Smelly Drains

Who wouldn’t want to live in a fresh, clean home that inspires comfort the second you walk through the door?

However, foul odors can make any living space uncomfortable. If these smells seem to linger no matter how much you clean and deodorize your home, they could indicate more persistent and dangerous issues within your home like a plumbing problem.

Sometimes, odors can waft up through drains in your house, such as in your kitchen and bathroom.

At A1 Sewer & Drain, we understand the inconveniences and embarrassment that smelly drains and other plumbing problems can bring.

What Causes Smelly Drains?

Drains are part of any plumbing system – including sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs, and floor drains. A host of unpleasant aromas, ranging from musty and moldy to pungent and rotten, can originate from these pipes.

Your first instinct might be to spray perfume or an air freshener. This will mask the scent for a while, but it’s only going to come back. As these smells can be both off-putting and potentially indicative of more severe issues, understanding them is crucial.

There are several factors that cause smelly drains, such as:

Organic Buildup

We put a lot of materials down our drains – from food particles and grease in the kitchen to strands of hair and soaps in the bathroom. All these things, no matter how big or small they are, can accumulate, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. This bacterial growth can produce foul odors.

To avoid backups and smells, keep hair-catching traps in the bottom of your shower or tub and be sure to dispose of food in the garbage and not down the drain.

Sewer Gas

Traps in your drain system may dry out, allowing sewer gas to rise and permeate your home.

Whether you use certain faucets or toilets often or not, run them at least once a month to ensure they are in good working order and keep the smells at bay.

Mold & Mildew

Damp environments and standing water in the drain can harbor mold and mildew, leading to musty smells.

Excess humidity – when your humidistat reads above 50% – and water create the perfect conditions for mold to grow and thrive. Run a dehumidifier to keep that number in check.

Blocked Vents

Plumbing vents, when blocked, can trap sewer gas in the drainage system.

Make sure they are open and clean. A plumber can help with this, as it can be a complex task for homeowners.

Old & Decaying Pipes

Aging pipes might accumulate residue that can cause a stench. Materials like metal and terra cotta used in homes built before the 1980s can easily corrode and fail. If your house and its plumbing are older, consider upgrading to safer and more efficient materials like PVC.

Can You Fix Smelly Drains?

Certainly! While many temporary fixes like deodorizers and air fresheners can cover up the smell with something more pleasant, a thorough and comprehensive approach ensures a fresh-smelling home.

At A1, we believe in customized solutions to fully address the root cause and not just its symptoms. That’s why we begin with a thorough inspection when we arrive at your home to uncover the true source of the smells.

How to Fix Smelly Drains

Before reaching for the spray bottle or air freshener cone, consider the following about eliminating nasty drain odors.

Common DIY Tasks

There are a number of things you can try on your own, including:

• Rinsing Out Drains: If unused long enough, the drain will start smelling. Run water through all fixtures at least once a month to get things moving again and ensure P Traps don’t dry out.
• Pouring Bleach: Bleach is a good remedy for trying to minimize or remove the smell. Bleach products typically are not harmful to pipes.
• Avoid Chemical Clog Assistance: Frequently using other chemicals advertised to unclog drains actually can end up damaging pipes, especially if they are cast iron or galvanized.
• Using an Allen Wrench Under the Garbage Disposal: Food particles and debris can become stuck in your garbage disposal, but using an Allen wrench on the underside of the unit will help move the blades around and dislodge items.

Professional Assistance

At A1, our personalized solutions are tailored to address the unique challenges of each home. Unlike competitors, our methods prioritize long-term solutions over quick fixes.

Here are some of the ways we’ll tackle smelly drain inspection and repair:

• Thorough Cleaning: Using professional solutions, we deep-clean drains to remove bacteria and buildup.
• Pipe Replacement: For aging systems with broken pipes and other components, we offer replacement services with superior quality materials.
• Vent Inspection & Cleaning: We ensure vents are obstruction-free, preventing gas buildup.
• Trap Maintenance: Our solutions ensure traps maintain their moisture, preventing sewer gas escape.

Why Address Smelly Drains and Plumbing Issues Now

Smelly drains might seem like a minor issue, but they can indicate serious problems lurking beneath the surface.

At A1, we care about the health and safety of your family and home. We urge you to consider the following factors and reach out to us as soon as possible.

• Health Concerns: Prolonged exposure to mold and sewer gas can impact health.
• Property Value: Unaddressed issues can decrease property value over time.
• Cost Efficiency: Fixing problems now prevents costlier damage repair in the future.
• Peace of Mind: Enjoy a stench-free home and peace of mind, knowing issues are resolved.

To fully address these concerns, you and your home will benefit from A1’s stellar service and solutions, developed with your home’s unique needs in mind.

Contact A1 for Reliable Solutions to Smelly Drains

Bad odors in your home are uncomfortable nuisances and mood killers. Don’t let smelly drains tarnish your home’s ambiance – fix them today with tailor-made solutions. Contact us today to get started!

At A1 Sewer & Drain, we pride ourselves on delivering efficient, lasting solutions. We’ve been the No. 1 choice for homeowners throughout Richmond, Hampton Roads, and Northeast North Carolina for more than 35 years. Trust in our expertise for a fresher tomorrow.