Open 24/7! Servicing all of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs
Our Average Response time is: 1hr 53min 47sec
Have you been a victim of the smelly drain? Nobody likes a bad stench lingering in their home. But what causes these smelly drains? It's usually a sign of a blockage, bacteria buildup, or even a more serious plumbing issue.
While regular cleaning can help, If the bad odour persists, it’s time to call in a professional. Plumbers pinpoint the cause and hidden issues, which means that they can make sure your drains are working as they should. A professional plumber can help you understand why your drains smell and how to act early to save you from bigger headaches further down the track.
Smelly drains usually come down to a few common issues, and most of them aren’t pleasant. Trust us, we know first-hand! It all comes down to poor maintenance of drains that can lead to:
The good news? Once you identify the cause, you can take steps to get rid of the smell for good.
Mould and mildew thrive in damp, dark environments—which makes your drains the perfect breeding ground if moisture is left unchecked. And the mould is worsened when organic matter like soap scum, food particles, or hair accumulates in your pipes. This creates an ideal environment for mould spores to settle and grow.
But it doesn't stop there. As mould spreads, it releases musty odours that can make your bathroom or kitchen smell damp and unpleasant. It also becomes toxic if left unchecked with health risks of mould exposure including allergies, respiratory issues, skin and eye irritation, neurological problems, chronic fatigue and immune suppression.
As a result, it's important to address the problem quickly. Regular cleaning and proper ventilation can help prevent mould buildup. You can also buy a humidifier or place moisture-absorbing crystal powders in problem areas. But if the smell and mould persist, get a plumber to inspect your drains to get to the root source contributing to the problem.
Tree roots, as you may know, naturally seek out moisture. What you may not know, however, is that this makes underground pipes a prime target. And once they infiltrate, they can create blockages that are extremely hard to detect. These blockages cause insufficient drainage and trap waste, which in turn leads to foul odours.
But how do you know if you're experiencing root intrusion?
If you notice gurgling sounds when flushing the toilet or using taps, that's a telltale sign that roots have made their way into your plumbing. And they're only going to keep growing and get worse. Left unchecked, they will eventually cause serious damage, which leads to costly pipe repairs.
The answer is regular maintenance, such as professional drain inspections. If needed, hydro-jetting can help prevent root intrusion and keep your drains flowing—and smelling—fresh.
We've all been guilty of allowing small food scraps, grease, and soap scum down the drain. While in tiny quantities these may seem harmless, over time the food and other materials accumulate in your pipes.
As a result, mould, mildew, and bacteria thrive, leading to bad smells. More importantly, it can also pose health risks if left untreated.
Drain flies or sink flies are tiny pests but can quickly become a big nuisance. They thrive in damp environments, especially with decomposing organic matter, and you know what this means—clogged or dirty drains with organic matter build-up are the perfect breeding ground.
Take it as a red flag if you notice tiny flies hovering around your sink or bathroom drains. It's time to clean out the pipes. An experienced plumber can remove food scraps and flush your pipes with high-pressure, hot water to keep drain flies away and prevent bad odours from developing.
Sewer gas is one of the most common culprits behind smelly drains (understandably!). However, in some cases, the smell can be a warning of a bigger plumbing issue. The gas enters your home back up through drains and the highly unpleasant odour lingers. Understanding sewer line maintenance is key.
In our experience, a sewer gas trap problem is often to blame. Like S-traps and P-traps, they help keep sewer odours out of your home. But when the water in the trap evaporates, it allows sewer gas to escape into your home. This is a common issue in guest bathrooms or rarely used sinks. As such, the key is to run water in sinks, showers, and baths regularly to help keep the trap filled and prevent such foul odours.
However, if this doesn't work, consider getting a plumber in to inspect for deeper problems such as a blocked sewer line like venting issues or pipe damage.
Prevention is always the best measure. A few simple maintenance habits can go a long way in keeping nasty-smelling drains at bay. Here are a few tips:
Again, if bad smells persist, it's time to call in the professionals.
Getting rid of nasty-smelling drains is easier than you might think, and you probably already have what you need at home. We touched on using baking soda and vinegar above. How to go about this is to simply pour baking soda down the drain and follow it with vinegar. The combination will cause a fizzing action that will break down grime and bacteria.
Flushing your drains with boiling water is another handy trick. It can also help clear minor blockages and kill odour-causing bacteria. for best results, use both methods.
Ignoring pipe problems can lead to water damage, higher bills, and unpleasant odours. And some bad smells can be a sign of a larger issue. If your DIY plumbing fails to clear blockages or fix leaks, it's time to call a professional plumber who can accurately diagnose and resolve the issue, preventing further damage.
Need help with your pipes? Contact Plumberoo for fast, professional service. Book online or call (02) 9191 8787 today!
How do you deal with smelly drains?
Smelly drains are often caused by a buildup of organic matter, grease, or bacteria that can be cleared through cleaning methods or treatments.
Who can fix smelly drains?
A licensed plumber can identify the source of the odour and use specialised tools or cleaning techniques to eliminate it.
How to clean smelly drains in Australia?
In Australia, you can clean smelly drains using natural solutions like baking soda and vinegar or professional grade drain cleaners.
Can a plumber fix a smelly drain?
Yes, fixing a smelly drain is one of the most common tasks any plumber will take on.
