There’s nothing worse than walking into your home and being greeted by the unpleasant smell of drains. It’s a common issue though unfortunately, especially in older Surrey properties or during warmer months when odours become more noticeable.
If you’re experiencing this issue, don’t despair – there are things you can do about it. Most drain smells can be tackled quickly with a few simple steps, although others will require professional attention or they could turn into more serious problems.
Here are some tried-and-tested tips to help Surrey homeowners deal with drain smells fast.
1. Flush Drains with Hot Water and Baking Soda
Odours in drains are sometimes caused by grease, soap scum or food debris clogging the pipes, leading to an unpleasant build up that can soon start to smell.
An easy way to break this down is to pour a kettle of boiling water down the affected drain, followed by some baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and white vinegar. Wait around 15 minutes, then flush with more hot water. This natural solution can help to neutralise odours and clear minor blockages, although it doesn’t help with more serious clogs.
2. Check the Water Trap (U-Bend)
Under every sink is a U-shaped pipe known as a water trap. This section of piping holds water in order to block gases and odours from sewage pipes from coming back up into your home.
If a drain hasn’t been used in a while, such as in a guest bathroom or utility sink, the water can evaporate. This has the unfortunate effect of letting smells rise. There’s an easy fix for this though – simply run the tap for a minute or two. This should refill the trap and stop the smell.
3. Clear the Washing Machine or Dishwasher Drain
Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines often share the same drainage line as your kitchen sink. If you notice smells when using them, you’ll need to clean the filters and then run an empty cycle with white vinegar or a specialised cleaner. This flushes out lingering residue in the drain hose.
You may also notice smells from washing machines and dishwashers if they haven’t been installed properly. If you clear the filters and still notice a smell, you might want to call a professional plumber to give the installation a quick once-over.
4. Inspect for Blocked or Dirty Plugholes
Hair, food scraps and other debris often get trapped just beneath the plughole. It’s not a pleasant job, but you’ll need to clean them thoroughly to get rid of any nasty smells.
So, remove any strainers or stoppers and give them a good clean. For stubborn gunk, you can use a drain snake or wire hanger to gently pull out blockages from the top of the pipe. Go gently though, and be careful not to damage anything or push debris further down.
5. Take a Look at Your Outside Drains
If the smell seems stronger outside or near your kitchen sink, it could be coming from external drains. Leaves, dirt and food waste can rot and emit unpleasant odours if they start to build up.
So, clear any debris around your outside drain covers and rinse the area with a hose. In some cases, you may need to lift the cover and check for buildup – but always wear gloves and be careful of sharp edges while doing this.
6. Don’t Ignore Persistent Smells
If you’ve tried the above methods and the smell returns quickly or gets worse, the issue might be deeper in your drainage system. Cracked pipes, collapsed drains or a blocked vent stack are all issues that can cause recurring odours that DIY methods can’t fix. This is when it’s time to call in the professionals.
Working with trusted drainage specialists for homes in Surrey ensures that the problem is properly (and quickly) diagnosed. Experts use the latest tools and techniques, like CCTV surveys and high-pressure jetting, to find and fix issues without unnecessary disruption to your home.
