I know a smelly drain can be very unpleasant and cause discomfort in the home. It’s also embarrassing, as it affects the overall atmosphere in your living space. The only way to feel comfortable again is to fix the smelly drain immediately.

As a plumber, I’ve encountered this issue many times, which is why I’m sharing a practical guide to help you save money and clean a smelly drain in your kitchen, bathroom, and shower yourself.

Items You’ll Need

Before you start cleaning your smelly drain, gathering all the necessary items is important. With these tools, you can tackle the problem quickly and effectively. Here is the list of everything you need.

• Wrench
• Baking Soda
• Snake Hose Auger or Metal Hanger
• Vinegar
• Plunger
• Rubber Gloves
• Hot Water
• Bucket
• Petroleum Jelly
• Drain Plug
• Hose

For more plumbing tips, check out our article How to Fix a Blocked Sink for easy solutions to unclog your sink.

8 ways to clean a smelly drain.

Here are eight effective ways to clean a smelly drain that you can try yourself. As a plumber with years of experience working at Pro Action Plumbing in Ringwood and the surrounding areas, I’ve used these methods countless times, and they work perfectly every time.

1. Identify the Source

The first step in fixing a smelly drain is to identify where the smell is coming from. Often, the bad odour is caused by food scraps, soap scum, or even mould that’s built up in your pipes. You have to start by checking the drain for any obvious clogs or visible debris. If you notice a lot of buildup around the drain, that’s likely where the smell comes from.

2. Remove Visible Debris

Once you have identified the source of the smell, the next step is to remove any visible debris from the drain. Make sure to check around the drain for food particles, hair, soap scum, or any other buildup. After that, use your rubber gloves to protect your hands, and use a small brush or a cloth to wipe away any debris. If large items are stuck in the drain, use a pair of tongs or a small tool to pull them out.

3. Run Boiling Water Down the Drain

After you’ve removed the visible debris, the next step is to run boiling water down the drain. Boiling water helps to dissolve any grease, soap scum, or other buildup that could be causing the bad smell. Simply boil a kettle of water and carefully pour it down the drain in small amounts.

Let the water sit in the drain for a few seconds between each pour. This will help to break down any sticky residues naturally that are stuck to the sides of the pipes.

Related: How to Unclog a Shower Drain?

4. Hot Water or Vinegar

It is a very simple and natural method you can try at home easily. First, boil a kettle of water. Carefully pour the hot water down the drain. The hot water helps loosen any grease, soap scum, or food particles that might be stuck inside the pipes. Be sure to pour it slowly in small amounts, allowing the hot water to break down the buildup step by step.

After pouring the hot water, take about 1 cup of vinegar and pour it down the drain. Vinegar is great at breaking down stubborn residue and neutralizing odours. Let the vinegar sit in the drain for about 10-15 minutes. During this time, it will dissolve any remaining gunk.

Note: If you have PVC pipes, make sure not to use high-temperature boiling water, as PVC is designed for a maximum service temperature of about 140 degrees. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above this limit can compromise its structural integrity.

For more DIY plumbing fixes, check out our article How to Fix a Leaking Tap to stop those annoying drips.

5. Use a Plunger

If you have tried the above method but are still clogged or smell bad, then try this method. Take a plunger and a thin layer of petroleum jelly around the edge of the plunger. This helps create a better seal when you place the plunger over the drain. Next, fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the bottom of the plunger. Then, press the plunger down firmly over the drain. Make sure to push down and pull up quickly several times. After that, check if it helps loosen any debris or blocks in the drain.

6. Combine Baking Soda & Vinegar with hot water.

You can start pouring ½ cups of baking soda down the drain, making sure it goes into the drain as much as possible. Then, right after, pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain. You will notice some fizzing and bubbling, which is normal!

Let it sit for about 40 to 60 minutes. During this time, the mixture will work to loosen any stubborn blockages and neutralise bad smells. After waiting, pour hot water down the drain to flush everything away. This will help clear out any remaining debris and leave your drain smelling fresh.

7. Use a Snake Hose Auger or Coat Hanger

If your drain is still clogged after trying the previous methods, you can use a hose auger or coat handler to reach blockages further down in the pipes.

A snake hose auger is a long, flexible tool designed to break through tougher clogs. To use it, insert the auger into the drain and slowly feed it through the pipe. As you turn the handle, the auger will move deeper into the drain and may grab or break up the clog. Once you feel the resistance at ease, you’ve likely cleared the blockage. Afterwards, flush the drain with hot water to clear out any remaining debris.

If you don’t have a snake hose auger, you can use a coat hanger as an alternative. Straighten out the hanger, leaving a small hook at the end. Carefully insert it into the drain, and use the hook to pull out any debris or hair causing the clog. Be gentle to avoid damaging the pipes.

Clean the P-Trap

If your drain is still clogged or smells bad, you can try cleaning the P-trap. The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe underneath your kitchen or bathroom sink that holds water and helps prevent sewer gases from entering your home. Over time, debris like food particles, soap scum, and hair can get stuck in the P-trap and cause clogs or bad smells.

To clean the P-trap, start by placing a bucket underneath it to catch any water or debris. Use a wrench to loosen the slip nuts on both ends of the P-trap. Once the nuts are loose, carefully remove the P-trap from the pipes. Be prepared for some water to spill out, so keep your bucket and towels handy.

After removing the P-trap, check for any buildup or blockages inside. Use a small brush or cloth to clean the trap and remove any gunk that’s causing the clog or smell. Once it’s clean, reattach the P-trap to the pipes, making sure the slip nuts are tight. Run water through the drain to check if everything is working properly.

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Conclusion

Cleaning a smelly drain doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these simple steps, like removing visible debris, using hot water or vinegar, and cleaning the P-trap, you can quickly get rid of odours and keep your drains flowing smoothly. If the smell persists, you may need to try a drain snake or call a plumber for more serious clogs. Taking care of your drains regularly will help prevent bad smells and keep your home smelling fresh.