Keeping your drains clean is essential for the health and proper function of your home. Unfortunately, most people don’t think about their drains until something goes wrong. That’s why today we’ll be talking about simple tips to help you keep your drains free of buildup and working correctly. We’ll discuss the cause of smelly drains, safe and effective ways to remove clogs, and the best ways to prevent clogs and smells in the future.
The Causes of Smelly Drains
A smelly drain can be an unpleasant surprise, and many homeowners are not sure what to do. Most of the time the cause of a smelly drain is blocked or damaged pipes, sewer gas buildup, food or organic buildup, or even mould. Old pipes that haven’t been regularly maintained often become clogged with debris and scum which creates nasty smells. Sewer gases from your toilet particularly if it is not correctly vented can also cause a musty odour in your home. Food waste builds up in drains over time if they are not regularly cleaned, especially if you have a garbage disposal that isn’t working properly or isn’t connected to an outdoor vent. And finally, excess moisture or high humidity can foster mould growth in the pipes that lead to strange odours in the house when there might be no other visible signs of mould elsewhere. Identifying and treating these causes swiftly is key to preventing further damage and expense.
How to Remove Potential Drain Clogs
Removing a clog from your kitchen or bathroom sink can be a frustrating task, but there are some simple tactics you can use to save yourself time and money. First, try pouring boiling water down the drain to loosen the obstruction. If this doesn’t work, you may want to consider making a baking soda and vinegar solution to pour into the drain – this combination can create a bubbling reaction that is useful for dispelling blockages. If these two options do not work, then you may need to enlist professional help and utilise an automated snake device or vacuum, which will physically remove any debris or objects stuck in the drain.
The Best Ways to Get Rid of Odours
Unpleasant odours in your kitchen and bathroom drains can be an issue that is hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are some great ways you can tackle this problem. One natural solution is using a combination of vinegar, baking soda and hot water regularly. The acidic properties of the vinegar help break down any residue that is creating the smell while baking soda helps absorb odours and create a neutralising effect. An even easier fix that many people swear by is simply putting a biological cleaner in your drain when it’s clogged or smelling bad. It works slowly over time, breaking down organic matter so it doesn’t stick around and cause bad smells later on.
How to Help Prevent Future Clogs, Smells, and Buildup
Keeping your drains, taps and stoppers clean and well-maintained is essential to avoiding clogs, smells, and build-up. Appropriate preventative measures include using drain screens to catch hair and other debris before it goes down the drain. To reduce buildup, pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain then follow with a pouring of hot water so that these substances can break through any residue causing the blockage. Additionally, never pour grease down the drain as it will eventually solidify and create a barrier that any other waste cannot pass through.
With regular maintenance of your drains, taps and stoppers, you will be able to enjoy a clog-free environment. However, if the issue persists and the measures mentioned above don’t help, it would be good to get your drains professionally cleaned.