Unpleasant Plumbing-Caused Odours & How to Fix Them

Wondering what that smell is? Well, it could be coming from your plumbing. Here are some common causes of odours in home plumbing systems.

Drain Clogs

If your drain is clogged, that means bits of food will not flush through the system properly, but instead get caught up on the blockage and decompose right there. This can cause some nasty smells coming from your kitchen sink. Make sure that you are having your drains professionally cleaned at least once a year to ensure that they are clear of blockages–your nose will thank you!

Mold & Mildew

Your pipes are a dark, moist environment, which is exactly where mold and mildew thrive. If the smell coming from your drain has a musty odour, this may be the problem. Have a plumber inspect and clean your drain in order to determine whether there is a mold or mildew problem or something else causing the smell.

Dry P-Trap

The curved pipe located underneath your kitchen sink is called a “P-trap.” This curved portion of pipe is designed to keep water in it, which acts as a barrier against rising sewer gases. If your sink has not been used in a few days, the P-trap can dry up, allowing unpleasant smells to waft up. If you think this may be the cause of your kitchen odours, try running water down your sink for a few minutes and see if this makes a difference.

Blocked Vents

Most houses have drain vents located at the top of the roof. These vents are designed to reduce gas pressure on the wastewater system and prevent sewer gases from entering the home. However, if these vents get blocked by leaves or other outdoor debris, those gases will be sent back down into your drains instead of venting as they are supposed to, causing an unpleasant stink.

Need help addressing the cause of that funny smell in your kitchen? Trust the pros at Butler Plumbing, Heating & Gasfitting.