Tips and Tricks for Cleaning a Smelly Drain
Unless you have figured out a way to never use your kitchen sink, you most probably deal with unpleasant drain odors from time to time. The bad news is that kitchen sink drains smell; the good news is that you do not need harsh chemicals to get rid of odors, and you can actually prevent most bad smells before they even start.
Baking Soda to the Rescue
Simple baking soda is a time-honored way for drain cleaning. A cup of baking soda is all you need. Pour it into the drain and let it sit for about 20 minutes, then heat a large pan of water to boil and drain it into the sink to flush down the baking soda. If you have a garbage disposal, remove the plastic guard and clean it thoroughly with soap and warm water. The baking soda and hot water should help clean the pipes attached to the drain as well.
Deodorize Your Drains
You can keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh by dropping a commercial disposal cleaner down the drain once every few weeks, but for a more natural deodorizing option just drop a few pieces of lemon, orange, or other citrus fruit into the disposal every couple of weeks. Don’t go overboard though, because the acid in the citrus peel can actually lead to corrosion inside the disposal.
Simple white vinegar is also an effective natural deodorizer. Just pour a cup or so down the drain and flush it with water until smells dissipate.
A few tablespoons of scented dish soap can also help cut down on bad smells coming from your drain. Run the hot water and drizzle the soap directly into the drain to get rid of odors.
Prevent Drain Smells
You can help stop bad smells before they start by taking good care of your drains. If you do not have a garbage disposal, keep food out of the sink by using a strainer or stopper when washing the dishes. Be sure the stopper fits properly and that it has been installed correctly. If bits of food do manage to get past, flush the drain thoroughly with hot water for several minutes.
If you have a garbage disposal, make sure to run it for several minutes every time you wash the dishes or put food in the sink. Always run water when the disposal is being used.
Kitchen drains are not the only ones prone to nasty odors: bathroom drains can smell too.
The most common cause of bathroom drain smells is hair trapped in pipes. Hair clogs can slow draining and slow draining allows odors to settle within the pipes. You can get shower and bathtub strainers at any home improvement, hardware, or plumbing supply store for just a couple of dollars. These work pretty well in keeping hair and other debris out of your bathroom plumbing.
Contact Horizon Services
With over 20 years of service experience, we have helped thousands of homeowners in the Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Maryland areas with their plumbing needs. Our team of plumbing professionals consists of some of the most experienced and most qualified plumbers working today in the Delaware Valley. These are top-notch plumbing technicians who can accurately diagnose and quickly fix any and all plumbing problems. Plumbing emergencies are our specialty!.
We also specialize in Sewer and Water Line Replacement!
Related Plumbing and Drain Information from Horizon Services…
- Horizon Plumbing Services
- Horizon Drain Cleaning Services
- Horizon Sewer & Water Line Repair/Replacement Services
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- How To Properly Use a Plunger to Unclog a Toilet, Sink or Tub
(13) Comments
bathroom plumbing February 4th, 2012 at 9:28 pm
It was just last year when my aunt discovered that baking soda can also clean dirty surfaces. That was very effective, imagine something used for food can also be used to clean bathrooms.
Bruno February 7th, 2012 at 6:14 pm
At the lowest point, after the main shut-off (towards the house), install a tee in the line with a valve on it. When you want/need to drain the system, turn off the main shut-off, open a faucet in the house (to prevent air lock) and open the new valve.
Frankston Pool Shop April 12th, 2012 at 3:33 am
I am amazed with the analysis you made in this particular article amazing.
Alex Seyer May 27th, 2012 at 7:39 pm
I just tried out the methods for fixing the garbage disposal smell. WORKS PERFECT!
Red Bottom Shoes July 10th, 2012 at 7:09 pm
I love the information you present here. I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my iPhone. Anyhow, excellent site!
Jobin August 2nd, 2012 at 3:57 am
Great topic! Thank you for excellent information, I will put to good use!
Samantha August 8th, 2012 at 1:24 am
Nice One! It is really great that you share for us such useful stuff.
Jamaica Jones November 21st, 2012 at 10:29 pm
Now this makes drain cleaning easier as it already is. Thanks a lot!
Matt December 18th, 2012 at 6:24 am
Thanks for sharing this article, I am sure it will help me out in small drain cleaning tasks. Drain cleaning is really tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing and that is why I always hire a drain cleaning professional to carry out the work.
Drain Man January 11th, 2013 at 4:54 pm
This is a great website and the article was very helpful.
Clara S. January 22nd, 2013 at 6:06 am
Great tips! It contains wonderful and helpful posts. I have read most of them and learned a lot from them. You are doing some great work. Thank you for making such a nice website.
Palma O. January 27th, 2013 at 3:48 pm
Had a bad ordor in kitchen sink w/out garbage disp. I tried bleach, no luck. then found this site. Did baking soda, vinegar, with some dawn. Boiled hot water, 20 minutes, later poured the boiling water down the and…..no more ordors, yeah!!!!
Theda Brock March 4th, 2013 at 3:51 pm
Smelly drain is normal in our house. I mean, we always experience this one especially when we over used our sinks and we then forgot to clean it after.