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Why Do I Have Smelly Drains and Stinky Water?

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William Koonce
Why Do I Have Smelly Drains and Stinky Water?

Causes of Smelly Drains


Having musty water from your sink, shower, or bathtub can be extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing. Smelly drains and water can have a variety of causes, but in most cases, the cause is a build-up of organic and inorganic matter. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to identify and fix the cause of the smell.


One of the most common causes of smelly water is the build-up of bacteria in the drain trap. In the sink and tub, the drain trap serves to hold a small amount of water, keeping sewer odors away from the home and creating a small barrier between sewers and the home. If your sink and tub's drain trap becomes clogged with debris, and there is a build-up of mold and mildew, it can create a musty and unpleasant smell.


In addition to bacteria, organic matter such as hair, soap residue, food, and grease can also cause smelly water and drains. If left unchecked, these materials can rot and form unpleasant odors. Many times, smelly water is a result of organic matter that has been left neglected and has had the opportunity to grow and decompose in the dark, damp conditions of a sink or tub drain.


Finally, there are chemical reactions that can cause odors to linger. If a clog forms in the drain pipe and causes drains to back-up, gas molecules and other particles may escape, causing a musty or sewage-like smell.


Fix Smelly Drains


Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to eliminate smelly drains and water. The first step is to identify the source of the smell. If you find that it is originating from the sink or tub drain, you can try to unclog the drain. You may be able to do this yourself by pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain. If the clog persists, you may need to hire a local plumber for more drastic measures, such as snaking the drain or unclogging the pipes further down the line.


If the smell is originating from organic matter, the key is to clean the drain regularly. Regularly pouring baking soda, vinegar and boiling water down the drain can help to break down and remove the organic matter that is blocking the drain. You can also consider purchasing a handheld drain cleaner to remove the blockages. For deep cleaning and long-term maintenance, it is important to use a quality enzymatic cleaner on a regular basis. These cleaners use enzymes and surfactants to break down organic matter, prevent clogs, reduce odors and maintain an odorless drain.


If chemical odors are the issue, you may need to ventilate the area with fans or open windows. If the smell persists, you may need to investigate and identify the issue further. There could be a malfunction in the plumbing system, or the wastewater could be leaking into the area. If this is the case, it is important to call in a local plumber to identify the cause and take corrective measures.


Conclusion


Smelly drains and water can be quite unpleasant and embarrassing. Fortunately, most cases of smelly water can be avoided by regularly cleaning the drain and pipe system. If a problem persists, it is always wise to call in a professional plumber to identify and address the issue. Taking these steps will help ensure that your drains and water remain odor-free.

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William Koonce
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