Does your Mississauga home have smelly plumbing that won’t go away? Are you upset and looking for a solution? In this blog, we’ll talk about how cleaning your drains can get rid of lingering smells and make your home smell fresh and nice again, and how drain cleaning can help make this easier for you.
You can take steps to get rid of bad smells if they know what causes them and how good it is to have a professional clean your home. Don’t let persistent odours stay any longer. Let’s get right to it.
Why Does Your Plumbing Smell So Bad?
Your plumbing can smell so bad because of numerous things that can including bacteria buildup, grease and oil buildup, clogged drains, broken sewer lines, or unused drains. It could be just one of these things, but if the smelly plumbing is still so bad after trying to clean your drains yourself, it could be caused by multiple things.
1. Bacteria buildup
Drains and other warm, damp places are ideal breeding grounds for bacteria. The fumes they produce from digesting the organic materials in the sewers are rather foul. Bad odours can be caused by the buildup of germs in your plumbing system.
Diseases caused by plumbing-associated bacteria are numerous. The bacteria Legionella pneumophila is responsible for one such sickness, known as Legionnaires’ disease. It’s a dangerous infection of the lungs that can cause pneumonia. Hot tubs, showers, and cooling towers are common places for bacteria to spread through inhalation of contaminated water vapour. High fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headaches are all symptoms of legionnaires’ illness.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are another bacterial group that can cause illnesses. NTM bacteria are less likely to spread from person to person than tuberculosis germs, but they can still cause infections of the skin and lungs. Infections caused by NTM bacteria can spread through the water supply if people drink or bathe in it.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of bacteria that can be found in a variety of aquatic environments. Skin infections, ear infections (also known as swimmer’s ear), UTIs, and pneumonia are just a few of the many types of illnesses it can cause. Pseudomonas infections can be devastating for those with compromised immune systems.
Parasites, in addition to bacteria, are another health risk associated with drinking water that has been tainted. Diarrheal illness brought on by the parasite Cryptosporidium is called cryptosporidiosis. Parasites can spread by contact with water, including potable water and water used for enjoyment, such as swimming pools. Cryptosporidiosis causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dehydration, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.
Another parasite that can be transferred through plumbing systems is Giardia lamblia. Giardiasis is an ailment characterized by diarrhea, cramping in the abdomen, bloating, gas, and nausea.
Immunocompromised people are more likely to contract certain diseases, but anyone can get sick from them. Seeking medical assistance quickly is essential if you suspect you may have been exposed to bacteria or parasites via plumbing. Severe problems can be avoided with an early diagnosis and the right treatment.
2. Grease and oil buildup
Grease and oil have the potential to harden and build up in drains if they are regularly thrown down them. This accumulation can clog the drains and provide ideal conditions for the proliferation of bacteria. This can lead to sewers producing noxious fumes.
Grease and oil buildup in drains and pipes can cause a foul odour. Grease and oil left to accumulate can harden and eventually block pipes. Because of this obstruction, water cannot freely circulate through the pipes, leading to pools of stagnant water where bacteria can multiply.
The trapped grease and oil create a warm, damp atmosphere that is perfect for the growth of bacteria. The metabolic operations of these bacteria result in the production of gases, and these gases typically have an unpleasant odour. Drains and sinks may begin to smell bad when the gases build up and remain in the plumbing system.
Pipe corrosion is just one problem that can be exacerbated by these bacteria and gases. Over time, the pipes’ inside surfaces can corrode due to the acidic results of bacterial activity.
3. Clogged drains
Several causes might lead to smelly plumbing from clogged drains. First of all, when a drain is clogged, water cannot flow freely through the pipes. This leads to water sitting in the pipes, which promotes bacterial growth. Hydrogen sulphide and other foul-smelling gases are produced by these bacteria as they proliferate. A rotten egg or sewage-like odour may be produced by the plumbing system if these gases are present.
Second, water in the P-trap can evaporate if the drain is obstructed. A P-trap is a slanted part of the drain pipe that collects and stores a minimal amount of water throughout the draining process. The sewer fumes cannot penetrate this layer of water and reach the house. The water in the P-trap, however, can evaporate if the drain is stopped and no water can flow through it. This allows sewer gases to leak into the house, where they can be detected by their foul odour.
Finally, the vent pipe could be obstructed by a clogged drain. The role of the vent pipe is to allow sewer gases to be vented to the outside air. If the vent pipe becomes clogged, the sewer gases will build up and eventually overtake the building. Instead, they build up in the pipes, perhaps releasing a noxious odour into the house.
Clogged drains are a common cause of unpleasant odours in plumbing, so fixing the drains is essential.
4. Broken sewer line
A broken sewer line can make the pipes smelly in several ways. First of all, when a sewer line breaks near a base wall, sewer gases can get into the house. Sewer fumes, which are made up of chemicals like hydrogen sulphide, smell strong and bad, like rotten eggs. As these gases leak into the plumbing system and out through drains, the smelly plumbing gets stronger in the living area.
