A functional plumbing system is vital for a comfortable and healthy home. As such, any slight sign that something is wrong can be a cause for concern — including strange odors.
Although some awful plumbing smells may simply mean that you must clean your garbage disposal, some odors signify a significant underlying issue. The first step to rectifying these problems is to understand the roots. Discover some causes of plumbing odors and their solutions.
Clogged Drains
The drains carry away water and waste from your home. However, over time, debris such as hair, food particles, and grease accumulate in the pipe and cause a clog.
If you don't unclog the drains promptly, the trapped debris becomes decomposes. Eventually, the decomposed waste emits an unpleasant smell that rises up the drain and comes through your sink or shower.
The secret to preventing drain blockage is to install a sink strainer, which helps to collect food particles and other debris before they go down the drain. Also, be mindful of what you pour down the sink and avoid pouring cooking oil, coffee grounds, and other solid wastes down the drain.
If the damage is already done, you may use vinegar and baking soda to unclog the drains. If this tip does not solve your problem, don't attempt to disassemble the pipes if you lack the skillset. Instead, consult a professional for help.
Clogged Vent Pipes
Vent pipes allow fresh air into the plumbing and provide a place for wastewater gases to exit the system. If the vent pipes are blocked, perhaps due to leaves and debris, wastewater gases will have nowhere to escape and may instead end up in your home.
Note that not all homes have vent pipes. So if you suspect sewage gases are backing up to your space, let a specialist inspect your plumbing system. The specialists will unclog the vent pipes or install them if you don't have the vent pipes already.
Broken Sewer Line
The sewer line is responsible for transporting wastewater from your home to the underground piping system. If this system gets damaged due to tree roots or high pressure, that may cause sewage leakage.
The leakage manifests in many forms, the most obvious being bad odors. If you detect strange smells, particularly from your outdoor space, that may indicate a sewer line issue.
An experienced plumber will inspect your drains and sewer lines with sophisticated tools such as cameras to determine if there is any damage.
Dry P-Trap
This component is found in most drainpipes and is designed to prevent sewer gases from entering your home. A p-trap captures some standing water that seals off the drainage system.
However, if you don't use some drains for an extended period, the water in the p-trap evaporates, exposing the pipes and allowing odors to enter your space. If this happens, pour some water into the sink or shower then wait until it runs out through the drainpipe. Contact a professional if the awful smells don't go away after that.
Dirty Garbage Disposal
If you have a modern plumbing system, the chances are you have a garbage disposal that carries waste out of the home. If you don't clean the garbage disposal regularly, food scraps and other debris may start to decompose inside. The waste, in turn, produces bad odors.
To keep the garbage disposal working correctly, run cold water or ice cubes to eliminate the decomposed foods. You may also use citrus peels to get rid of the odors.
Now that you understand the potential culprits of plumbing odors, you can take steps to ensure your home remains odor-free. The most critical step is to invest in regular professional plumbing inspection. With this, the specialist can identify and rectify potential issues that could cause foul smells.
You can trust us at Lewis Plumbing for all your plumbing needs, from inspection to drain cleaning. We deliver top-notch services with a satisfaction guarantee to ensure your space is free from odors. Contact us for a consultation.
