A smelly drain in your bathroom can be an annoying and unpleasant problem. Not only can it make your bathroom smell bad, but it can also be a health hazard if left untreated. Fortunately, getting rid of the smell is not as difficult as you may think. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of smelly drains in bathroom in four easy steps.
Step 1: Identify the Cause of the Smell
Before you can start getting rid of the smell, you need to identify the cause of the problem. There are several reasons why a bathroom drain may start to smell. The most common causes include:
1. Bacteria and mold buildup: Over time, bacteria and mold can accumulate in your drain, causing a foul smell.
2. Hair and soap buildup: When hair and soap get caught in your drain, they can start to decompose and create a bad smell.
3. Dry P-trap: If your drain hasn’t been used in a while, the water in the P-trap can evaporate, allowing sewer gases to escape into your bathroom.
Once you have identified the cause of the smell, you can start taking steps to eliminate it.
Step 2: Clean the Drain
The next step is to clean the drain thoroughly. There are several ways to do this, depending on the severity of the problem.
1. Boiling water: One of the easiest and most effective ways to clean a smelly drain is to pour boiling water down it. Boiling water can help to dissolve any built-up grime and bacteria in the drain.
2. Baking soda and vinegar: If boiling water doesn’t do the trick, you can try using baking soda and vinegar. Start by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then pour boiling water down the drain to flush it out.
3. Chemical drain cleaners: If the above methods don’t work, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and wear protective gloves and goggles when handling these products.
Step 3: Prevent Future Smells
Once you have cleaned the drain, it’s important to take steps to prevent future smells from occurring. Here are a few tips:
1. Regularly clean your drain: To prevent bacteria and mold buildup, it’s a good idea to clean your drain regularly. You can do this by pouring boiling water down the drain once a week.
2. Use a drain strainer: To prevent hair and soap buildup, use a drain strainer to catch any debris before it goes down the drain.
3. Run water after using the sink or shower: To prevent your P-trap from drying out, run water down the drain after using the sink or shower.
Step 4: Seek Professional Help
If you have tried all of the above methods and the smell persists, it may be time to seek professional help. A plumber can help to identify the source of the problem and take steps to eliminate it.
Conclusion
A smelly drain in the bathroom can be a nuisance, but it’s not something that you have to live with. By following these four easy steps, you can eliminate the smell and prevent it from coming back. Remember to regularly clean your drain, use a drain strainer, and run water down the drain after use. If the smell persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. With a little effort, you can enjoy a fresh-smelling bathroom all year round.
