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

Drains can sometimes not only be smelly – they can absolutely stink! When your drains have exited the realm of smelly and entered the horrible dimension of fowl stench, there will only be one question on your mind: How to fix your smelly drains?

However, before we get to that “How” question, first you must identify the “What”. Precisely, what is causing your smelly drain? With the proper cause identified, a smelly drain fix is achievable.

1. Tree roots?

You might think it’s hair, toilet paper, wipes or paper towel that is causing that smell – and you could be right. But don’t dismiss the possibility that the underlying cause could actually be tree roots. In fact, the leading cause of serious drain blockages across Sydney is actually overgrowing tree roots hunting for water. If your drain symptoms are serious, including overflowing raw sewerage, 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 properly worded as ‘How to fix a damaged pipe?’. This is especially true if your home and its plumbing, is starting to show its age. This is a highly common problem for Sydney Residents. Drain 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, known as old urban wear pipes – which is very prone to cracking which then leads to blockages and cracked pipes that will require a call to your plumber.

3. Drain flies?

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

What else could be causing your smelly drains?

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

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

How to stop drains from smelling – A quick fix

So now that we know what potentially caused your smelly drain, 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 then add a healthy dose of suitable drain chemical before unplugging. That can kill the bacteria while adding some vinegar and baking soda to the mix could further help to break up the 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. Always make sure to wear rubber gloves when handling drain chemicals.

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 all over Sydney’s North Shore including Willoughby, Chatswood, Lane Cove, Belrose and beyond – so why not say goodbye to your smelly drains today by giving us a call on 0417 142 430