How to Clean a Smelly Drain

Have you ever gone into your kitchen only to get hit in the face by a foul odor? You start looking around—it’s not the garbage can, and the nasty odor is clearly not the fridge. No, the culprit appears to be a stinky kitchen drain. Thankfully, with a bit of detective work and drain-cleaning efforts, you can alleviate that annoying odor and say hello to freshness!

Why Does My Drain Smell Bad??

Your sink can develop an offensive odor for a few reasons. Identifying the cause is the first step of freshening up your kitchen and avoiding a recurrence. The most prevalent causes include:

  • Bacteria: A kitchen drain clogged with food particles, grease buildup and other sludge is a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms that create unpleasant odors as they feed.
  • Clogged drain: Blocked pipes can lead to stagnant water and bacteria growth, contributing to the stench.
  • Sewer gases: If the P-trap underneath the sink dries out, sewer gases may come up from the drain, causing a lingering sewer smell. This oftentimes occurs with seldom-used plumbing fixtures
  • Plumbing errors: From DIY accidents to missing traps or drain vents, plumbing issues can allow nasty smells to penetrate your living space.

How to Clear a Stinky Drain

Here are four reliable methods to cure pungent drain odors:

  • Hot water: Heat a mixture of water and vinegar to near-boiling and gradually pour it into the drain. The hot water clears out the sludge and vinegar negates the scent.
  • Baking soda and vinegar: Begin with the hot water strategy explained above. If it’s not enough, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain and then pour two cups of hot vinegar. Enjoy the fizz and let the solution work for an hour. Then, clear the drain with more hot water to clean out stubborn gunk and bacteria.
  • P-trap cleaning: Don your protective gloves and place a bucket under the P-trap. Unfasten the pipe by hand or with a wrench, if needed, and remove it. Empty the contents into the trash, wash out the pipe and reassemble your sink’s plumbing.
  • A note on bleach: Although it’s a good antibacterial agent, bleach is not recommended for cleaning drains. It can cause harm to your pipes and potentially create toxic gases, so don’t use bleach in this circumstance.

Strategies for Fresh and Clean Drains

It’s simple to keep smelly drains from happening with a little maintenance. Here’s what we recommend:

  • Operate your garbage disposal and flush it with cold water for 20 seconds after grinding up food to thoroughly flush particles out the pipes.
  • Clean the drain once a week with a gallon of near-boiling water to protect against the buildup of odor-causing debris.
  • Run water through rarely used sinks to keep the P-trap filled. For extra protection, pour a little mineral oil in the drain, because that decreases the rate of evaporation.
  • Sprinkle a handful of baking soda in the drain and follow that with hot water to absorb and reduce any odors.
  • Periodically, follow up the baking soda process with a cup of white vinegar for a more intense clean. Leave it there for 30 minutes, then clean the drain completely with hot water.
  • Cut up lemon or orange peels to leave your sink smelling citrus-fresh.
  • Make use of enzyme cleaners to counter the buildup of odor-causing residue without turning to harsh chemicals.
  • Hire a pro to examine your plumbing periodically. This can help find odor-causing issues before they become a big problem.
  • Avoid pouring grease and other foods into the drain that can easily clog or decompose, such as coffee grounds and fibrous vegetables.
  • Install mesh strainers to catch food debris and other debris before they go down the drain. Then, dump the strainers into the trash to keep your pipes flowing easily and smelling pleasant.
  • Schedule professional drain cleaning to ensure a properly done job. Licensed plumbers have the tools and training to take care of tough clogs and smelly problems. Additionally, they can supply you with personalized advice specific to your residence’s plumbing system.

Call for Experienced Drain Cleaning in Fort Lauderdale with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

If your attempts to clean the stinky kitchen drain don’t work, it’s time to call in the specialists. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is known for fast, lasting plumbing solutions in Fort Lauderdale, including professional drain cleaning. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee means we’re devoted to your complete happiness.

So, the next time your smelly drains make you want to plug your nose, reach out to the knowledgeable pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Make your appointment by contacting us at 954-736-4314 today!

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