There’s nothing worse than walking into your kitchen or bathroom and being hit by the foul stench of a smelly drain. Whether it smells like rotten eggs, musty damp, or just something you can’t quite describe it’s never pleasant.
The good news? You might be able to fix it yourself without too much hassle. In this blog, we’ll break down some simple, everyday tips on how to get rid of a smelly drain, what might be causing the stink and when it’s time to call in a plumber for help.
Why Does My Drain Smell?
Before you start pouring anything down the sink, it’s useful to know why your drain smells in the first place. A smelly drain can be caused by:
Trapped food particles (especially in the kitchen)
Hair and soap scum (usually in bathroom sinks or showers)
Dry P-traps (the U-shaped pipe under your sink)
Blocked vents
Build-up of bacteria or mould
Drain blockages deeper down
Each of these can create a perfect environment for bacteria, mould or just general nastiness to thrive and that’s what causes the smell.
Quick Fixes for Smelly Drains
Here are a few DIY drain cleaning tips that often work wonders. Just remember be gentle. Pouring harsh chemicals down your drain can sometimes do more harm than good.
1. Boiling Water Flush
This is the easiest place to start.
Boil a full kettle of water.
Slowly pour it down the drain in two stages, waiting a few seconds between each pour.
This can help dissolve grease or soap build-up that might be causing the smell.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
Follow it with one cup of white vinegar.
Let it fizz and bubble for 10-15 minutes.
Rinse with hot (not boiling) water.
It’s a safe, non-toxic way to break down gunk and kill off odour-causing bacteria.
3. Lemon and Salt Scrub
This one is great for kitchen sinks in particular.
Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice down the drain.
Add a tablespoon of coarse salt.
Let it sit for 10 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Don’t Forget the Plug Hole or Overflow
Sometimes the smell isn’t coming from inside the drain itself, but from the bits around it.
Remove and clean the drain stopper or plug they can collect hair, soap scum or food residue.
Use an old toothbrush and warm soapy water to scrub around the edges and overflow holes of your sink.
It’s a small thing, but can make a big difference.
When to Worry:
Signs It’s More Than Just a Smelly Drain
Tried the fixes above and still noticing a bad smell? Here are some red flags:
The smell keeps coming back quickly.
Water is draining slowly.
There’s gurgling or bubbling noises when you flush or run taps.
You notice smells in multiple drains around the house.
These signs usually point to a blocked drain, or even an issue with your plumbing system as a whole like a blocked waste pipe or a damaged vent.
What About Outside Drains?
If the smell is coming from an outside drain or manhole, you might be dealing with a blocked outside drain, which could be caused by leaves, dirt, or even fat and grease from your kitchen waste. In this case, it’s definitely best not to try and tackle it yourself blocked outside drains often need specialist equipment.
Call a Plumber if the Smell Won’t Go
There’s only so much you can (or should) do on your own. If your drain still smells bad even after trying these tips, it’s probably time to call a professional plumber.
At that point, you might have a blocked drain, or even a deeper issue like broken pipework or a problem with your sewer connection. A plumber can:
Investigate with specialist equipment (like drain cameras)
Clear stubborn blockages properly
Ensure your home is safe, clean and smell-free
No one wants to live with a smelly drain, and luckily, many of the causes are simple and easy to fix with items you already have at home. But if those nasty smells keep coming back, or if you notice slow draining or weird sounds, don’t wait get in touch with a local plumber.
Bad smells can be the first warning sign of a bigger issue. And the sooner you deal with it, the better.
Still Smelling Something Off? Let the Pros Handle It!
If you’ve tried the DIY tips and your drain still smells, don’t wait for it to get worse. A persistent odour could mean a deeper blockage or hidden issue in your plumbing system. Our experienced plumbers can quickly diagnose and fix the problem saving you time, stress, and mess.
Call us today or book an appointment online to get your drains flowing (and smelling) fresh again.
