Is Your Drain or Sink Stinking? Here’s Why and Solutions

Floor drains and sinks are very notorious for emitting foul-smelling odors that can sometimes spread through the house.

Often, floor drains are in kitchens, bathrooms, and patios, and when they start smelling, the first thing that crosses your mind is “it’s a clog.”

Maybe you are right, but that’s not the case most of the time, and surprisingly, the opposite could sometimes be the case. How? Let’s discuss this below.

Causes of floor drain smell with solutions

1. A dry P-Trap
   This is a cause that hardly ever crosses any homeowner’s mind, and it’s completely understandable. Because, how can something smell because it is dry?
   But the P-trap is designed always to have water. This water prevents the smell and bacteria from the sewers from climbing up through the drain.
   Solution: Regularly power water down the drains, especially the ones you don’t use often.
2. Debris, Bacteria and other gunk
   Substances such as hair, large food particles, debris, grease, and even soap particles are bound to line your pipes. When they do this, they either clog the pipes or invite bacteria, which causes a bad smell.
   Solution1: Avoid forcing such items down your drain or sink.
   Solution 2: Pour down hot water or vinegar or a mixture of both plus baking soda down the drain to wash off the gunk.
3. The clogged-vents problem
   A typical sign of this is the pooling of water in the sink and slow drainage. Clogged vents cause water to stagnate, and if it is not clean water, then bacteria will build, and there will produce a smell.
   Solution: Loosen and remove the P-trap beneath your sink and empty the water and particles into a container.
   Stick a stick-like thing into the trap and remove the extra gunk. Allow water to run in the sink and through the pipes to wash off everything.
   Afterward, rinse the P-trap and tighten it back.
4. Plumbing malfunction
   Damages like broken or missing vents or traps can prevent the drain from functioning as it should, which can sometimes cause a bad smell.
   Solution: Call in a plumber to diagnose and repair the damage.

None of the solutions worked? Call in Sewer and Drain Services

If none of these DIY solutions works, the problem could be more serious, meaning you will need to call in a professional.

Custom Plumbing Services offers efficient, customer-based sewer and drain services to the residents of Austin, TX, and the Surrounding Areas. Some of the services we offer include:

• Sewer replacements
• Sewer cleaning
• Drain cleaning services
• Camera inspection
• Sewer system repair

Take advantage of our expertly skilled plumbers by reaching us through our website or any of our socials today.