The foul odors that can come from drains and sewers are usually the result of bacteria or gases that come from your pipes. To prevent these bad smells, you’ll want to keep your plumbing system clean and clear of food waste and oils. This will reduce foul odors emanating from your drains and impacting your indoor air quality.

Professional Drain Cleaning

You should schedule professional drain cleaning once per year. Plumbers use equipment like augers and drain snakes to break apart and flush away any built-up debris, mineral deposits, or bacteria. For sewer lines, plumbers use hydro jetters to clean the line of the same buildups found in your drains, with the addition of roots that wrap around sewer lines and try to poke holes in them.

Flushing Your Drain Periodically

If you have drains in your home that are not in use frequently, you’ll want to keep them maintained. Pouring a little water into these drains will help seal the P-trap, which prevents sewer gases from entering your home. Adding a bit of mineral oil to the water in these drains can help slow evaporation and keep drain lines moist.

Be Careful What Goes Down Drains

The more organic material that ends up in your drain, the more likely it is that bacteria will form and cause odors. Avoid putting grease, fats, and oils down your drains. Not only can they cause odors, but they can also result in clogs. Even if you have a garbage disposal, not all food scraps should go down your drain. Avoid starchy substances, large pieces of meat, fruit and vegetable peels, and coffee grounds from going down. Periodically run hot water through your disposal after you’re done doing the dishes. This helps clear away any residue.

Maintain your garbage disposal by periodically flushing it with a baking soda and vinegar mixture. Grinding ice cubes with a bit of dish soap can scrub the blades clean. You can use small bits of citrus peels to keep odors away.

Preventing the Growth of Bacteria and Mold

Mold and bacteria can produce a very strong earthy odor. Because of this, it is a common occurrence in moist drains, especially when they are dirty. Periodically clean your overflow holes, which are found in bathroom sinks. Overflow holes are small openings built to let extra water escape before spilling over onto the counter and floor.

Baking soda and vinegar will disrupt bacterial film in your drains. You should also maintain relative humidity between 35% and 50% to reduce the growth of mildew.

Keep your drains clear and your plumbing system functioning properly. Rely on our help here at Red’s On Time Plumbing in Atascadero, CA, for professional support such as drain cleaning services.