Bad Smells from Drains?

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Unpleasant odours coming from sinks, showers, or toilets are not only annoying—they can be a sign of underlying drainage issues. At DJH Drain Services, we often get called out to investigate strange or persistent smells in homes and businesses. Here’s what could be causing them, and what you can do about it.

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Common Causes of Drain Smells

1. Trapped Food or Grease (Kitchen Drains)

Over time, bits of food, grease, and oil can stick to the inside of your pipes and start to rot—especially if the water isn’t flowing well. This is one of the most common causes of foul smells in kitchen sinks.

2. Hair and Soap Build-up (Bathroom Drains)

In showers and sinks, hair and soap scum can combine to create a thick sludge that blocks water flow and starts to smell as bacteria builds up.

3. Dry or Dirty Traps

Every drain has a U-bend or trap that holds water to block sewer gases from rising back into your home. If a sink, shower, or toilet hasn’t been used for a while, the trap can dry out and allow bad smells to escape. This is common in guest bathrooms or unused utility areas.

4. Blocked or Venting Issues

If your drainage system isn’t venting properly—due to blockages or poor installation—gases can be forced back into your property. This might smell like rotten eggs (sulphur) and can affect multiple drains at once.

5. Sewer Line Problems

In some cases, a bad smell might indicate a more serious issue like a damaged or partially collapsed sewer pipe, especially if the smell is constant or accompanied by slow drainage and gurgling noises.

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What You Can Do

- Flush with Hot Water & Bicarb/Vinegar

For mild smells, try pouring a kettle of hot water down the drain followed by half a cup of bicarbonate of soda and a cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz, then flush with more hot water.

- Clean the Trap

Remove and clean the U-bend under sinks if you’re comfortable doing so. This can clear out debris and remove odours quickly.

- Use the Drain Regularly

Run water through little-used drains every few weeks to keep traps from drying out.

- Install Trap Seals or Air Admittance Valves

For recurring odours, especially in commercial or older properties, special fittings can help block smells from escaping.

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When to Call DJH Drain Services

If smells are persistent, keep coming back, or affect more than one room, it’s time for a professional inspection. Using CCTV drain surveys and odour-tracing techniques, we can find the root of the problem and fix it—fast.

We offer:

• Full drain cleaning and jetting

• CCTV inspections

• Trap and pipe repairs

• Advice on ventilation and prevention

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Smells shouldn’t be part of your property. Let DJH Drain Services clear the air.