Stinky Drains and Smelly Water Usually Have These Causes
If you detect an unpleasant odor coming from your drains or your water, there is a good chance it is being caused by a handful of problems. Once you can determine the culprit that is causing the odor you can proceed with eliminating the problem.
The good news is that in many cases there are a number of simple fixes available.
Is it the Water That Smells?
Firstly, you need to determine if the odor is coming from your drains or from the water itself. Pour a glass of water and walk away from the sink. Does it still smell? Does it smell like rotten eggs? Believe it or not, that odor is being produced in your water heater.
The anode rod in your water heater performs the important job of preventing it from rusting. When the anode rod interacts with the bacteria that can grow in the tank, given the moist and warm conditions, it releases gas that smells like rotten eggs. It’s time to replace the anode rod.
Something Blocking the Drain?
Are you in the bad habit of letting food waste fall down your drain?
Food can accumulate and not only cause a blockage in your drain preventing ventilation; it can start to decompose, releasing bad smells.
Make sure food scraps are in the garbage. Sprinkle the drain with baking soda and a generous dose of vinegar. Follow with lots of hot water.
As an ongoing preventative measure, have your drains professionally cleaned.
Check the Sewer Line
Would you describe the odor as musty? Has your water bill gone up unexpectedly? Do you have low water pressure? It sounds like there is a problem with your sewer line and the removal of wastewater.
Don’t wait and see what happens with this one. Call for an appointment to get it fixed right away because of potential flooding damage.
Has Your P-Trap Run Dry?
If the P-trap (which is the mechanism shaped like a “P” on the side of your piping) is emptied of water, then it can’t do its job.
Its job is to keep smelly sewer gases out of your home, which it accomplishes with a cushion of water inside the P-trap.
If the sink or fixture hasn’t been used for some time or if the seal around it is broken, it dries out and the gases enter your home.
First check to see if the seal is broken. Second, run the water to refill it.