How to get rid of smelly drains in bathroom

A bad smell coming from the bathroom drain can make the whole room feel off, even when everything looks clean. It often starts around the bath drain or slowly drifts up from the sink, and once it’s there, the smell tends to linger.

Most of the time, it comes down to something stuck or out of place in the plumbing. This guide explains what causes the smell and how to fix a drain that smells using clear and practical steps.

What Causes a Smelly Bathroom Drain?

Before you grab a drain smell remover, it helps to know what’s behind the odour. In most cases, smells come from a build-up of gunk in the pipes. We’re talking hair, soap scum, skin flakes, and even mould. Over time, this mix starts to rot, and that’s when the stench kicks in.

Another common reason is a dry P-trap. This is the U-shaped pipe under your sink or shower. It’s meant to hold water, which blocks sewer gases from coming up. But nothing stops those nasty smells if the trap dries out (especially in drains you don’t use often).

Blocked vents or broken seals can also cause gases to leak out. So while cleaning helps, it’s just as important to check what’s happening inside the plumbing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Get Rid of Drain Smells

1. Start With Boiling Water

Boil the kettle and pour the hot water straight down the drain. It’s simple, but boiling water can help melt away soap build-up and clear small blockages. Do this slowly, letting the water work its way through.

2. Use Bicarb and Vinegar

This old-school method still works a treat. Pour half a cup of bicarb soda into the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. You’ll hear fizzing. That’s the mix breaking down grime. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then flush it out with more boiling water.

This won’t fix every smelly drain, but it’s a good place to start for mild odours and build-up.

3. Clean the Drain Cover and Surround

Sometimes it’s not deep in the pipes. The stink is right near the top. Hair and muck caught under the drain cover can smell pretty foul. Take off the cover, give it a good scrub, and clean around the entry point of the drain. An old toothbrush works well for this.

4. Use a Proper Drain Cleaner

If home methods don’t cut it, try a shop-bought drain smell remover. Look for one that’s safe on bathroom drains and won’t damage your pipes. Avoid harsh chemicals if you’ve got older plumbing. They can do more harm than good. Enzyme-based cleaners are a gentler option and work by breaking down organic matter naturally.

5. Check the P-Trap

If the drain smell keeps coming back, check the P-trap. Run the tap for a few minutes to fill it up again. If that doesn’t work, or if the trap’s leaking, it might need replacing. For sink drains, you can often inspect the P-trap under the vanity. Shower traps are trickier. If you’re not sure, call a plumber to take a look.

6. Clear the Vent Stack (if needed)

Bathrooms need proper air flow through the pipes to move water and gases smoothly. If the vent pipe on your roof is blocked (by leaves or birds’ nests, for example), pressure builds up and smells get pushed back into the room. This is more of a job for a licensed plumber, but it’s something to keep in mind if smells linger after cleaning.

How to Stop Bathroom Drains From Smelling Again

Once you’ve sorted the stink, here’s how to keep it from coming back.

• Run water through all your drains regularly, especially ones you don’t use much.
• Avoid tipping oils, fats, or heavy conditioners down the drain.
• Use a drain strainer to catch hair and debris in the shower.
• Clean your drains with bicarb and vinegar once a month as a natural flush.

When to Call a Plumber

If the smell’s strong, keeps coming back, or is joined by gurgling or slow draining, it might be a sign of a deeper issue. You could be dealing with a partial blockage, a damaged pipe, or even a sewer line problem. A professional plumber can use a camera to inspect the drain properly and sort it out for good.

Final Thoughts

Smelly bathroom drains are a common problem, but they don’t need to hang around. With the right steps, from boiling water and bicarb to checking the P-trap, you can fix a drain that smells without much fuss. Keep things flowing and stay on top of regular cleaning to stop odours before they start.