What's That Smell Coming From Your Drains?

Smelly plumbing makes your home uncomfortable to live in and may indicate a bigger problem. As such, you should identify the root of the smell and take immediate action. Otherwise, a minor problem could escalate to a significant issue requiring expensive repairs. Read on to understand some plumbing smells, causes, and remedies.

Clogged Vent Pipes

Your plumbing system entails a network of vent pipes that allow sewer gases to escape. When these pipes get clogged, the sewer gas will have nowhere to go but back into your home through the drains. Consequently, you will smell a terrible odor coming from your drains.

Besides being unpleasant, the smell from clogged vent pipes is a health risk to your loved ones. The odor may result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, the smell is combustible, so it could cause a fire.

If you are unsure if clogged vent pipes are the root of the unpleasant smell, listen to your toilet. The vent pipes are likely blocked if you hear the toilet making gurgling noises after flushing. The solution to this problem is to hire a professional plumber to unclog your vent pipe.

Sewer Gas Leaks

A more severe cause of drain smells is sewer gas leaks. These occur when there is a break in your sewer line or drains, allowing sewage and other gases to escape. The most common sign of a sewer gas leak is a constant sewage smell from your drains.

If you suspect a sewer gas leak in your home, you should call a professional plumber immediately. The expert will be able to locate the source of the leak and make the necessary repairs.

Dead Pests

This issue is especially true if you have not cleaned your drains in a long time. Over time, the build-up of organic matter in your drains will attract bugs and rodents. These pests will eventually die and decay in your drains, causing an unpleasant smell.

The best way to eliminate this problem is to clean your drains regularly. You can also use a plunger or a drain snake to remove any build-up in your drains. If the problem persists, call a professional plumber for help.

Dry P-Trap

The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe under your sink. This component holds water, which creates a seal that prevents sewer gas from escaping into your home.

The P-trap may dry up if you rarely use your sinks, shower, or bathtub, which breaks the seal and allow sewer gas to escape. You will notice a musty smell coming from your drains when this happens.

The easiest remedy to this problem is to fill up the P-trap with water. You can do this by running the faucet for a few minutes. However, if this tip does not solve your problem, you probably have a more serious issue that requires expert intervention.

Dirty Garbage Disposal

If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, it could be the source of the unpleasant smell. The garbage disposal may collect food scraps, which can rot and produce an unpleasant odor.

Dirty garbage disposals also create a suitable environment for mold to grow. Unfortunately, these microorganisms can also cause a bad smell. The solution is to clean your garbage disposal regularly. You can do this by running cold water and grinding up some ice cubes in the disposal. This step will help remove any build-up in the disposal and leave it smelling fresh.

Whichever the cause of a smelly plumbing system in your home, don't attempt to rectify the issue unless you have the right tools and expertise for the job. Instead, contact us at Express Plumbing & Drain for a free consultation. Our experienced and certified plumbers will inspect your drains and sewer lines to determine the cause of the smell. We will then recommend the best course of action to take.