Why Is My Drain Smelly?

Why Is My Drain Smelly?

Smelly drains are a common problem that can be embarrassing. Some odors are caused by bacteria that can build up in your drains if they aren’t regularly flushed. They give off a foul odor when they release hydrogen sulfide gas that smells like rotten eggs. The good news is that most stinky drain smells can be easily remedied with some help from professional drain cleaning services!

Mold And Mildew

Mold and mildew are two different types of fungi that can grow in damp areas, like your basement, bathroom, or laundry room. Each fungus produces spores that travel throughout the air and can be hazardous to your health. The spores from these molds are usually harmless, but prolonged exposure can lead to health issues such as nasal irritation, coughing, itchy eyes or skin, and wheezing. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions may be especially vulnerable to these toxins. Mildew, on the other hand, is generally easier to eliminate because it grows on top of surfaces and doesn’t get as deep into the material it is growing on. To check for both mold and mildew, inspect your bathroom for dark spots or discoloration on shower walls, window curtains, or other surfaces that may have gotten wet. Also look for leaks in your plumbing and drains that could be causing musty odors.

Bacteria

If you use your kitchen sink a lot, the drain can get pretty stinky. The odor is caused by bacteria that feed on organic waste, food particles and other substances that build up in your drain. When you’re cooking, it’s important to dispose of food in the trash or a compost heap rather than flushing it down your sink. This way, you’ll avoid smelly drains in your home. Similarly, hair and soap can cause foul odors in shower drains if they’re not washed regularly. This is also common in bathrooms that don’t get used often, because hair and soap build up in the drains and become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Clogged Drains

If a sink, shower or bathtub starts to smell, it could be caused by something trapped inside the drain. Hair, soap scum and other debris can build up in these traps and block the sewer gas that’s normally pumped down your pipes. Eventually, the blocked substance will begin to rot, which will release odors into the air and possibly rise up the drain. When drains throughout your home clog, it can be a real mess. Whether you have sinks, toilets or tubs that are blocked, it can lead to water backups and leaking pipes. Most of the time, a clogged pipe can be fixed with a plunger. But if it doesn’t unclog on its own, or if you have multiple drains in your home that are clogged at the same time, you should call in a professional plumber from Rooter Express to address the issue. We’re always ready to do a quick inspection and get to work on the problem for you!

Categorised in: Drain Cleaning, Drain Tips