What’s Causing Your Smelly Drains? (And How To Fix It Fast)

You don’t need us to tell you that drains can sometimes be not only smelly – they can absolutely stink! When your drains have exited the realm of smelly and entered the horrible fourth dimension of unmitigated stench, there will only be one question on your mind: How to fix your smelly drains … NOW!

But before we get to that “How” question, first you must identify the “What”. Precisely, what on earth is causing your smelly drain? With the proper cause identified, a smelly drain fix is just around the corner. Phew!

1. A tree root?

You might think it’s gunk, funk and horrible chunks of rotting skunks that is causing that smell – and you could be right. But don’t dismiss the possibility that the underlying cause could actually be a tree root. In fact, the leading cause of serious drain blockages across Sydney is actually overgrowing and meddlesome tree roots. If your drain symptoms are serious, including incursions of raw sewage, it really is time to call your trusty plumber.

2. Your pipes?

On the other hand, ‘How to fix a smelly drain’ might actually be more aptly worded as ‘How to fix a dodgy pipe?’. This is especially true if your home, and its plumbing, is starting to show its age – and so it’s yet another highly common problem for Sydneysiders. Pipes are made of much more robust materials like PVC these days, but way back in the day they may even have been made of clay and cement – which is very prone to cracking (which can lead to burst pipes) and blockages. And a cracked pipe will require a call to your plumber, too.

3. Drain flies?

If your drain stench is accompanied by the sight of tiny little flies buzzing about around the drains, trust us – they can definitely cause a stinky drain. In that case, stop trying to merely figure out how to fix a smelly drain, and instead ask an expert on how to get rid of stinky drain flies!

What else could be causing your smelly drains?

Whether it’s a tree root, dodgy plumbing, drain flies or something else, the stench that is invading your nostrils is:

• Bacteria: All of that gunk and debris build-up in your drains promotes the growth of bacteria … which stinks.
• Sewer: A blockage in the sewer, breakage or another drain problem can cause sewer gases to rise up into the house … which stinks (and is unhealthy).
• Mould/mildew: Even a minor leak can promote the growth of mould and mildew … which stinks.

How to stop drains from smelling – A quick fix

So now that we know what caused your stinky drain and what is invading your nostrils, is there something you can do about it before the plumber arrives? When considering how to get rid of smelly drains, try this quick fix:

Plug the sink, fill it up with hot or even boiling water, and add a healthy dose of bleach before letting it all go. That can kill the bacteria while adding some vinegar and baking soda to the mix could further help to break up gunk and minor blockages and cure that stench.

There are other tricks you can do to unblock a drain yourself in the bathroom or kitchen. Some you can attempt yourself while others will need the help of a local plumber. Be cautious in using drain cleaners as they may contain harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes and plumbing.

Not getting anywhere, or has your stinky drain turned into a plumbing nightmare that needs instant and urgent attention? Affordable Plumbing Solutions are professional, affordable and trustworthy local plumbers offering drain clearing and pipe relining services for residents and business operators just like you all over Sydney’s North Shore including Willoughby, Chatswood, Lane Cove, Belrose and beyond – so why not say goodbye to your smelly drain today by giving us a buzz?