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Have you caught a whiff of something not quite right coming from your bathroom drain or floor waste? Before contacting a plumber, follow these simple steps to try and fix the problem yourself by cleaning your drain. This guide is perfect for homeowners and tenants looking to maintain fresh and hygienic bathrooms.
What Causes a Bathroom Drain to Smell?
Several factors can contribute to a smelly bathroom drain:
Mould Growth: Mould can grow inside the drain cover, contributing to the bad odour.
Blocked Drain: Accumulated debris can block the drain, leading to a buildup of stagnant water that smells.
Dried Floor Waste Water: If the water at the bottom of the floor waste dries up, it allows smelly air from the main sewer to escape through your drain and into your bathroom.
What does a typical smelly drain look like?
How to Fix a Smelly Bathroom Drain
Refill the Floor Waste Water
If the problem is dried floor wastewater following a period of lack of use, the solution is simple:
Pour a few cups of water into the drain. This will fill up the dried-out section of the drain and prevent nasty sewer smells from escaping into your bathroom.
Clean Mould Growth
If you’ve got mould growing inside the drain cover, here’s what to do:
Clean any mould off with a mould-removing product. This will eliminate the source of the odour.
Clear a Blocked Drain
If the problem is a blocked drain, you can possibly fix this yourself using environmentally friendly household items commonly found in your cupboard:
Flush the Drain: Pour half a litre of hot water into the floor waste along with 1 cup of baking soda. Leave it to sit for 10 minutes.
Baking Soda and Vinegar: Add another cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar, then use a plunger to loosen the blockage.
Repeat if Necessary: Once the fizzing has died down, repeat the process. This should help break up the clog and drain it away.
How to Prevent Smelly Drains
Preventing smelly drains is easier than you might think. Using simple household products once a month can keep drains smelling fresh:
Monthly Maintenance: Complete the hot water, baking soda, and vinegar routine to loosen any small buildup.
Plug the Drain: If your drain has a plug, try plugging it after adding the baking soda and vinegar. This allows the trapped steam to work even harder on dirt and grime buildup.
What If I Can’t Fix the Problem Myself?
If the above methods fail to clear the clog and drain the water, it’s time to contact a plumber for specialist advice and service. A professional will be able to identify and resolve deeper issues that might be causing persistent smells.
We have the equipment and know-how to clear even the most stubborn blockages. If reoccurring smells and blockages are occurring, please reach out to us on 1300 469 928 for advice or book us in.
Understanding the Number One Cause of Smelly Bathroom Drains
The most common cause of smelly drains is the build-up of bacteria in the drain trap. These bacteria release smells and methane gas as a by-product of their life cycle. Drains provide bacteria and mould a very cosy environment to live in. They are moist, dark, and have access to fresh air from above and a lot of sources of nutrients, including skin flakes, soap, shampoo, and other bodily fluids.
Are Odours All I Need to Worry About?
While bad smells emanating from your drain aren’t very pleasant, they aren’t necessarily the only thing you need to worry about. Insects (like mosquitoes and drain flies) and pathogenic bacteria can thrive in drains. Unhygienic drains can be detrimental to occupants' health and well-being, especially in places like holiday rentals, hospitals, retirement homes, or public amenities.
Other Causes of Smelly Drains
Aside from blockages and bacteria, smelly drains can also be caused by:
Poor Venting: Insufficient venting can cause sewer gases to escape into your home.
Poorly Constructed Drains: Faulty drain installation or damage can lead to persistent odours.
How Do Bad Smells Impact Your Property?
Humans have a very good memory for smells, and the sense of smell is closely linked to our emotional perception and memory recall. If you are trying to sell or lease a property, the way it smells can have a massive impact on prospective buyers or renters. Bad smells can also discourage repeat customers in businesses.
In conclusion, tackling smelly bathroom drains doesn’t always require a professional. By understanding the causes and following the simple DIY steps outlined above, you can maintain a fresh and hygienic bathroom environment. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues will help prevent unpleasant odours from becoming a recurring problem.
If you would like to talk to us about any drain issues you may have, please feel free to reach out on 1300 469 928 or book an appointment.
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