A persistent smell from your drains is unpleasant and often indicates a deeper problem in your plumbing. Whether it’s coming from your kitchen sink, shower, or outdoor drain, bad odours typically suggest a blockage, build-up, or trapped gases somewhere in the system. As drainage specialists, Exjet assists both homeowners and businesses across the South West in identifying the cause of smelly drains and offering lasting solutions.
What Causes Drain Odours
Organic Waste Build-Up
Food debris, grease, soap residue, and hair are common causes of drain odours. Over time, these materials accumulate along pipe walls, where they start to break down and emit unpleasant gases. In kitchens, this is often due to fat and oil residue that cools and hardens, forming a coating inside the pipes that traps other waste.
Blocked or Partially Blocked Drains
Even small blockages can restrict water flow. When water is trapped, it stagnates and begins to smell. Bacteria flourish in these conditions, producing strong odours that can spread throughout your home or commercial premises.
Dry or Faulty Traps
Every sink, bath, and shower drain has a U-bend or trap designed to hold a small amount of water. This water acts as a seal, preventing gases from escaping back through the plughole. If a drain hasn’t been used for a while, the water in the trap can evaporate, allowing unpleasant odours to rise from the sewer.
Ventilation Issues
Drainage systems depend on vent pipes to equalise pressure and safely vent gases outside. If these vents become blocked or damaged, odours can escape through plugholes or toilets instead. This issue is more common in larger buildings or complex commercial systems.
Damaged or Collapsed Pipework
Cracked or displaced pipes can leak wastewater underground, causing foul odours to seep through the soil. These issues are rarely visible from the surface and usually need a professional CCTV drain survey for an accurate diagnosis.
How to Eliminate Drain Smells
Flush the Drain with Boiling Water
Pouring boiling water down the drain can help dissolve light grease and soap residue. This simple step is often effective for kitchen sinks with mild odours caused by build-up inside the pipes.
Use Safe Cleaning Methods
A mixture of baking soda followed by white vinegar can neutralise odours and break down organic matter. Allow the solution to sit for several minutes before flushing through with hot water. This method is environmentally friendly and avoids the use of harsh chemicals that can damage older pipes.
Refill or Clean the Trap
If the smell is coming from a rarely used sink or shower, running the tap for a few minutes will refill the water trap and prevent gases from escaping. Sometimes, removing the trap and cleaning it thoroughly can help get rid of trapped residue.
Arrange Professional Drain Cleaning
If odours persist, the problem is probably deeper inside the system. Exjet’s engineers use high-pressure water jetting to clear stubborn blockages and clean internal pipe surfaces, helping to restore full flow and prevent bacteria build-up.
Repair or Reline Damaged Pipes
If a CCTV survey detects cracks or leaks, Exjet can perform no-dig pipe repair to seal the damage without excavation. This prevents wastewater from escaping and halts foul gases from leaking into the surrounding ground.
When to Call a Professional
Foul-smelling drains that return after cleaning often indicate a deeper problem. You should contact a professional drainage engineer if:
- The smell persists despite cleaning.
- Water drains slowly or gurgles after use.
- Odours are strongest near outdoor drains or manholes.
- You suspect structural damage to your pipework.
Our team can inspect, diagnose, and resolve issues swiftly using advanced equipment, guaranteeing your drainage system operates safely and efficiently.
Preventing Drain Smells in the Future
The most effective way to prevent unpleasant odours is by taking precautions.
Avoid pouring fats, oils, and food waste down sinks.
Dispose of wipes, cotton buds, and sanitary items in a bin.
Keep all traps wet by running water in rarely used fixtures.
Schedule regular maintenance or CCTV drain inspections with Exjet.
Consistent maintenance not only prevents bad smells but also protects your property from leaks, flooding, and costly repairs.
Drainage Support from Exjet
Exjet provides complete drainage solutions, including CCTV drain surveys, no-dig pipe repair, and routine maintenance for domestic and commercial clients. With decades of experience, our team detects problems early and offers effective, long-lasting solutions to keep your drains clean, clear, and free from unpleasant odours.
Final Thoughts
A nasty smell from your drains is more than just a nuisance; it’s an early sign of a developing issue. Acting promptly can prevent more serious problems later. If you notice persistent odours or slow drainage, contact Exjet for professional advice and expert drain cleaning across the South West.