How to get rid of smelly drains in bathroom

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!

Why Does My Bathroom Drain Stink?

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.

Conclusion

Even after repeated attempts, if your drain stinks again, it suggests a problem with your plumbing. To keep things from getting worse, you must act swiftly. Call a plumber who knows clogged drains right away.If you notice scents emanating from many drains, contact a professional from GTG construction to examine further. They have the skills and know-how to accurately detect and fix the problem, preventing it from repeating. Remember that attempting to fix plumbing problems on your own might result in major water damage if you don’t know what you’re doing.