A smelly drain can be a real nuisance. After all, your home is supposed to be a place where you can relax and enjoy yourself, not somewhere that smells bad. Unfortunately, a smelly drain is a problem that many homeowners face at some point or another.
Getting to the root of the problem is crucial if you want to get rid of the smell for good. Here are a few of the most common reasons why your drain might smell bad:
1. Bacteria Buildup
If your drain smells bad, it might be due to bacteria buildup. Bacteria thrive in moist environments, and your drain is the perfect place for them to grow. Over time, they can produce a powerful stench that is difficult to eliminate.
Bacteria buildup emerges when food particles and other organic matter get trapped in your drain. They start to decompose, which attracts even more bacteria. The only way to get rid of bacteria buildup is to clean your drain thoroughly.
2. Dry P-Trap
P-traps are an important part of your plumbing system. They are designed to keep sewer gases from entering your home. If your P-trap is dry, it can allow those gases to escape, which will cause a bad smell.
A dry P-trap is usually the result of water evaporation. A leaky drain can also cause it. Either way, the problem can be fixed by adding water to the P-trap.
3. Septic Tank Issues
If your home is connected to a septic tank, septic tank problems could be the cause of your smelly drain. Septic tanks need to be pumped regularly to prevent them from overflowing. If they are not pumped, they can leak sewage into your home, which will cause a bad smell.
Other septic tank issues, such as a cracked tank, can also cause a smelly drain. If you suspect your septic tank is the problem, you should call a plumber for help.
4. Improperly Installed Vent Pipe
Every plumbing fixture in your home needs to have a vent pipe. The vent pipe allows air to enter the drain, which prevents a vacuum from forming. If the vent pipe is not installed correctly, it can cause a smelly drain.
A plumber can usually fix the problem. They will be able to install the vent pipe and eliminate the bad smell properly.
5. Loose or Broken Seal
A foul smell from your drain might also be due to a loose or broken seal. The seals around your drain are designed to keep sewer gases from escaping. Those gases can escape and cause a foul odor if they are loose or broken.
In most cases, a new caulk application will fix the problem. If the seals are severely damaged, they might need to be replaced.
Whatever the reason for your smelly drain, it needs to be fixed! And the plumbing pros at Ballard are happy to help. Schedule service online or call us at 909-297-1914.