Don't Wait Till Its Too Late...Call The Honest Plumber!
If you're a homeowner in Atlanta, you may have been troubled by the unpleasant smell that's emanating from your drains. Whether it wafts up from the kitchen sink when you do dishes or comes from the shower drain while you bathe, nobody wants to deal with a stinky odor whenever they use their plumbing. But why are these bad smells coming out of nowhere? In this blog post, we'll explore the common causes of smelly drains and what steps you can take to get rid of them. We're also going to talk about proactive measures that you can put in place now so bad odors don't become an issue down the line. With just a few simple fixes and regular maintenance, your dreadfully smelly plumbing will be fresh as ever!
Some common reasons for smelly drains
Drain odor can be caused by a variety of factors. The first step to clearing the air is to recognize the cause of the smell coming from your drain. Here are the most common reasons we have seen in our decades of being a professional plumbing service in Atlanta:
- Food scraps
One of the most common reasons for smelly drains is food scraps. When food scraps are left in the sink or garbage disposal, they can start to decompose and produce a foul odor. To prevent this from happening, be sure to scrape all food scraps into the trash can instead of leaving them in the sink.
- Grease and oil
Another common cause of smelly drains is grease and oil. When these substances build up in the pipes, they can start to decompose and produce an unpleasant odor. To prevent this from happening, be sure to wipe up any grease or oil that spills while cooking and dispose of it in the trash can.
- Soap scum
Soap scum can also cause smelly drains. This happens when soap buildup accumulates on the sides of the pipes and starts to decompose. To prevent this from happening, be sure to clean your drains regularly with a drain cleaner or a plunger.
- Hair
Hair can also cause smelly drains. When hair sheds while showering or bathing, it can fall into the drain and start to decompose, which produces an unpleasant odor. To prevent this from happening, be sure to use a drain cover or hair catcher to catch any shed hair before it has a chance to fall into the drain.
- Mold and mildew
Mold and mildew can also cause smelly drains. These fungi thrive in damp environments, so if your drains are not properly ventilated, they can start to grow mold and mildew. To prevent this from happening, ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in the kitchen, bathrooms and washing areas. Consistent dampness can also be caused by broken or bends in pipes. Get a professional plumber in Atlanta to inspect and clean the drains if you suspect any damaged drains.
What to do when the drains give off a foul odor?
For sinks, kitchen drains and septic tanks, pour one cup of baking soda down the clogged drain, followed by one cup of vinegar for their powering bubbling action. Let that sit for about an hour before running hot water down the drain again. If you are dealing with floor drains in the basement or outdoors, start off by using a plunger to remove any blockages that might be interfering with the flow of water. After plunging and removing debris from the drain, pour one pint of bleach into the opening and let it sit overnight, so it has time to work through all crevices. It is important to remember, though, that these substances can harm your drainage. Also, if the block is stubborn, or if you suspect any broken pipes, it is best left to professional plumbers in Atlanta.
Superior Plumbing can handle any plumbing job, from the simplest of repairs to a full-fledged remodel! Our technicians are highly trained experts who offer superior workmanship at competitive prices. Plus, we provide exceptional customer service and pay attention to detail - ensuring all our customers end up satisfied with their experience. Whether you need help around your home or office, give us a call today at
770-422-7586 for an unbeatable plumbing solution.
