Stinky drains are a common problem, and they emit horrible smells that can radiate throughout your kitchen and bathrooms. This bothersome issue can be a source of embarrassment when friends and neighbors drop by. More than that, it can signal a serious plumbing issue that requires professional attention. What causes drains to smell?
1. Clogged Drains
In the kitchen and bathrooms, the many things that get washed down the drains daily leave a sediment behind. This sediment creates a biofilm comprised of hair, food remnants, dead skin, soap and other items. This buildup grows over time as you continue to use your drains. As it grows, the water drains more slowly from the pipes. For example, you may notice a pool of water in the sink after brushing your teeth or a few inches of water in the tub by the time you finish your shower. The biofilm eventually will block the drain so that no water can flow through. Before this happens, however, the smell from the biofilm becomes noticeable and potentially overpowering.
Your drain services plumber will use various techniques, including snaking and hydro jetting, to clean all of the gunk out of your pipes. Routine drain cleaning can help prevent this problematic issue.
2. A Sewage Backup
When a clog or blockage develops further down the sewer line, the sewage and sewer gas can flow back inside your bathroom. In some cases, a clogged sewer line is caused by the same biofilm buildup that creates a blockage closer to the drain. However, the sewer line running underneath the ground outside your home can also be damaged or blocked. This may be caused by tree roots growing into the pipe, by the ground shifting or even by landscaping work.
Sewage waste cannot flow freely away from the home, so the wastewater and sewer gas can accumulate and eventually flow back into the house. In some cases, the foul odor is accompanied by a gurgling sound and wastewater flowing into the sinks, tubs and toilets. Your plumber will diagnose the situation and determine which solution is the best way to address it. Common solutions include hydro jetting to remove the blockage or repiping if the pipe is damaged.
3. A Broken Toilet Base
If there is a bad smell in your bathroom but the drain smells fine, turn your attention to the toilet. Underneath your toilet, a wax ring serves as a seal that prevents toilet wastewater from leaking into the bathroom. This ring will deteriorate over time. In some cases, it is not installed properly. Both of these issues typically create a slow leak at first.
You likely will smell the leak before you see wastewater pooling around the toilet. This is often because water from a small leak will typically moisten the subfloor before it is visible in a pool on top of the floor. The moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth as well as wastewater buildup. To address this problem, your plumber will replace the wax ring and ensure that it fits properly.
4. A Leaking Pipe
A leaking pipe is another common source of bad drain smells in kitchens and bathrooms. A damaged pipe creates moisture on the exterior of the pipe. This is a hospitable environment for bacteria, mold and mildew to grow. This growth can extend inside the pipe as well, so the smell can emanate from the drain. While a small leak may produce a light odor that you may barely notice, a larger leak can create an intense and unpleasant smell. Keep in mind that some leaks are hidden in walls, underneath cabinets and in other areas where they are not initially detected. Your plumber will use advanced techniques to detect and repair the leak.
5. The Overflow Pipe
Your sinks and tubs have an overflow pipe. The overflow opening is located toward the top of your sinks and tubs, and its purpose is to prevent water from overflowing out of the tub or basin and onto the floor. Inside, the pipe is dark and moist, making it an ideal place for mold and mildew to grow. Mold and mildew create a musty, damp smell that is easily identifiable. Some people describe it as earthy, stale or like dirty gym clothes. While the smell is undeniable, pinpointing mold and mildew in the overflow pipe is challenging. This is because you cannot see inside the pipe and because of its proximity to the drain. Often, a smell from the overflow pipe is initially assumed to be coming from the drain.
6. A Clogged Vent
One of the pipes protruding from your roof is a vent pipe. The purpose of this pipe is to provide an adequate supply of air into the pipes. This airflow allows the pipes to drain water from the toilets and sinks without creating a gurgling sound. In addition, it allows sewer gas that builds up in the pipes to escape. Often, a clogged vent pipe also causes low water pressure when you flush the toilet, slow water drainage in the sinks and tubs, and air bubbles in the toilet bowl. Most commonly, vent pipes are clogged by the nests of rodents and birds. They can also be caused by debris ranging from leaves and sticks to small balls and more. Snow and ice can also block the vent.
7. A Dry P-Trap
While you might not know the P-trap by name, you have no doubt seen it many times. The P-trap is the curved pipe located under your bathroom sinks. It serves the important purpose of preventing gas from the sewer line from entering your home. This function is accomplished by the small pool of water that collects in the bend in the pipe. When you do not use your sink frequently or when there is a leak, the P-trap dries out. With no water to prevent the sewer gas from entering your home, the smell emitted from your drain can be overbearing.
8. A Water Heater Issue
A water heater issue is one of the least common causes of a smelly drain, but it should be considered. Typically, a hot water heater is used so frequently and kept at a high enough temperature that bacteria cannot grow. However, if the water heater temperature is set low enough and the unit is not used frequently, bacteria can grow. This is most common when you adjust the temperature setting before going on vacation. A corroded anode pipe can also cause bacteria to grow. The smell is often described as rotten eggs. To properly address this issue, the water heater must be thoroughly cleaned out, or the anode must be replaced by your plumber.
Our plumbers are experienced and well-trained, and we can complete all your plumbing repair and drain service needs. Contact Delta Mechanical to schedule plumbing service with us today. We serve Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and other states.
