How to Clean a Smelly Drain

Have you ever entered your kitchen only to get hit in the face by a foul stench? You start searching—it’s not the garbage can, and it is clearly not the fridge. No, the perpetrator seems to be a smelly kitchen drain. Thankfully, with some investigation and drain-cleaning efforts, you can say goodbye to that unpleasant smell and say hello to freshness!

Why Do Drains Stink?

Your sink can develop an offensive odor for several reasons. Pinpointing the cause is the starting point to freshening up your kitchen and avoiding a recurrence. The most frequent culprits include:

• Bacteria: A kitchen drain clogged with food particles, grease buildup and other gunk is a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms that produce unpleasant odors as they feed.
• Plugged drain: Stopped up pipes can lead to stagnant water and bacteria growth, adding to the bad odor.
• Sewer gases: If the P-trap below the sink dries out, sewer gases may waft from the drain, creating a lingering sewer smell. This typically is found in household plumbing fixtures that are not used anymore
• Plumbing flaws: From DIY accidents to missing traps or drain vents, plumbing challenges can allow unwelcome smells to permeate your living space.

Ways to Fix a Stinky Drain

Here are four surefire strategies to cure pungent drain odors:

• Hot water: Heat a mixture of water and vinegar to near-boiling and carefully pour it into the drain. The hot water clears out the gunk and vinegar counteracts the stench.
• Baking soda and vinegar: Get started with the hot water method outlined above. If it’s inadequate, put a cup of baking soda down the drain and chase it with two cups of hot vinegar. Enjoy the fizz and let the solution work for an hour. Then, rinse the drain with more hot water to get rid of stubborn gunk and bacteria.
• P-trap cleaning: Don your protective gloves and place a bucket below the P-trap. Unscrew the pipe by hand or with a wrench, if necessary, and remove it. Empty the contents into the trash, flush any leftovers out of the pipe and refasten your sink’s plumbing.
• A note on bleach: Although bleach is a good antibacterial agent, bleach is not advisable for cleaning drains. It can damage your pipes and possibly create toxic gases, so avoid using bleach in this circumstance.

Tips for Pleasant-Smelling Drains

It’s very easy to keep reeking drains at bay with a little routine cleaning. Here’s what we recommend:

• Operate your garbage disposal and rinse with cold water for 20 seconds after grinding up food to completely flush particles down 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 down seldom-used sinks to keep the P-trap filled. For additional protection, pour a bit of mineral oil in the drain, because that decreases the rate of evaporation.
• Sprinkle a handful of baking soda in the drain followed by hot water to absorb and neutralize odors.
• From time to time, follow up the baking soda method with a cup of white vinegar for a even greater clean. Leave it there for a half-hour, then flush the drain extensively with hot water.
• Grind lemon or orange peels to leave your sink smelling citrus-fresh.
• Utilize enzyme cleaners to stop the buildup of odor-causing residue without resorting to the use of harsh chemicals.
• Hire a specialist to inspect your plumbing occasionally. This can help catch odor-causing scenarios before they become a concern.
• Avoid pouring grease and other food items in the drain that can easily clog or decay, such as coffee grounds and fibrous vegetables.
• Try using mesh strainers to catch food particles and other debris before they go down the drain. Next, dump the strainers into the trash to keep your pipes flowing smoothly and smelling clean.
• Hire professional drain cleaning to ensure a comprehensive job. Licensed plumbers have the tools and training to deal with tough clogs and smelly problems. Plus, they can give personalized advice specific to your household’s plumbing system.

Schedule Expert 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, durable 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, go with the knowledgeable pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Plan your appointment by calling 954-736-4314 today!