What’s Really Causing That Odour?
Let’s be honest nothing disrupts a clean, happy kitchen like that awful smell wafting up from the sink. If you’re Googling “how to get rid of smelly drains in kitchen,” chances are you’ve already tried the usual suspects: baking soda, vinegar, or maybe even a lemon or two. And yet, that sour, musty, drain-y smell keeps coming back.
Here’s the thing. That smell isn’t just annoying it’s a sign. And it’s not just about covering it up. The real issue? Your kitchen drain is probably blocked, partially clogged, or in desperate need of a deep clean. Let’s break down what’s actually going on in that sink and why it might be time to stop masking the problem and start fixing it properly.
What Causes Smelly Kitchen Drains?
Smelly kitchen drains are a result of organic matter (like food scraps, grease, fat, and soap residue) getting trapped inside the pipes. Over time, this build-up becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. That rotten egg or musty smell? It’s usually the result of sulphur-emitting bacteria feasting on the leftovers stuck in your drain.
Even worse, stagnant water and hidden blockages can also start to back up, especially in older pipework or slow-flowing systems.
You might not see a full blockage yet, but if your sink takes longer to drain or gurgles while doing so, that’s your drain crying for help.
DIY Drain Cleaning: Do They Work?
Let’s talk reality.
You might have poured some baking soda and vinegar down there. Maybe even added a splash of boiling water or lemon juice. Sure, it might help for a few hours or a day or two. But here’s why that smell keeps creeping back:
Surface-level cleaning: These DIY methods only touch the upper part of the drain. They don’t break down the gunk clinging further down.
No removal of blockages: If food, grease or soap scum has hardened inside your pipes, vinegar alone won’t cut it.
Underlying problems remain: What if the issue isn’t even food? It could be a partially collapsed pipe, faulty U-bend, or worse sewage backup. Yikes.
So yes, those natural solutions seem helpful but they’re really just masking a bigger issue.
Signs That You Need a Drain Engineer
It’s easy to think a smelly drain is just an everyday nuisance. But here’s what you should actually watch out for:
Persistent bad smells, even after cleaning
Gurgling sounds from the sink or pipes
Slow drainage
Water pooling in or around the sink
Flies or gnats appearing around the drain
If any of these ring a bell, it’s likely that your kitchen drain needs professional unblocking or deep cleaning. In most cases, the smell is a symptom not the root cause.
Professional Drain Cleaning Service Can Help
This is where we come in.
At a certain point, no amount of vinegar or lemon peels will fix what’s happening inside your pipes. Smelly drains in the kitchen usually mean the system is struggling, and the only real fix is a thorough inspection and proper cleaning or unblocking.
Here’s what we do when we get called to sort out smelly kitchen drains:
Inspect the problem: We’ll find out what’s really causing the smell and assess the condition of your drains.
Remove blockages: Whether it’s fat, food, or something else entirely, we’ll use professional tools to break down and flush out the debris.
Deep clean the pipes: We’ll clean the full system to remove biofilm, grease and bacteria build-up.
Prevent future issues: We’ll offer tips and solutions to stop smells and blockages coming back again.
It’s quick, affordable and honestly way less hassle than trial-and-error with home remedies.
Don’t Let a Smelly Drain Turn Into a Bigger Problem
Here’s the truth: if your kitchen drain smells bad now, it’s not going to get better on its own. In fact, the longer you leave it, the more chance that small smell turns into a full-blown blockage, flooding, or damage to your plumbing system.
So if you’re still asking how to get rid of smelly drains in the kitchen, the answer is simpler than you think:
- Identify the problem.
- Stop covering it up.
- Get the drain cleaned properly.
Call Us Today – Your Local Drain Unblocking Experts
We’re not here to scare you we’re here to help.
Our friendly, professional plumbers have seen it all (and smelt it all). We’ll get rid of the smell, clear the problem at the source and leave your kitchen fresh and functional again.
Why choose us?
Rapid same-day service
Honest prices with no hidden fees
Fully qualified, experienced plumbers
Friendly, helpful service with a smile
Call us now and let’s get your kitchen back to how it should smell: clean, fresh, and worry-free.
Still wondering how to get rid of smelly drains in the kitchen?
Don’t wait for a full blockage call us now and let our expert plumbers eliminate those smelly kitchen drains quickly, safely, and for good.