a professional. Sometimes, if you have an issue with your P-trap — the curved pipe under the sink — or the vent, sewer gases might escape out of the drain or the pipes. In some cases, you might be dealing with a bigger issue that originates somewhere else in your plumbing or sewer system.
No matter the cause, it’s important to hire a plumber to find and repair the issue before it gets worse. And to prevent emergency calls, add a sewer line inspection to your fall plumbing checklist.
For smaller issues, such as food buildup, sink and shower drain deodorizers are a great way to eliminate smells. Most methods take just a few minutes, but they can go a long way toward creating a more pleasant atmosphere in your kitchen or bathroom.
