5 Common Reasons Why Your Kitchen Drain Stinks

For most households, the kitchen is effectively the heart and soul of the home. So when your kitchen drain stinks, it can turn an otherwise clean heart and soul into a source of frustration.

Much like the bathroom sink and shower drain, there are many possible reasons why might find yourself with a smelly drain in the kitchen. Luckily, most of these causes behind your smelly kitchen sink drain are reasonably easy to fix. They just need a little bit of care and maintenance.

Understanding what’s causing that unpleasant odour will help you prevent it from returning. We’re here to explain some common reasons for drain smells and offer practical tips to keep your kitchen sink smelling so fresh and so clean.

1. Food Particles and Waste Build-up

It probably comes as little surprise that food particles and scraps are one of the most common causes of a smelly sink drain.

As you wash dishes, small bits of food can slip past the sink strainer and become trapped in the pipes. Many people often scrape their food scraps into the sink as well, without really thinking about what they’re doing. Over time, these particles start to decompose, leaving you with a stinky sink.

Regularly cleaning the strainer and either disposing of food waste in the bin or your compost heap can help prevent this issue. To tackle existing stinky drain smells in the kitchen, try pouring boiling water down the drain to loosen any stuck food debris. Follow this up with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clean out any lingering odours.

2. Bacteria Growth in the Drain

Bacteria growth in the drain is another common culprit behind smelly kitchen sinks.

The built-up combination of food waste and soap scum inside your pipes builds a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. These bacteria produce foul-smelling gases that can make your kitchen drain stink.

A regular deep clean is the best way to tackle this problem. Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by white vinegar down your sink drain, then let the mixture sit for 15 minutes. After that, flush it with boiling water. This natural solution helps to kill bacteria and clean smelly drains, nipping unpleasant odours in the bud.

3. Clogged Drain from Soap Scum and Grease

Similar to hair and soap scum in shower drains, a soap scum and grease-instigated drain blockage can quickly result in a smelly kitchen sink.

When you wash dishes, grease and soap combine to form a sticky residue that clings to the inside of your pipes. Over time, this build-up restricts the flow of water and creates the ideal breeding ground for unpleasant smells.

To rule out this being the reason why your kitchen drain stinks, steer clear of pouring grease down the drain and clean it regularly. A good tip is to pour boiling water down the sink after washing greasy dishes. If your sink drain smell persists, try using a solution of baking soda and vinegar to break down the grease.

4. Sewer Gases Escaping Through the Drain

Sewer gases escaping through your drain can cause a strong, unpleasant smell, one that typically resembles the foul smell of rotten eggs.

This notably bad smell happens when the P-trap under your sink dries out and allows sewer gases to seep into your kitchen. The P-trap is designed to hold water, which blocks these gases from coming back up the drain. If your kitchen sink drain smells like sewer gas, try running cold water to refill the P-trap. For long-term prevention, regularly run water down any sink that isn’t used frequently.

Should the sewer smell persist, there could be a deeper issue within your plumbing system. For that, you’ll likely need the expert assistance of a licensed plumber.

5. Build-up of Mould and Mildew in Pipes

Mould and mildew thrive in damp environments, and your kitchen sink drain is no exception. It’s another one of the many possible reasons why you kitchen drain stinks.

When moisture lingers in your pipes, especially if water is draining slowly, it creates the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew growth as well as pests. This leads to musty, unpleasant smells coming from your kitchen drain. To prevent this build-up, regularly flush the drain with hot water to keep things flowing smoothly.

For a deeper clean, pour half a cup of baking soda followed by white vinegar down the drain, then flush with boiling water. Keeping your sink dry when not in use also helps prevent mould growth.

How to Clean Smelly Sink Drains

Cleaning smelly drains is simple with a few household ingredients and regular maintenance. Follow these steps to keep your kitchen sink smelling fresh and free from unpleasant odours:

• Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
• Follow with a cup of white vinegar and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes.
• Flush the drain with boiling hot water to wash away debris.
• Use dish soap and hot water to break down grease after washing dishes.
• Clean the sink strainer regularly to catch food particles before they enter the drain system.

As effective as commercial drain cleaners can be in resolving a drain clog, in many cases they can do more harm than good to your plumbing.

By following these tips, you can prevent smelly drains and keep your kitchen fresh.

When to Call a Licensed Plumber for Your Sink Stink

You can put in every effort to get your home smelling fresh and clean once again. However, if your smelly drain issue doesn’t seem to be going anywhere fast, it may be time to call a licensed plumber.

Persistent drain smells can point to a more serious problem that only an experienced plumber can resolve. For example, you might have a clogged drain deep within your plumbing system, or sewer gases escaping through damaged pipes.

They can inspect your sink drain and identify any hidden issues that DIY methods may have missed. The professional plumber will have the tools and expertise to fix stubborn drain smells and ensure your kitchen sink is draining properly.

When in doubt, a plumber’s help can save you time and prevent further damage.

Say Goodbye to Your Foul Sink Drain Smell

A smelly kitchen drain can be a real nuisance. With the right approach though, it’s a nuisance that’s easy to conquer.

From removing food particles to preventing bacteria growth and keeping your pipes clean, simple maintenance can make all the difference. Regularly flushing your drain with hot water, using baking soda and vinegar, and keeping grease out of your sink will go a long way in preventing unpleasant odours.

If the smell persists, don’t hesitate to call a licensed plumber to inspect your plumbing system. With a little care, your kitchen drain can stay fresh and free from bad smells.

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