How to Clean a Smelly Drain | Water Guard Plumbing

1
HOW TO CLEAN A SMELLY DRAIN

• https//waterguardplumbing.com/

2

• Much to the chagrin of most homeowners in the
  GTA, smelly drains are hardly uncommon. Thats a
  fact in every citybut given the age and
  condition of most plumbing, we may well
  experience it more than just about anywhere else.
• That being said, if youve been wondering how to
  get rid of smelly drains, theres no need to
  fret. Theres a variety of methods that can help
  to alleviate your problem fairly quickly. When
  used in combination with each other, they are
  almost always effective. Before long your smelly
  drains should be back to their normal,
  non-odorous selves.

3
Common Causes of a Smelly Sink Drain
4
Pipe Materials

• What some people dont realize is that the
  materials a pipe is made of can actually cause a
  smelly drain. The form of the pipe itself may
  degrade (think rust) or absorb other materials
  from the surrounding area. This can lead to a
  rather unpleasant smell.

5
Vent Issues

• Most house plumbing systems include vents that
  are meant to prevent foul sewer gases from
  seeping into the home. Unfortunately, these vents
  are not fool-proofthey can sometimes become
  fouled up, either by a blockage or perhaps
  another malfunction. When that happens, foul
  odours may emerge and cause a fairly smelly drain.

6
Trapped Food and Gunk

• This is the big one. Whether its simply old
  food, bits of soap, or other pieces of debris,
  its not all too hard to end up with a serious
  blockage in your pipes. And unfortunately, even
  in cases where a serious build-up isnt there,
  the mere presence of all that matter can attract
  bacteria that cause unpleasant smells.

7
How to Clean Smelly Drains

• The first thing to remember when cleaning out a
  smelly sink is that chemical drain cleaners ought
  to be a last resort. They can be tremendously
  effectiveas well as tremendously damaging to
  your pipes. No need to go from a smelly kitchen
  sink straight to ruined pipes, and an even bigger
  headache. Here are a few other steps to try

8
Boiling Water

• It almost seems too simple, but sometimes a pot
  of boiling water may be all your drain needs to
  get back up and running. If that doesnt
  immediately work, you might try following it up
  with a pot of ice-cold water, which can help to
  solidify materials still sitting in the pipe.
  Then try boiling water again.

9
Baking Soda and Vinegar

• Where hot water fails, baking soda and vinegar
  can be your saviours. A good combination is one
  cup of baking soda down the drain, followed
  immediately by two cups of hot vinegar. The mix
  will bubble and fizzdont worry, that means its
  working. Wait about an hour, then flush the whole
  thing with hot water from your tap.

10
Clean The P-Trap

• If boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar arent
  doing the trick, you may have to take things
  further. If you are handy, you might try cleaning
  out the P-trap, which is the s-shaped piece that
  connects your tailpipe to the wall outlet.

11

• Of course, this step is only for those with
  experience. The last thing you want to do when
  trying to avoid a frustrating smelly sink drain
  is to cause yourself a plumbing problem, and an
  even bigger headache. If you arent comfortable
  with this step yourself, you might consider
  reaching out to professionals.

12
Preventing Smelly Drains in the Future

• Theres no need to be constantly wondering how to
  fix a smelly drain, or how to get rid of smelly
  drains. As with most aspects of life, the best
  cure is a little prevention. Try including a
  little baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water
  treatment for your drains as part of your home
  maintenance routine. This can help keep your
  pipes free of debris, without causing damage in
  the long-term.

13
Thank you!

• info_at_waterguardplumbing.com

• 1-647-832-1738