Ultimate Guide on How to Get Rid of Stinky Drains!

Sources and Causes for Stinky Drains:

Things You'll Need to Get Rid of a Stinky Drain:

Before you wage war on drain odors, gather your supplies:

• Boiling Water: A kettle or large pot full.
• Baking Soda: A household staple for cleaning and deodorizing.
• White Vinegar: Its acidity helps break down grease and acts as a disinfectant.
• Salt (Optional): Coarse salt can add an abrasive quality.
• Lemon Juice or Citrus Peels (Optional): For a fresh scent, especially in garbage disposals.
• Old Toothbrush or Small Scrub Brush: For cleaning drain stoppers and openings.
• Plunger: For dislodging minor clogs.
• Drain Snake (Plumber’s Auger): For more stubborn physical clogs.
• Enzyme Drain Cleaner: A biological cleaner that breaks down organic waste.
• Gloves: To protect your hands.
• Bucket: To place under the P-trap if you plan to clean it manually.
• Pipe Wrench (Optional): If you need to remove the P-trap.

Safety Note: NEVER mix chemical drain cleaners (like those containing bleach or lye) with vinegar or other acidic cleaners. This can create dangerous toxic fumes. Stick to one method at a time, or opt for natural solutions first.

Step-by-step Solution to Get Rid of Smelly Drain Quickly

Ready to tackle that odor? Here are effective methods on how to clean a stinky sink drain and other drains:

Method 1: The Boiling Water Flush (Good for Grease & Minor Buildup)

• Boil Water: Bring a kettle or large pot of water to a rolling boil.
• Pour Slowly: Carefully pour the boiling water directly down the smelly drain. Do this in 2-3 stages, allowing a few seconds between pours.
  Caution: If you have PVC pipes, some plumbers advise against using boiling water repeatedly as it could potentially soften them over time. Very hot tap water is a safer alternative for frequent use. For porcelain sinks, avoid thermal shock by running hot tap water first.

Method 2: Baking Soda & Vinegar Power Punch (Classic Deodorizer & Cleaner)

• Initial Flush (Optional): Pour a pot of hot (not boiling, if concerned about pipes) water down the drain.
• Baking Soda: Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
• Vinegar: Follow with 1/2 cup of white vinegar. It will fizz and bubble – this is normal!
• Cover & Wait: Immediately cover the drain opening (with a plug or cloth) to direct the foaming action downwards. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
• Final Flush: Uncover and flush thoroughly with plenty of hot water for several minutes.For Stubborn Odors: You can add 1/2 cup of salt with the baking soda for extra scrubbing power.

Method 3: Enzyme Drain Cleaner (The Organic Waste Eater)

• Choose a Product: Select a reputable stinky drain cleaner that uses enzymes or beneficial bacteria.
• Follow Instructions: Carefully read and follow the product’s directions. This usually involves pouring a specific amount down the drain and letting it sit for several hours or overnight (when drains are least used).
• Flush: Flush with water as directed. Enzyme cleaners are generally safer for pipes and septic systems than harsh chemical cleaners.

Method 4: Cleaning the P-Trap Manually (For Persistent Odors)

• Preparation: Place a bucket under the P-trap to catch water and debris. Wear gloves.
• Loosen Nuts: Use a pipe wrench or channel locks (sometimes hand-tight is enough) to carefully loosen the slip nuts on either side of the U-bend.
• Remove & Empty: Gently remove the P-trap and empty its contents into the bucket.
• Clean: Use an old toothbrush or bottle brush to scrub the inside of the P-trap thoroughly. Rinse it well.
• Inspect & Reassemble: Check for any damage. Reassemble the P-trap, ensuring the nuts are tight but not over-tightened.
• Test: Run water for a minute to check for leaks and to refill the P-trap, restoring the water seal.
  

  

Method 5: Tackling the Garbage Disposal Stench

• Ice & Salt/Citrus: Fill the disposal about halfway with ice cubes. Add a handful of coarse salt (like rock salt or kosher salt) OR some citrus peels (lemon, orange).
• Run Cold Water: Turn on the cold water to a moderate flow.
• Grind: Turn on the disposal and let it run until the ice and other materials are ground up. The ice and salt scour the grinding chamber, while citrus provides a fresh scent.
• Flush: Continue running cold water for another 30 seconds after turning off the disposal.
• Clean the Splash Guard: The rubber splash guard is a prime spot for gunk. Use a stiff brush and soapy water (or a vinegar solution) to scrub both the top and underside.

