It’s something that most homeowners in Mississauga and Etobicoke experience at least occasionally. They walk into their bathrooms or kitchens and are greeted by an unpleasant odour. The garbage bin is usually the first suspect, but what happens when you take out the trash and the smell is still there? Is the smell more pungent near the sink? It could be the drains.

Smelly drains are a fairly common problem, and there are several causes. The good news is that the solution is usually simple, and in most cases, it is something you can take care of yourself.

Causes of smelly drains

• Clogs and bacteria – perhaps the most common causes of stinky drains are clogs and bacteria build-up caused by hair, food, grease, and gunk.
• Sewer smells – sewer smells can occur if the drain traps are empty and gas from the sewer is allowed to rise up into the trap.
• Pipe blockage – if there is a blockage in the drainpipe or sewer vent pipe, it can cause drains to smell.
• Water issues – If your drain has a rotten egg smell, it could be because bacteria has entered the system and is reacting with sulphates in the hot water heater.
• Mould or mildew – if there is a leak near the sink or behind the wall, it could cause mould or mildew, which will produce a smell.

 

How to get rid of the smell?

Clogs and Bacteria

For smells that are caused by clogs and bacteria, you’ve got a few options for getting rid of the smell. The first is to plug the sink and fill it with water and add a little bit of bleach before draining the sink. The bleach will kill the bacteria to get rid of the smell. Another option is to use boiling hot water and pour it down the sink a little at a time.

Alternatively, if you want a solution that is stronger than just water but not as harsh as bleach, you can mix some white vinegar with baking soda and pour the fizzing solution down the drain. Let it sit for about an hour and then pour hot water down the drain.

For stubborn clogs, you may also need to use a drain snake.

Empty Drain Traps

If you have a sewer smell that is caused by empty drain traps, you will need to get the traps filled up with water again. Running the water should help with this.

Mould and Mildew

If a leaky pipe causes the smell, you will need to contact a professional plumber to locate and resolve the issue.

Water issue

If the problem is from bacteria in the hot water heater, then turning up the heat for a short time should be enough to resolve the issue. Usually, the standard-setting is around 140 degrees, but if you turn it up to 160 for a while, it should kill off the bacteria. After that, flush out the hot water heater by running hot water into a bathtub for 10-15 minutes. Ensure, however, that there is a pressure release valve on your hot water heater first, or this could be dangerous. Nobody likes to have smelly drains, but fortunately, there is usually an easy fix. For larger plumbing problems in Mississauga and Etobicoke, however, you should always consult with a professional plumber.

For help with plumbing issues for your home, contact the team at D. Jason Plumbing today.

Homeowners in Toronto, Etobicoke and Mississauga have all experienced it. It starts when you notice the water isn’t draining quite as quickly as it used to from your bathtub or sink. But before you see it, the water hardly seems to drain at all. If untreated, the problem only gets worse, and you may even start to have unpleasant odours coming from the drains.

Fortunately, clearing a clogged drain is usually a simple matter, and there are easy remedies you can do yourself that will often solve the problem.

1. Use a plunger.

Most GTA homeowners think of a plunger as a tool for the toilet. But it can also be used to unclog a sink or bathtub drain. Get into the practice of sanitizing your plunger after each use. That way, it can be used whenever – and wherever – you need it.

2. Clean the trap.

If the clog occurs in the bathroom or kitchen sink, one thing you can try to do that may clear it is to clean the trap. The trap is that U-shaped pipe you see when you open the cabinet doors underneath. To clean the trap, begin by putting a bucket underneath to catch any water that leaks out. Then look for a clean-out plug (it should be located at the bottom of the U bend). Pull out the plug and let any water drain before cleaning out the pipe with an unwound wire hanger or a long flexible brush.

3. Use a drain snake.

If using a plunger or cleaning the trap doesn’t do the trick, you can try using a drain snake. A drain snake is an inexpensive tool that can be inserted down through the tap into the pipes. Us the snake by pushing it down the drain and rotating it clockwise. When you push through the clog with the snake, you should feel something give. Work the snake back and forth until the clog releases.

4. Pour hot water down the drain.

If the clog is caused by grease – which can be common with kitchen sinks in the Toronto area – you can try using hot water. Boil some water in a kettle and pour it down the drain. This should soften the grease enough to get it moving.

5. Try a bottle of cola.

Believe it or not, but dark colas like Coke or Pepsi can actually be quite corrosive. To use this method, purchase a bottle of non-diet dark cola and pour it down the drain and then leave it for a couple of hours before running the tap. The coal has phosphoric acid that will help to dissolve any calcium build-up in your pipes.

And if these drain cleaning tricks don’t work?

While the tips listed above are usually quite effective, some drain clogs may need the help of a plumber.

If you are a homeowner in Toronto, Etobicoke or Mississauga, the professionals at D. Jason Plumbing are here to help. Contact us today for help with clogged drains or any other plumbing service you may need.