How to stop drains smelling: simple steps you can take
When drains get blocked or suffer from a build-up of food or chemical deposits, they can quickly start to release bad smells into your home. Depending on the cause and location of the problem, this might only happen when you use certain utilities, or it might be an ongoing challenge, and in either case it can be very unpleasant unless you deal with it straight away. Here, the drainage experts at Lanes Group will explain how to stop drains smelling bad, the main causes of this type of problem, and good practices you can implement that can prevent the problem from arising in the future.
It is important to say that you won’t always be able to solve this problem yourself. While you may be able to reduce the smell or remove it for a time, in some cases you will need to hire a professional to unblock your drain and prevent the problem from recurring.
What causes drains to smell bad?
The most common cause of a bad smell in your drains is the accumulation of waste inside the drainage system. In kitchens, this is most commonly food, while in utility rooms or bathrooms it may be dirt, hair or other things that get flushed down the drain. These materials can get caught in your pipes and begin to decompose, which brings with it a foul odour.
Alternatively, these materials can also clump together and cause full or partial blockages. This, in turn, will prevent food or other waste from travelling down the sink and cause a greater accumulation, or can lead to mould and mildew developing in the pipes and emitting bad smells. One of the most important things you can do to prevent both blockages and bad smells in your drainage system is to refrain from tipping food scraps or other solids into your drains, and to instead dispose of them in the bin.
Another thing that can cause drains to develop smells is the deterioration of pipes. If drains are not well maintained, they can break down or rust, depending on the material they are made from, and this can result in unpleasant odours.
How can I prevent my drains developing bad odours?
As we have explained, the most important thing you can do is to dispose of food scraps in the bin, instead of washing them down the sink. However, there are other things you can do to prevent problems from arising, one of which is to undertake drain maintenance. Because one of the common causes of bad smells in drains is the deterioration of pipes, you can prevent this by having your drains professionally checked and cleaned.
Keeping your drains in good repair will offer a host of benefits for your home, not least of which is preventing foul smells from developing in your pipes. By regularly checking your drains and identifying any areas that are in need of repair, you can ensure that they stay in good working condition and avoid sudden leaks or other emergencies. It is always more cost-effective to undertake regular maintenance on your drains than to have to repair them when they break or have deteriorated significantly.
If you are interested in drain maintenance services, or need help clearing a blockage that is causing a bad smell, you can reach the drainage experts at Lanes Group 24 hours a day on 0800 526 488.
