You expect your plumbing to take care of the water draining away from your home, but a smelly kitchen drain can be an unwelcome surprise.
The smell is generally caused by food particles that have been sitting in the trap or pipe and decomposing. This may cause a foul odor. Here are a few ways you can deal with bad odors coming from the sink.
Clean Out the Sink Trap
The sink trap is the curved pipe under the sink that catches debris and prevents it from going further down the drainpipe. Over time, these traps can fill up with grease, food particles, and other gunk that may cause a bad smell.
To clean out your sink trap, put on some rubber gloves to protect yourself from germs, and then remove the trap under the sink, using a bucket to collect any debris.
Once you've removed the trap, use a wire brush or other scrubbing tool to loosen and remove any built-up debris.
Avoid Drain Cleaners
Some people try to use drain cleaners to get rid of the smell, but these can actually be bad for your pipes and cause corrosion over time. Instead, try using natural methods such as baking soda and vinegar to clean out clogs.
One common natural cleaning method is to pour baking soda down the drain. Then, pour vinegar and watch the concoction bubble up. The solution will eliminate some of the nasty smells.
Remember to Flush with Hot Water
Flushing the drain with hot water every other day or so can help prevent odors from building up and can help clear out any stuck-on food particles. You can also scrub the sink with dish soap.
Clean Out the Pipes Regularly
You should also make sure to clean out the pipes occasionally. This can be done by using a plumbing snake to pull up any debris that may be stuck in the pipes.
Even if you use a drain snake regularly, it's a good idea to have your drains cleaned occasionally by a professional. A plumber will have special tools to help remove hard-to-reach debris contributing to foul odors.
Get Professional Plumbing Help
If the smell continues even after you've cleaned out the sink trap, it could be due to an issue with your plumbing. To make sure that there isn't a deeper blockage somewhere else in the pipes, it's best to call in a professional plumber.
Reach out to a plumbing contractor for more information.
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