Plumbing Odor Primer: Most Common Issues

Household plumbing can be a bit of a mystery for many homeowners with its sometimes unusual sounds, the occasional slow drain, and the periodically foul smells. It can be difficult to isolate the actual source of these problems sometimes, which is why you may want to reach out to a plumber. However, it's equally important for you to understand some of the most common causes of problems like these, because you may be able to address the situation yourself. For example, here are a few common causes of unusual plumbing system odors.

Is Your Garbage Disposal Your Best Friend?

If you notice foul odors around your kitchen sink, the problem could be emanating from your garbage disposal. This is particularly true if you're a prolific user of the garbage disposal because it may be in need of cleaning. Sometimes, food particles and residue can be left behind or get stuck on the blades of the garbage disposal. When that happens, the food will decompose, which causes the foul odor you're noticing around your sink. Baking soda and vinegar is a great solution for cleaning out your garbage disposal yourself. You can also follow that up by running a few citrus peels through the disposal for deodorizing. However, if you want to be sure that the unit is as clean as it can be, you should have a plumber handle the task.

Does Your Shower Drain Smell Bad?

Foul odors around your shower drain are fairly easy to explain in most cases. If your drains haven't been cleaned in quite some time, you probably have biofilm accumulation inside the drain. Everything from soap residue to hair and skin cells can all stick inside the drain. Over time, this creates an odor because of the bacteria feeding on that residue. As the bacteria builds up, it generates odors. Baking soda and vinegar can help this situation as well, but you'll want to treat the drain with a gallon or so of hot boiling water first, then flush it with another one afterward. This may help to resolve the problem. If it persists, though, reach out to a plumber for a thorough professional drain cleaning.

Is Your Vent Pipe Clogged?

Your plumbing system relies on a vent pipe to help exhaust gases and ensure proper plumbing flow. If your drains seem slow and you're noticing a sewage-like odor from your drains, no matter how faint, that's an indication that the vent pipe might be clogged. It's best to have your plumber inspect this because, if the problem isn't the vent pipe, it may also be an indication of damage to your sewer pipes. Either way, it's important to diagnose and repair.

These are a few of the most common odor-related plumbing culprits that you might encounter. Reach out to your local plumbing service, such as Drain Right Services, for more information. 

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