Foul odors are never pleasant, especially when they’re coming from the vast reaches of your home’s plumbing system. Drains especially can emit strange smells that can often be a sign of underlying issues that need to be addressed. So, our friendly Arroyo Grande plumbers have put together a guide on how to deal with common plumbing odors in your home.
Identify the Source
First, you need to pinpoint the source before you can effectively deal with a puzzling plumbing odor. The most common odors are often associated with specific problems:
Sewage smell: This typically indicates a problem with your sewer line or septic system.
Rotten-egg scent: This could be due to a buildup of hydrogen sulfide gas in your water heater or drains.
Musty odor: This may suggest mold or mildew growth associated with a clog or blockage in your pipes or drains.
Establish a Regular Cleaning Schedule
Prevention is key when it comes to plumbing odors. Establish a regular cleaning routine for your drains, sinks, and garbage disposal to prevent the buildup of debris that can lead to foul smells.
Here are some common cleaning techniques:
Run hot water: After each use, run hot water through your kitchen and bathroom sinks to help clear out any lingering debris.
Organic Drain Treatment: Use a product like BioOne down your drains help break down grease and organic matter.
Clean the garbage disposal: Grind ice cubes and citrus peels in your garbage disposal to keep it clean and fresh. For more garbage disposal tips, click here.
More Tips & Tricks
Inspect for leaks: Leaks can result in mold and mildew growth, which in turn causes musty odors. Regularly inspect for leaks under sinks, around toilet bases, and in your basement or crawl space. Accumulated water won’t always tell the tale, either; sometimes you’ll have to look for water marks or damage.
Maintain proper ventilation: Ventilation is essential to keep odors at bay. Make sure your bathroom and kitchen are adequately ventilated with exhaust fans or open windows when cooking or showering. This allows odors to dissipate, but it also prevents moisture buildup from steam or mist in the air.
Check the P-trap: This is the U-shaped pipe beneath your sinks that holds water to prevent sewer gases from entering your home. If the water in the P-trap evaporates, odors can waft up from the sewer. If the trap is dry, simply pour in some water. To prevent them from drying up in the first place, make sure you’re running the water occasionally in rarely used sinks.
Address sewer line issues: If you suspect a sewer line problem is causing the odor, this is most likely a problem for the pros. They can inspect your sewer line for clogs, cracks, or blockages and repair or replace it as needed.
Preventing Plumbing Odors
Odors are just part and parcel when it comes to your home’s plumbing system from time to time. Following the above steps will ensure that those funky smells are few and far between. And remember, if you’ve tried everything and the odor persists or if you’re unsure of the source, it’s time to consult the pros. Our friendly Arroyo Grande plumbers are always a call or click away!
