How to Clean a Smelly Drain

Have you ever gone into your kitchen only to be greeted by a foul stench? You start investigating—it’s not the garbage can, and the aroma isn’t coming from the fridge. No, the perpetrator is a smelly kitchen drain. Thankfully, with some investigation and drain-cleaning efforts, you can eliminate that unpleasant stench and say hello to freshness!

What Causes a Stinky Drain?

Your sink can stink for many reasons. Determining the cause is the best way to begin freshening up your kitchen and stopping a recurrence. The most frequent culprits include:

• Bacteria: A kitchen drain covered with food particles, grease buildup and other sludge is a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms that create unpleasant odors as they feed.
• Blocked drain: Blocked pipes can lead to stagnant water and bacteria growth, contributing to the stench.
• Sewer gases: If the P-trap below the sink dries out, sewer gases may come up from the drain, creating a lingering sewer smell. This typically happens in household plumbing fixtures that are not used anymore
• Plumbing errors: From DIY accidents to missing traps or drain vents, plumbing problems can allow nasty smells to enter your living space.

Ways to Clean a Stinky Drain

Here are four reliable ways to banish smelly drain odors:

• Hot water: Heat a mixture of water and vinegar until it nearly boils and slowly pour it into the drain. The hot water clears out the sludge and vinegar neutralizes the odor.
• Baking soda and vinegar: Begin with the hot water technique explained above. If it’s inadequate, put a cup of baking soda down the drain and then pour two cups of hot vinegar. Enjoy the fizz and let it sit for an hour. Then, flush the drain with more hot water to tackle stubborn gunk and bacteria.
• P-trap cleaning: Don your protective gloves and place a bucket under the P-trap. Unscrew the pipe by hand or with a wrench, if required, and remove it. Empty the contents into the trash, rinse the pipe and reattach your sink’s plumbing.
• A note on bleach: Although it is a good antibacterial agent, bleach is not recommended for cleaning drains. It can damage your pipes and possibly create toxic gases, so don’t use bleach in this situation.

How to Keep Your Drains Smelling Fresh

It’s not hard to keep smelly drains at bay with a little maintenance. Here’s what we encourage:

• Operate your garbage disposal and clear it using cold water for 20 seconds after grinding up food to thoroughly flush particles down the pipes.
• Flush the drain every week or so with a gallon of near-boiling water to protect against the buildup of odor-causing gunk.
• Run water into infrequently used sinks to keep the P-trap filled. For extra protection, pour a small amount of mineral oil in the drain, because that reduces evaporation.
• Pour a handful of baking soda into the drain and follow that with hot water to absorb and neutralize odors.
• Periodically, follow up the baking soda method with a cup of white vinegar for a deeper clean. Allow the baking soda to activate for a half-hour, then rinse the drain extensively with hot water.
• Cut up lemon or orange peels to leave your sink smelling nice and clean.
• Use enzyme cleaners to prevent the buildup of odor-causing residue without resorting to the use of harsh chemicals.
• Hire a pro to check your plumbing occasionally. This can help find odor-causing scenarios before they become a concern.
• Don’t pour grease and other food items down the drain that can easily clog or decay, such as coffee grounds and fibrous vegetables.
• Install mesh strainers to catch food particles and other debris before they get caught in the drain. After that, empty the strainers into the trash to keep your pipes flowing easily and smelling fresh.
• Schedule professional drain cleaning to ensure a comprehensive job. Licensed plumbers have the tools and knowledge to handle tough clogs and smelly problems. In addition, they can give personalized advice specific to your household’s plumbing system.

Call for Experienced Drain Cleaning in Edmonton with Rob's Albertan Service Experts

If your efforts to clean the stinky kitchen drain don’t work, it’s time to call in the specialists. Rob's Albertan Service Experts is known for fast, lasting plumbing solutions in Edmonton, including professional drain cleaning. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee means we’re focused on your complete happiness.

So, the next time your stinky drains make you want to plug your nose, go with the knowledgeable pros at Rob's Albertan Service Experts. Schedule your appointment by phoning 780-800-9047 today!