There are some warning signs that are easy to ignore.
And then there are these.
Foul smells can hit you as soon as you walk into the bathroom, and stop you dead in your tracks. We might understand that something is wrong, but not necessarily what.
If you’re noticing a weird smell and it’s coming from a sink, shower or drain, don’t ignore it. That smell could be the start of a larger plumbing issue.
Here are five of the most common smells that could mean you’ve got a problem in your drain (and what they might actually be).
1. Rotten Eggs (That Sulphur Smell)
This one is unbearable. A drain that smells like rotten eggs usually means there’s a build-up of hydrogen sulphide gas. Hydrogen sulphide is produced by bacteria breaking down organic matter stuck in your pipes.
This kind of bacteria thrives when there’s food and other organic debris sitting in the drain and not enough water flow to flush it away. It starts to break down, and then there comes the gas… with the stench.
This can also happen if your P-trap (that U-shaped bit of pipe under the sink) has dried out. That trap is designed to hold a small bit of water, which acts like a seal to block sewer gases from coming back up into your home. If it’s been a really long time since you’ve a drain, like a toilet, there’s a chance that the P-trap could be completely dry.
If you haven’t used the drain in a while—like a guest bathroom or outdoor sink—there may be no water left in the trap to stop the smell from rising.
2. Mouldy or Musty Smell
That horrid musty smell coming from around the drain could be a sign of mold.
Mold loves to grow in damp and dark places. When leaks happen in pipes, the water can drip and create these optimal wet conditions. If your pipes run through the cupboard, a leak could cause mold to grow inside there.
You might not see the mold, but you’ll definitely smell it.
What to do:
- Check under sinks and near walls for mould, water stains or soft patches
- If there’s a slow leak, it’s worth getting a plumber in to patch it before the mould spreads
3. Sewage or Toilet Smell
It’s normal for your bathroom to smell after you use it. However, if it always smells like sewage, there could be a bigger problem.
One potential cause is a clog in the sewer line. In bad cases, this can cause the wastewater not to properly drain and even back-up.
Something else that could be going on is a vent pipe blockage. This is supposed to allow the horribly smelling gases to leave the house. But if it’s blocked, they can stay in your home and leave a stench.
And if your P-Trap is dry, it can smell even worse!
4. Decaying Food Smell in the Kitchen Sink
After you’ve done the dishes and cleaned the plates, your sink can still smell like an old forgotten sandwich.
This usually comes from bits of food that have gotten trapped in the drain. Over time, they rot and release all kinds of foul odours.
You shouldn’t have to always throw a canary into your bathroom, or wear a gas mask in your own home to deal with the stench.
Your home is yelling at you that something’s wrong. Don’t just spray air freshener and hope it goes away. Fixing problems early on can stop them from getting a lot worse and out of hand.
Trust your nose and if something’s not right, have it checked. You can always give us a shout-out, and we’ll help figure out what’s going on.
You can get a free, no obligation quote here. We’ll be happy to assist and make your house a little bit more pleasant.
Let’s make plumbing something you’re proud of!
Plumbers Rockhampton 
Leave a comment