Method 6: Cleaning the Overflow (Often Overlooked)

• Sink overflows can also harbor smelly gunk.
• Use a small bottle brush or a flexible cleaning brush dipped in a baking soda/vinegar paste or a disinfectant cleaner.
• Work the brush into the overflow holes and scrub.
• Pour a little hot water or a baking soda/vinegar solution down the overflow to flush it out.

Method 7: Using a Drain Snake (For Physical Clogs)

If you suspect a physical clog (hair, larger debris), a drain snake can help.

• Remove the drain stopper if possible.
• Insert the snake into the drain, gently pushing and rotating it until you feel resistance.
• Work the snake back and forth to break up or hook onto the clog.
• Slowly pull the snake out, bringing the debris with it.
• Flush the drain thoroughly with hot water.

What to Do Immediately After Treating a Smelly Drain?

Once you’ve treated your drain, here are a few immediate steps:

• Flush Thoroughly: Run hot water down the drain for a good 2-5 minutes. This helps wash away any loosened debris and remnants of your cleaning solution. If you used a garbage disposal method, run cold water.
• Freshen the Air (Optional): If a lingering scent remains in the room (not from the drain itself), open a window or use a natural air freshener. A bowl of vinegar or baking soda can also absorb odors.
• Monitor: Pay attention to the drain over the next few days. If the smell returns quickly, it might indicate a more stubborn buildup or a different underlying issue.

Prevention for Long Term: Keeping Stinky Drains at Bay

The best way to deal with a clean drain smell that has gone bad is to prevent it in the first place!

• Be Mindful of What Goes Down:
  Kitchen: Scrape food scraps into the trash or compost before washing dishes. Avoid pouring grease, fats, or  oils down the drain – collect them in a container and dispose of them in the trash. Minimize coffee grounds going down the drain.
  Bathroom: Use drain strainers or hair catchers in showers, tubs, and sinks to prevent hair and large soap pieces from entering the pipes.
• Run Hot Water Regularly: After using the kitchen sink, especially after washing greasy dishes, run hot water for a minute to help flush away residue.
• Use Your Garbage Disposal Correctly: Always run cold water when using the disposal and for about 30 seconds after. Grind small amounts of food at a time. Regularly grind citrus peels or ice cubes to keep it clean.
• Regular Maintenance Cleaning: Once a week or bi-weekly, use a preventative treatment:
  Pour a kettle of boiling water down kitchen drains (if pipes allow).
  Use the baking soda and vinegar method monthly.
  Use an enzyme drain cleaner monthly as a maintenance dose.
• Ensure P-Traps Stay Filled: For infrequently used drains (guest bathrooms, utility sinks), run water for about 30 seconds every couple of weeks to keep the P-trap water seal intact.
• Address Clogs Promptly: Don’t let slow drains turn into full-blown stinky clogs. Address them as soon as you notice them.

The P-Trap and Stinky Drains: Your First Line of Defense (and How it Fails)

The P-trap is a crucial component in preventing drain odors. That “U” or “S” shaped bend in the pipe under every sink, shower, and tub isn’t just for show.

How it Stops Smells:
The P-trap is designed to hold a small amount of water constantly. This water acts as a physical barrier, or a “water seal,” preventing unpleasant and potentially harmful sewer gases from the main sewer line or septic system from wafting up through your drains and into your home.

What Happens When It’s Missing or Malfunctioning:

Dry P-Trap: If a sink isn’t used for a long time, the water in the P-trap can evaporate. Without this water seal, there’s a direct path for sewer gases to enter. This is a common cause of why your drain smells so bad in guest bathrooms or utility sinks.

Siphoned P-Trap: Improper venting in your plumbing system can cause water to be siphoned out of the P-trap when water rushes down another drain nearby.

Clogged P-Trap: Debris like hair, food, and soap scum can accumulate in the bend of the P-trap. This gunk starts to decompose, creating its own foul odor right at the source, even if the water seal is present.

Leaking P-Trap: If the P-trap is cracked or the connections are loose, water will leak out, potentially emptying the trap and allowing sewer gas in. You’ll also have water damage to deal with.

Missing P-Trap: In some older or improperly installed plumbing, a P-trap might be missing altogether, guaranteeing sewer gas issues.

If you suspect a P-trap issue (especially a persistent sewer gas smell), and refilling it with water doesn’t solve the problem, it’s wise to investigate further or call a plumber.

If your efforts don’t work and your drain still smells bad, it might be a deeper plumbing issue—like a broken vent pipe, biofilm buildup, or even sewer line damage.

Don’t wait! Contact Everest Drain & Plumbing, your trusted local Toronto plumber. We offer professional drain cleaning services, emergency plumbing help, and maintenance plans to keep your home fresh and safe.

📞 Call us now or book an inspection online. Let’s restore your clean drain smell—once and for all!