Your drains are one of the most important parts of your plumbing. If you start to smell a foul odor coming from your drains, this could be a sign of a larger plumbing problem. Here are a few of the most common reasons why your drain could be smelling:
Common Reasons Your Drain Smells
There’s a Problem With Your Sewer Gas Trap
In mostly every drain, there’s a bend in the pipe which is known as the sewer gas trap. This helps trap the sewer gases with the water molecules so you don’t have to smell anything that is fowl. If you have a problem with your sewer gas trap, this could be why you’re smelling an odor. What could the problems be? There could be a few different problems with your gas trap ranging from you may not have one set up, there could be a leak, or there may not be any water in your sewer gas trap.
There is Organic Buildup
Another common reason you have a smell is that you have organic buildup in your pipes. This could be a combination of food, bacteria, grease, hair, soap, or anything that has gone down the drain. After awhile, any of these items can start to rot and give off a nasty odor.
Mold or Mildew
If there is even the slightest leak in your pipes, there could be mold or mildew that is starting to form. The leak could be someplace that you wouldn’t be able to see like under the sink or inside the walls.
Plumbing Error
Sometimes the traps could have been installed incorrectly or one was never installed, there could also be a problem with the ventilation system.
Need Help with a Bad Smell?
If you are in the greater Boston area and have a bad smell coming from your drain, call the team at Elite Plumbing and Heating. For plumbing maintenance, plumbing repair, or a plumbing emergency, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us online via our website or call us at (781) 438-2997.
