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Common Oders From Plumbing

Last Updated on Tuesday, 11 May 2010 20:48 Tuesday, 11 May 2010 00:00

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Garbage Disposal

One the most efficient and inexpensive ways is to dump a large handful ice cubes into the disposer. Turn on the cold water and run the disposer to flush it out. The ice will clean the disposer grate and blades. Follow the ice flush by putting a half of a lemon in and grind that. Some people use ammonia, or coffee beans or grounds.

Smell from the Shower Drain

In each drain there is a P-trap that retains water to create a seal between the house and the sewer line. If the shower (or any drain) is not used for a long period of time, the water in the P-trap evaporates and allows the sewer gas into your home. To fix this, simply pur water into the drain to fill the trap. The retaining water in the P trap is what blocks the sewer gas from entering your home. Another possibility is a leaking drain pipe, the shower pan, or at the point where the two connect. Repairing the drain or the pan is a large task that includes removing the shower. There is typically a rubber seal around the pipe where it connects to the drain, which can be replaced.

Sulfur Smell in Garbage Disposer or Kitchen Drain

Most bad odors in bathroom drains come from hair mixed with grease from the soap. To alleviate this, pour two cups of bleach down the drain and let it sit overnight. The next morning flush the drain with a large pot of boiling water. The bleach will start to dissolve and soften the hair and make it slippery. The boiling water will melt the grease and flush the debris into the main line.

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