How To Get Rid Of Smelly Bathroom Drains? A Guide To Clean Bathroom Drains
A bathroom is a place where you unwind and relax, however, if it is unkept, it will be a pain. It is not only about an unkept bathroom but having a smelly bathroom is an embarrassment. No one would want to step inside a smelly bathroom. So why not keep the bad odour out? But why is your bathroom smelly? There could be multiple reasons for that. Most common reason is the clogged drain. A clogged drain is usually caused by hair stuck in the or dirt accumulation, but there can be multiple other reasons. If you are one of those people who is sick of smelly bathroom drain, then this guide to get rid of bathroom drain odour is for you!
Common Causes Of Stinky Drain Smells
Mould Growth
One of the major reasons for smelly bathroom drain is grown mould. Due to continuous moisture being trapped in the drain, the fungal growth speeds up resulting in smelly bathroom drain. If you want to be sure that it’s the mould that’s clogging your drain, you’ll need to smell the drain closely. Yes it is gross but to rule out any other cause, this step is necessary. If you smell musty odour from the plumbing system of your bathroom, there’s a high probability that there is mildew growth which is caused by gases released by the mould colonies. It definitely has health hazards as this stinking odour, if inhaled for a long time, can cause nausea, dizziness, and headache.
Biofilm Formation
Another major cause of bad bathroom drain odour could possibly be biofilm formation. A biofilm is formed by a pinkish bacteria which builds a layer of debris and bacterial growth inside your plumbing system resulting in a smelly bathroom drain. The bacterias tend to release viscous fluid which acts as adhesive between drain and debris causing it to clog. Biofilm formation may make your bathroom drains smell like rotten eggs and this could lead to numerous waterborne diseases. The main culprit behind the stinky bathroom drain in this case is hydrogen sulphide and some other sewer gases.
Broken Wax Seal
Have you ever noticed your toilet swaying a little when you sit on it? That might indicate that the wax seal below has worn away. This seal acts as a cushion between your toilet and the floor, but it may break or deteriorate with time. When this occurs, water from the flushing process may begin to flow out, carrying disgusting things with it. To fix it, you’ll need to remove the toilet and replace the wax seal. You may do it yourself or hire a plumber to help you.
Clogged Air Vents Or P-Trap
The drain pipes under your sinks and showers have a curve called a P-trap which acts as a barrier in stopping those smelly gases from coming back up through the drain. However, if a P-trap is damaged, the smelly drain in bathroom can be an outcome. Moreover, venting pipes also play a significant role in reducing odour, however, when they are clogged, the sewer gases will ultimately be trapped inside the drain.
Trapped Gunk or Dirt
Bad odour is significantly encountered in bathroom and kitchen sink drains. The primary reason for that is food particles, soap, grease or hair that got trapped in those drain pipes, smelly kitchen sink drain or bathroom drain. Trapped dirt must immediately be dealt with otherwise, it can cause a lot of plumbing problems like water leaks.
Tree Roots
This might come to you as a shock but, tree roots can also be the reason for a smelly bathroom floor drain. Sometimes, the tree roots find their way underground to drain pipes. The moist environment of your pipe allows the roots to grow significantly causing pipes to get clogged. Once the drain pipes are blockers, there will be a gunk layer formation which consequently leads to smelly shower drain.
Know the Type of Drain
Another major cause of clogged drain is the usually the use of the wrong type of drain. Every location needs a specific type of drain which has a location specific purpose. Let’s understand what are different types and what are their purpose:
Sink Drains
Sink drains use strainers or stoppers to prevent debris buildup and require frequent cleaning for proper drainage.
Shower Drain
These drains, found in showers and bathtubs, evacuate bathwater and are frequently fitted with grates to capture hair and avoid blockages. Proper installation and maintenance are required to prevent stench and backlog.
Bathtub Drain
These drains, designed specifically for bathtubs, eliminate wastewater and come in a variety of styles such as pop-up stoppers or plugs, requiring cleaning and regular drainage maintenance to work properly.
Floor Drains
Floor drains, which are commonly found in basements and commercial spaces, avoid floods by eliminating excess water, include grates to prevent material clogging, and must be inspected and cleaned regularly.
Bidet Drain
Bidet drains accommodate bidet fittings, ensuring efficient water flow and preventing odours or backups with regular maintenance.
Ventilation Drain
These drains minimise gas accumulation in plumbing systems by connecting to sewage lines and releasing trapped gases. Regular maintenance is required for proper performance.
Specialty drains
These drains, which are tailored to specific demands, include roof drains for rainwater, trench drains for runoff, and pool drains for water management. For maximum operation, they frequently require expert installation and maintenance.
How To Fix Smelly Bathroom Floor Drains?
The question is: how do I get rid of smelly drains? Well, here are a few ways to clean smelly bathroom drains.
Cleaning The Mould
If you have noticed musty odour coming out of your drain, that’s mould growing inside your drain/ Now what you have to do in order to get rid of smelly shower drain is to follow step by step procedure below:
What’d You Need?
