Do you smell rotten eggs or an unpleasant odor emanating from your drains? If so, there may be a more severe underlying problem, hence the need to schedule routine maintenance with a trusted plumbing service. While draining cleaning products from the local store can help, you need a long-term solution to prevent a recurrence.
At Plumbing Solutions, we leverage extensive industry experience and knowledge, guaranteeing lasting solutions to restore comfort to your home. There are many causes of smelly drains, but we can assess, diagnose, and address the issue before the odor spreads to all living spaces. Here are reasons your drain smells like a skunk.
The Sewer Gap Trap
The low bend facing downwards in all drains is called a trap, and water collects here, preventing air circulation. Although the stagnant water is refreshed every time you run the faucet, the water can evaporate if the drain is not used, giving you a nasty surprise when you come home. Additionally, the trap can leak, allowing wastewater into your kitchen or bathroom. If there’s discoloration or wetness below the trap, hire a plumber for repairs as soon as possible. Leaks can go undetected for a long, compromising structural integrity and creating the ideal conditions for mold and mildew.
Organic Matter
If your trap is in good condition, the bad smells could result from organic sludge accumulating in the drain pipes. There’s bound to be blockage with everything that goes down the drain, like toothpaste, soap, food scraps, and grease. Blockage can form anywhere along the drain pipes, leading to complete blockage and backup emergencies. The last thing you want is to come home to sewage flowing from your bathroom drain. We leverage hydro-jetting equipment to clear your drains and restore efficiency. It is advisable to consult a plumber before using a drain cleaning product to avoid severe drain line damage.
Dirty Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are convenient and help maintain a clean kitchen. If the unit is not routinely maintained, the food caught in the blades starts to decompose, which is the reason for the foul smell in the kitchen. Check the amount of food going down the sink and ensure you run enough water each time you dump leftovers. An effective DIY cleaning technique entails using ice cubes, coarse salt, lemon peels, and cold water. If this doesn’t work, schedule an inspection with a professional plumbing service.
Clogged Vent
Many areas require property owners to ensure at least one main, 4-inch vent where all the fixtures are connected. This allows smooth circulation of air and flow of water through the piping. A clogged vent means effluent can flow properly, and the sewage smells move into your living spaces. Clogs can lead to leaks, burst piping, and backups, among other damages. If you notice weird smells in your home, don’t wait and see if it clears.
Contact us at Plumbing Solutions and schedule a consultation with our experts. Our professional plumbers work with you to ensure your system is running at high performance and minor issues are addressed in time before wreaking havoc.
