How to Fix Bad Smells Coming from Drains
bad drain smells ,There are few things more unpleasant than bad smells coming from drains in your home or business. At first, it might seem like just a minor annoyance. However, over time, the constant musty, sewage, or rotten egg odor can make your living or working environment extremely uncomfortable. Even worse, these smells often signal hidden plumbing issues that, if ignored, could develop into costly and serious problems.
At Drainage & Plumbing LTD, we proudly serve customers across South East England within a 25-mile radius, including Croydon, Sutton, Wallington, Coulsdon, Banstead, Bromley, Mitcham, Epsom, Reigate, Redhill, Leatherhead, Kingston upon Thames, Wimbledon, Richmond, Caterham, Guildford, Crawley, and Haywards Heath. Because we understand how frustrating and disruptive bad drain smells can be, we make it our mission to deliver fast, reliable, and professional drainage services that keep your property fresh, functional, and safe.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn:
- The most common causes of bad drain smells.
- Simple DIY solutions you can try immediately.
- How to prevent these smells from returning.
- When it’s time to call a professional.
By following these tips, you can remove unpleasant odors, restore comfort to your space, and protect your plumbing system for the long term.
Understanding the Causes of Bad Drain Smells
Before you can fix the problem, it’s important to understand what’s causing it. Different sources require different solutions, so identifying the root cause will save you both time and effort.
1. Dry or Faulty P-Traps
Every drain has a P-trap, a U-shaped pipe designed to hold water. This water creates a seal that stops sewer gases from entering your property. However, if the P-trap dries out — often in unused drains — or becomes blocked, unpleasant smells can escape.
2. Clogs and Organic Buildup
Food waste, grease, hair, and soap scum can build up over time, sticking to the inside of your pipes. As this material breaks down, bacteria thrive, releasing foul odors. You may also notice water draining slowly, which is a strong sign of buildup.
3. Sewer Gas Leaks
Sewer gas contains methane and hydrogen sulfide, which produce the classic rotten egg smell. This can be dangerous, especially in high concentrations. Leaks may be caused by damaged vent pipes, loose toilet seals, or dried-out P-traps.
4. Mold and Mildew Growth
Bathrooms and damp drains provide ideal conditions for mold and mildew. Not only can this cause a musty smell, but it can also worsen allergies and respiratory issues.
DIY Ways to Eliminate Bad Drain Smells
If your bad drain smells are mild, you may be able to fix the problem yourself before calling a professional. Try these safe and effective methods.
1. Boiling Water Flush
Pour boiling water slowly into the drain to dissolve grease and wash away bacteria. Repeat two to three times for better results.
Best for: Light grease buildup.
Tip: Avoid on old PVC pipes.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let the fizzing reaction work for 30 minutes, then rinse with hot water.
Best for: Neutralising odors and breaking down small clogs.
3. Salt and Hot Water
Add coarse salt into the drain and follow with hot water. The salt scrubs grime while the water flushes it away.
Best for: Light soap scum buildup.
4. Enzyme Cleaners
Eco-friendly and pipe-safe, enzyme cleaners use bacteria to digest organic matter. They’re perfect for long-term maintenance.
Best for: Persistent organic smells.
5. Clean the Drain Stopper
Sometimes the odor isn’t deep inside the drain at all. Hair and grime can collect on stoppers. Remove, scrub, and replace them for quick freshness.
6. Refill Dry P-Traps
For unused drains, run water for a few minutes monthly to restore the water seal and block sewer gases.bad drain smells.
When to Call Drainage & Plumbing LTD
DIY methods are great for minor issues. However, some situations require professional help:
- Odors persist after multiple cleaning attempts.
- More than one drain is affected.
- The smell is strong and accompanied by headaches or nausea (possible sewer gas leak).
- Water drains slowly or backs up.
- Gurgling noises come from drains or toilets.
- You notice unexplained damp spots or puddles.
We provide 24/7 emergency call-outs with a 60-minute target response time for urgent cases.
Our Professional Drainage Services
We don’t just mask the smell — we fix the root cause. Our services include:
- Blocked and broken drains – CCTV inspections and repairs.
- Grease and fat removal – Specialist equipment for stubborn blockages.
- Drain cleaning – High-pressure water jetting for prevention and maintenance.
- Leak detection – Advanced tools to locate hidden leaks.
- Toilet unblocking – Fast, clean, and hassle-free.
Preventing Bad Drain Smells
1. Avoid fats, oils, and grease – They solidify in pipes, causing major clogs.
2. Use drain covers – Catch hair and debris before they enter the pipes.
3. Flush drains regularly – Hot water keeps them clear.
4. Use enzyme cleaners – Safer than harsh chemicals.
5. Schedule annual drain cleaning – Prevents future blockages and odors.
Contact Us
📍 Website: drainage-plumbing.co.uk
📧 Email: support@drainage-plumbing.co.uk
📞 Phone: 07771200075
💬 WhatsApp: Available
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