Why Does My Drain Smell Like Eggs? Here’s What You Can Do About It!

Do you have a smelly drain? Rotten eggs might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a foul-smelling drain, but there are other things that can cause your drains to smell as well. In this blog post, we will discuss what might be causing your drains to smell and what you can do about it. We will also cover some prevention tips so that you can keep your drains smelling fresh!

Smelly Drain or Sink: What’s Causing It?

• Dirty P-Trap – Your P-trap is the curved pipe that connects your drain to your sewer line. It prevents noxious gases from coming up through the drains and into your home, which is why you may smell something unpleasant if it gets clogged or dried out. If this happens, simply pour some water down each drain to refill the P-trap and keep it flowing smoothly.
• Food Blockages in the Trap – If you’ve been cooking and your sink starts to smell bad, it may be because something is blocking the passage of air. This can happen when grease or food particles accumulate in the P-trap. To clear out the blockage, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes. If that doesn’t work, you’ll have to take off the P-trap and use a wire hanger or similar tool to clear out the debris.
• Dry Drain – If your drain is dry, it means that no water has been running through it recently. If this happens, bacteria can form on surfaces inside the pipe – which will result in nasty smells.
• Blocked Drains – Having blocked drains in East Grinstead or elsewhere in the UK doesn’t always result in an overflowing drain. Partial blockages can lead to a build-up of debris over time, this stagnant waste can be the root cause of bad smells in the drains.

 

Why Does It Have a Rotten-Eggs Smell?

It is commonly thought that drain odour is similar to that of rotten eggs. Although unpleasant, there is a scientific explanation for this. In most cases, this smell is the result of hydrogen sulphide, which forms when bacteria grow in sewers, drains, or on the ground.

When you don’t use the drain or sink often, hydrogen sulphide may come directly from the sewer if the p-trap dries out. Gas can rise from the drain when the p-trap dries up.

Despite being very unpleasant, this gas carries no health risks. The smell from one room to another can quickly travel through your home, so investigating what is causing the smell as soon as it appears can help get things back to normal quickly.

 

Additional Common Drain Odours and Smells

Hydrogen sulphide has an unpleasant aroma similar to many other compounds. Garlic, rotten vegetables, and sewage smell have been reported in drains in some properties.

Drains that are healthy don’t smell. Therefore, whatever your drains smell like is not a good sign. An experienced drainage engineer will be able to help you identify the source of the smell and remove it from your property.

Smells Coming From Drains Both Indoors and Outdoors

The smell of an indoor drain is easier to detect, but the one of an outdoor drain is much more difficult. Outside drain smells are often the result of deeper problems with the drainage system. Depending on the severity, it could be a blocked drain or something more serious, such as a collapsed drain which may require drain pipe replacement or damaged pipes which can be treated with drain relining.

When you notice a smell emanating from a drain outside your home, call Detection Drain Services. We can investigate the problem and explain its cause to you. When we determine the root cause of the problem, we will work with you to ensure that your drainage system is restored and working properly as soon as possible.

Drain Smells and Odours: How to Get Rid of Them

If you smell an unpleasant smell, the first thing you think is “how can I get rid of this?”, particularly if it smells like rotten eggs. While Mr. Muscle, Jeyes Fluid, or other products can mask odours temporarily, if the underlying problem persists, the smell will return.

Drain odours can be removed by addressing the underlying cause, whether it be a buildup of food or damaged pipes. An experienced drainage engineer can diagnose the problem and remove unpleasant odours right away.

How to Stop Smelly Drains

Preventing problems before they occur is always recommended. Despite the variety of causes of drain odours, it is actually quite simple to prevent them with regular maintenance. Keeping drains clean and free of debris is vital, as is properly using them. In addition to preventing bad smells, it is important to take measures to minimise them.

With busy lives, it is easy to overlook drain maintenance. With regular maintenance, you can nip problems in the bud and put an end to any recurring problems. You can save both time and money by taking preventative measures as opposed to emergency repairs at the last minute. Taking preventative measures is a helpful strategy for both individuals and businesses. For information about scheduled drain maintenance, call us today on 0800 328 3566.

Can Products Clear Smelly Drains?

There are many drain cleaning products on the market that promise to keep your drains clean and stop bad odours. Many of these products are overpriced and do not work as well as they should. The majority of drain cleaners are made with toxic chemicals, which can actually do more damage than good.

Drain cleaners are often a short-term fix and won’t resolve the root of the problem. Even if it’s a simple plumbing error or a build-up of bacteria, a cheap drain cleaner won’t probably work. Most drain problems require professional intervention and repair by someone who can resolve them and prevent them from recurring.

When to Seek Professional Help

It is recommended to consult a professional once you notice a smell from the drain, as it may be a sign of a deeper problem within the drainage system. You shouldn’t ignore it, and getting it fixed as soon as possible will help you get back on track quickly.

If you want to eliminate odours while you wait, you can use odour masks like air fresheners. Drainage experts can offer advice on how to reduce the smell and fix the issue when you contact them.

Detection Drain Services is available round the clock, seven days a week, to handle all drainage issues. Aside from blocked drains, we are known for our 5-star service throughout East Grinstead and many other towns in West Sussex. To receive a free quote, call our team today. With our expert advice, you can find the best solution for your drains and you.