Additionally, if the break is in the main sewer line, feces can back up into the house. This backup not only brings garbage but also the smell of raw sewage. The bad smell fills the area, making it very unpleasant and unsanitary. In addition to the smell, this can lead to other problems, such as floods and mould growth, which make the situation even worse.
Also, when a sewer line breaks, groundwater can get into the waste system. As groundwater flows into the broken pipe, it can drain the water in the P-traps. When the water in the P-trap evaporates because the sewer line is broken, it removes the barrier against sewer gases. This lets sewer gases into the living area and makes it smell bad.
If any of these things are happening, you must call a plumber right away to check the sewer line. A broken sewer line is a big problem that needs to be fixed by a professional. It can cause more damage to the water system and make the house smell bad.
5. Unused drains
Several things can cause drains that aren’t being used to smell bad. One of the main reasons is that water in the P-trap evaporates. If you don’t use a sink for a long time, the water in the P-trap can evaporate. Because of this, sewer gases are no longer being stopped, so a bad smell is coming from the drain.
Germs can also grow in drains that don’t get used because the water doesn’t move through them. When water stays in the drain for a long time, it makes a place where bacteria can grow. The smell is made worse by the fact that these germs can make gases that smell bad.
When garbage builds up in drains that aren’t used, it can also cause bad smells. If hair, food, or other organic matter builds up in the drain, it can stop the water from going through. When the stagnant water and the stuck trash come together, bacteria can grow and make gases that smell bad.
Also, mould can grow in sinks that aren’t being used because they are damp and don’t have enough airflow. Mould grows best in damp places, so if the water in the drain dries up, it makes the perfect setting for mould to grow. Mould gives off bad smells that can be picked up from the drain.
How Do You Stop Your Smelly Pipes From Smelling?
To stop your smelly pipes from smelling, you should flush your drains regularly with hot water. You should also use a strainer for your drains or sinks to stop debris. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can also help if you use it properly.
Additionally, you can also use organic drain cleaners to ensure that while your drains are cleaned, your pipes are also safe from corrosion and other damage. Worst comes to worst, you might need a professional drain cleaning service provider to help. Let’s discuss the benefits of each one.
1. Flush your drains regularly with hot water
Bacteria that cause odours can be killed by the heat of the water. The growth and survival of bacteria can be disrupted by hot water, which may reduce the amount of bacteria and, by extension, the odour they produce.
Grease and other potential drain blockages can be dissolved with the use of hot water. Hardened grease, oil, and other particles on the inner surfaces of the pipes can cause obstructions and unpleasant odours. These compounds can be dissolved and melted by the high temperature of the hot water, allowing the drains to be unclogged and the unpleasant odours to be diminished.
Water flow can be improved by using hot water to loosen and eliminate buildups of silt or scale. Over time, the interior of pipes can become coated with minerals and other deposits, which can restrict water flow and lead to clogged drains. A hot water flush can help loosen these deposits, leading to better water flow and a less stale water smell.
To flush drains with hot water, follow these steps:
- Put some water on the stove and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Carefully flush the drain with the hot water.
- Let the hot water rest in the drain for a while so that the heat may penetrate and the surfaces can get wet.
- Flush the drain with another round of hot water to help rinse away loosened debris and maintain the desired temperature balance in the pipes.
This process can be done as many times as needed to get rid of smelly plumbing. But if the smell doesn’t go away or the problem is more complicated, you may want to talk to Mississauga plumbers for more help. Also, be careful when using industrial drain cleaners because they can contain harsh chemicals that can damage pipes or cause health problems if they are not used correctly.
Regular maintenance, like cleaning the pipes with hot water once in a while, can help stop the buildup of gunk and smells and keep the plumbing system running at its best.
2. Use a strainer in your sink
Putting a filter in the sink has several advantages. First, it works as a barrier to keep food, debris, and solids from going down the drain and causing clogs. This keeps the water flowing smoothly and makes it less likely that it will get stuck.
It also keeps bacteria and fungi from growing, which can cause smelly plumbing and plugged drains. Additionally, a strainer guards the pipes by catching substances that could damage them. This extends the life of the plumbing system and makes it less likely that it will need to be fixed or replaced.
A strainer also makes sink cleaning easier by catching food particles and other waste. This keeps them from falling to the bottom of the sink and makes it easier to keep the sink surface clean and healthy.
Lastly, the strainer improves the look of the sink by keeping food particles and other waste out of sight. This makes the sink look cleaner and more polished.
To get the most out of a sink strainer, you should choose the right size and shape for a good seal, clean it after each use, and replace it if it breaks or gets too clogged. By doing these things, you can get the most out of using a sink strainer, such as avoiding clogs, keeping drains clean, protecting pipes, making sink cleaning easier, and making the sink look better overall.
3. Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the drain
By combining their chemical qualities, vinegar and baking soda are an efficient solution for odorous pipes.
When sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and acetic acid (vinegar) are mixed, a fizzy chemical reaction occurs. This reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, which causes the pipes to bubble and shake. The fizzing helps to loosen obstructions, break up blockages, and flush out built-up muck that could be the source of the unpleasant odour.
Odours can be reduced with the use of baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda can absorb and neutralize odours, making it a useful natural deodorizer. It aids in getting rid of or masking odours caused by bacteria, food particles, and other organic debris that has made its way into the plumbing system. However, vinegar’s antibacterial capabilities can aid in eliminating the smell-causing germs.
The following are instructions for using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clean pipes and eliminate odours:
- Put roughly a cup’s worth of baking soda down the drain to start.
- After that, fill the drain with white vinegar (about a cup’s worth).
- Cover the drain with a stopper or a towel to keep the mixture from escaping and allow the fizzing action to take place.
- For about 30 minutes, let the baking soda and vinegar mixture soak in the drain. The fizzing motion will assist in loosening dirt and eliminate odours during this period.
- Use hot water to flush the drain and remove any remaining material.
This procedure can be repeated regularly or whenever necessary to keep the pipes fresh and odour-free.
If the bad odour remains after you’ve tried the baking soda and vinegar combo, it could be a sign of a more serious problem with your plumbing. If this happens, you should call a plumber who can examine the situation and recommend repairs.
Don’t forget that commercial drain cleaners may include harsh chemicals that can cause damage to your pipes and even be hazardous to your health if not handled properly.
4. Use an organic drain cleaner
When compared to conventional drain cleaners, organic ones have many advantages. Organic drain cleaners, for starters, are preferable to commercial ones because of the small ecological footprint they leave behind thanks to their use of all-natural components. Organic alternatives are biodegradable and less likely to harm ecosystems when they enter water systems, in contrast to conventional cleaners that contain harsh chemicals.
Another important factor is organic drain cleaners are gentler on plumbing. These products are safer for your health and the environment since they use natural ingredients instead of harsh chemicals. This keeps pipes from eroding or deteriorating over time, which prevents leaks and saves money on maintenance.
Finally, organic drain cleaners are still the most efficient option for removing tough obstructions. Natural substances like baking soda, vinegar, citric acid, and enzymes work together to dissolve grease and organic waste, clearing pipes of clogs. They’re a more secure substitute that doesn’t skimp on performance.
In addition, organic drain cleaners are simple to use. They can be utilized with little in the way of preparation or learning curve. Drain maintenance and minor blockage removal can be accomplished quickly and easily by just following the product label’s directions.
Baking soda, vinegar, citric acid, and enzymes are typical components of organic drain cleaners. While the mild alkaline nature of baking soda helps break up clogs, the mild acidity of vinegar and citric acid helps dissolve grease and debris. Enzymes, which are naturally occurring proteins, help decompose the organic debris that contributes to blockages.
While organic drain cleaners are great for routine maintenance and small clogs, bigger drain repair and cleanups may require the help of a professional. Your local Mississauga plumber should be called for assistance in such situations.
5. Have your drains cleaned professionally
Having a professional clean your drains has many advantages. A licensed Mississauga plumber will be able to quickly and efficiently remove any obstruction, as well as investigate the cause of the problem. They have the proper equipment and training to clean your pipes thoroughly and safely. With regular professional drain cleaning, you can rest easy knowing that your drains will always work efficiently and that your home will smell fresh and clean.
The removal of debris and accumulation is one of the main benefits of having your drains professionally cleaned, along with the prevention of future obstructions. By taking preventative measures, you can avoid the waste of time, money, and effort that comes with dealing with persistent blockages.
Expert plumbers may minimize disruptions by swiftly removing obstructions, determining their sources, and cleaning meticulously. In addition, many expert plumbers provide warranties on their work, attending to any concerns that may occur soon after the cleaning to ensure complete customer pleasure.
Seeking expert drain cleaning services is recommended if you are experiencing drain issues such as slow drainage, frequent obstructions, or bad odours. Hiring professionals ensures effectiveness, knowledge, and long-term satisfaction with your drains’ functionality and cleanliness.
Hire Professional Drain Cleaning In Mississauga
If you live in Mississauga and have a problem with lingering odours, professional drain cleaning may be the answer. Professional plumbers can alleviate clogs, remove buildup, and restore your drains’ normal functioning by getting to the bottom of smelly plumbing and fixing the underlying reasons.
Don’t give smelly plumbing a chance to stay. If you need help with drain cleaning in Mississauga, call Precise Plumbing right now. When you hire us, you can rest assured that your home’s drains will be clean and odor-free.
Put an end to unpleasant odours in your home once and for all. Get in touch with Precise Plumbing immediately to arrange for a drain cleaning service and return home to find it revitalized.