Is there a strong odor of sewage emanating from your kitchen drain? We have listed the four most common causes of a foul smell coming from your drain as well as a solution!
It is not what most people expect when they enter the kitchen to make steaming coffee that wakes them up, only to find that the sink smells!
Sadly, however, this is true. In fact, many people don’t know what to do when their kitchen sink suddenly smells like sewage. This guide is just for you if you’re in the same boat!
Factors That Could Cause Your Kitchen Sink to Smell Like Sewerage
1. Clogged drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common causes of a variety of plumbing issues, including backflowing wastewater and leaks that can be unbearably unpleasant. A clogged drain can occur for a variety of reasons.
This problem can be brought on by anything from old, worn-out pipes to debris deposits. Food, hair, and other waste that gets into the drain can clog it and stop wastewater from getting to the sewage tank. The wastewater and debris that have built up in the pipe may begin to smell over time.
If the problem isn’t fixed right away, the wastewater will build up in the sink and smell bad because it can’t go down the drain.
2. Damaged Pipes
Similarly, corroded or damaged pipes may impede wastewater flow, resulting in sluggish or nonexistent drainage. You won’t be able to get rid of the sewage smell unless the pipe starts working normally again.
Keep in mind that you will need to remove the excess water from the sink by hand (gross, we know). As a result, to shield yourself from splashes, we advise putting on gloves, an old apron, a face mask, and safety glasses.
You can clear your clogged drain by doing the following:
A. Pour boiling water
Once you’ve cleared some space in the sink, slowly pour at least one liter of boiling water near the drain opening and wait for it to cool down. The clog-causing hair and food particles should be dislodged by this. If necessary, repeat this step and flush the pipe with regular water.
Note that if your PVC pipes are damaged by heat, you should not use this method.
B. Make a vinegar-baking soda match
Boiling water might not be enough to get rid of stubborn clogs, so you might need something stronger. Thankfully, your kitchen cabinet contains the necessary ingredients for that!
A cup of baking soda and a cup of white vinegar should be poured near the drain opening. Dirt and debris will be dissolved as a result of this bubbling chemical reaction inside the drain.
The more time you give the reaction to work, the better the results will be, so do this at night and come back in the morning to flush the drain. You should be able to see the water draining once more by pouring hot water down the sink.
2. Blocked sewer pipe
If the main sewer line is partially or completely clogged, wastewater may return to your home’s outlet drains. As a result, your kitchen sink may have standing water that smells like sewage.
Breaking up the blockage in the pipe can be accomplished with a kitchen drain plunger. Place the plunger head on the drain stopper to form a tight seal and remove the stopper. After that, push and pull the handle in unison until you see the level of water drop.
Alternatively, you can manually clear the clog from further down the drain by employing a drain snake. To begin, slowly insert the snake’s cable through the drain opening by extending its cable. When you encounter resistance, you know the snake has entered the obstruction.
To remove the clog and the cable, turn the handle in the opposite direction of the clock. It might take a few tries to get the clog out completely.
Keep in mind, however, that these strategies only work if the obstruction is further down the pipe. Call the professionals to clean the sewer pipe if it is clogged all the way to the outlet drains.
3. Malfunctioning sink trap
Have you ever noticed a small, curved pipe under your kitchen sink? That’s the sink trap that keeps harmful sewer gases out of your home. However, it may begin to malfunction for a variety of reasons.
First and foremost, it is possible for the rubber gasket that holds it to the floor, wall, or drain outlet to wear out. Because the gasket can be replaced, this is a relatively straightforward issue.
To strengthen the seal, place some sealant tape or plumber’s putty on either end of the sink trap or near the drain cover.
Also, check the sink trap’s condition. It is in your best interest to replace it, either by yourself or with the help of a professional, if it appears to be too old or if there are visible leaky spots.
4. Unexcellent garbage disposal
A filthy garbage disposal can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to an unpleasant odor. Because of this, it is essential to clean it frequently with household products.
You will hear a bubbling or gurgling sound in the drain after you pour baking soda and white vinegar in equal amounts down the disposal. The rubber drain cap should be used to immediately close it, and the sound should stop. This will assist in removing the buildup of clogs, particularly those caused by food particles, grease, and oil.
To get rid of any smells of food, we also recommend using a sponge dipped in a soapy solution to clean the rubber drain cap and the flaps. To get rid of bad smells from the pipe, you can also chop up the peel of any citrus fruit and put it in the disposal.
Make your kitchen sink odor-free by regularly cleaning it and the garbage disposal. This can effectively prevent your sink from producing unpleasant odors. Aside from that, don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink for too long because food scraps can get into the drain and block it, making it smell bad.
However, there are some issues that will require the expertise of professionals, such as broken pipes and clogged sewer lines. At J.O. Plumbing, we have licensed plumbers who are able to fix leaks and clean up clogs. To set up an appointment right away, call our support line.