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Toothbrush
Step 1: Unscrew the drain cover using a screwdriver.
Step 2: Ensure the presence of mould by closely checking the drain.
Step 3: Get some vinegar and baking soda.
Step 4: Mix them together and form a thick paste
Step 5: use a toothbrush to apply the mixture all over the drain. Make sure you apply it to every corner. (Note: if the toothbrush is unreachable to certain corners, you may use other cleaning supplies).
Step 6: Let the mixture sit for 7 to 10 minutes.
Step 7: Scrub the drain after 10 minutes until you see the mould coming off. Use a drain snake to dislodge the drain completely.
Step 8: Boil some water and pour it into your drain to make sure all gunk is gone. ( Note: In case of PVC pipes, do not pour boiling water as it may damage the drain).
Step 9: After pouring water, pour a cup of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda to get rid of the smelly drain.
Note: If the drain clogs up again after a while, you will need to call a professional to clean it up. DO NOT use any chemical cleaners on your own as it may damage your plumbing system. Therefore, leave it to the professionals.
Fixing The Dried P-Trap
P-trap is an essential component of the drainage system. It blocks the sewer gases coming into the bathroom by building layers of water. If the water barrier dries up, the barrier will no longer be there to stop the gases coming up from the pipe, hence, causing smelly bathroom drain.
Step 1: Inspect your bathroom drain using a torch. Check whether the water has dried up in the p-trap. If it has, move on to the second step, if not, there will be some other reason for the smell of bathroom drain.
Step 2: Pour two cups of water in the drain and wait. Check after 60 minutes.
Step 3: If the water level in the drain is the same as you left 60 minutes ago, then your problem has been solved.
Tip: Pour 3-4 ounces of mineral oil in the P-trap to retard the evaporation process.
Note: If the P-trap hasn’t dried and you are not able to figure out what is wrong, make sure to call a professional so that they can help you with it.
Install A Hair Catcher
You never know when your hair fall will become your bathroom drain’s enemy. It can not only block the drain but also become a primary cause of smelly drain. If you are facing recurrent clogged drain due to hair stuck inside here’s what you can do. Install a hair catcher to ensure no more body hair is falling into the drain. Consider professional help for bathroom renovations by GTG Constructions!
Why Should You Act Fast on Smelly Drains?
Foul Odour
A foul odour may indicate that dangerous chemicals have entered your house, which is undesirable. However, it is unlikely to cause major long-term health problems.
Nonetheless, neglecting a foul-smelling drain can cause headaches, weariness, pain, and even worry, especially if the obstruction is persistent.
Breeding Ground For Bacteria
A clogged drain produces stagnant water, which is ideal for storing hazardous germs. These bacteria, which are commonly found in sewage, can cause disease if consumed accidentally. Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhoea
- stomach pain
- Fever
- Vomiting
Hazardous Sewer Gases
Sewage backup from clogged drains can release dangerous gases into your home, including carbon monoxide and methane. Inhaling these gases might result in illness, disorientation, and even death. The immediate reporting of suspected gas leaks is crucial.
Struggling with Smelly Drains? Get Expert Assistance Now
Dealing with persistent drain odors despite your efforts? Don’t worry. Our experienced team at GTG Constructions specializes in plumbing and can promptly diagnose and fix the root cause of the issue. Don’t let lingering odors disrupt your peace of mind; reach out to us for reliable assistance.
If the problem persists even after repeated attempts, it could indicate a deeper plumbing issue. Act swiftly and call our expert plumbers to prevent further complications. Our professionals are equipped with the skills and know-how to accurately detect and resolve the problem, ensuring your drains stay odor-free. Remember, attempting DIY fixes without proper knowledge can lead to major water damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my bathroom drain stink?
There could be several reasons why your bathroom drain stinks. Common causes include mold growth due to trapped moisture, biofilm formation caused by bacterial buildup, a broken wax seal, clogged air vents or P-trap, trapped gunk or dirt, and even tree roots invading drain pipes.
How can I clean a smelly bathroom drain?
To clean a smelly bathroom drain, you can try several methods. One effective method involves using a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda to scrub the drain. Another method is to ensure the P-trap remains filled with water to block sewer gases. Installing a hair catcher can also prevent hair from clogging the drain.
Why should I act fast on smelly drains?
Acting swiftly on smelly drains is important for several reasons. Foul odors can indicate the presence of dangerous chemicals, and neglecting them may lead to health issues such as headaches and fatigue. Additionally, clogged drains can become breeding grounds for bacteria, and sewage backup can release hazardous gases into your home.
What are the consequences of neglecting smelly drains?
Neglecting smelly drains can lead to various consequences. These include persistent foul odors, the proliferation of bacteria, and the release of hazardous sewer gases into your home. Additionally, neglecting smelly drains can result in major water damage if left untreated.
How can I fix recurring smelly drains?
If you’re experiencing recurring smelly drains, it may indicate a larger plumbing issue. In such cases, it’s best to contact a professional plumber who can accurately diagnose and fix the problem. Attempting to fix plumbing problems on your own without proper knowledge can result in further damage.”
