What’s That Smell!? Different Types of Odors That Can Come from Your Pipes

If you’ve suddenly noticed a terrible odor coming from your drain pipes, there’s no need to fret. These odors can occur for a wide range of reasons. Below, you can learn more about some of the most common stinky smells that can come out of your drain pipes, what they mean, and what you can do to fix them.

A Stinky Garbage-Like Smell

If the odor coming from your drain reminds you of a garbage pail that’s been left in the sun too long, it’s likely being caused by a buildup of bacteria down inside your drain. The best way to avoid this is to filter your drains so that no hair, large food particles, or grease are getting past. However, if the damage has already been done, try pouring about half a cup of baking soda into the drain, then adding a cup of vinegar. Let the solution bubble for 10 minutes, rinse with hot water, and repeat. If you still smell the odor after that, it’s best to call a pro for help.

A garbage smell can also be caused by a dirty garbage disposal, and if this is the case for you, a simple cleaning might be all that’s needed. Vinegar and baking soda can be utilized to flush food bits out of your disposal and leave it fresh, but there are other options, too. Chopped citrus peels can do wonders for your disposal; try keeping peels from mandarin oranges, lemons, and limes in a jar in your fridge, then running some through with cold water every few days for a super-fresh clean.

Rotten Eggs

On the other hand, if you notice a rotten egg smell coming out of your drain, this is a little more concerning. That rotten egg smell is indicative of sewer gas, which can be toxic and downright dangerous in larger quantities. The best course of action is to call a licensed plumber as soon as you notice the odor. It may be due to a leak in your p-trap or a clogged or missing vent pipe, which are things that only a licensed plumber should address for safety purposes.

Sometimes, however, sewer gas may be backing up through your drains simply because the tap hasn’t been used in some time. Your drain has a p-trap attached to it, which is simply a loop of pipe that is intended to remain filled with water at all times. The water in the p-trap serves as a barrier for the sewer gas and prevents the smell from backing up through the drain. If the tap hasn’t been used in a long time – especially in a hot, dry area – it’s possible that all the water has evaporated from the p-trap. Simply run the tap for a few minutes, then wait. If the smell goes away and stays away, that’s the issue. If the smell goes away but comes right back, or if it doesn’t go away at all, call a plumber.

Your drain pipes are intended to carry waste away from your home – not bring odors into it. While odors coming from drains isn’t exactly unusual, it is something that should be addressed quickly for your safety. Your local professional plumber can help you with all of your drain issues, including clogs, leaks, and odors alike.