Stop the Stink: What to Do About Smelly Drains

person covering their nose

Few things can make a clean space feel uninviting as quickly as the sour, rotten smell coming from a drain. Bad odors usually mean buildup inside your pipes, whether it’s food particles, grease, soap scum, or even bacteria feeding off organic matter. Once that odor creeps in, it won’t go away on its own. That’s why property owners often turn to professional drain cleaning in York, SC when the smell refuses to disappear with regular cleaning.

Why Drains Start to Smell

A drain clogged with grease, hair, or food scraps creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Standing water only makes the situation worse. Over time, the buildup creates gases that rise back into the home. Even a slow clog can start producing an odor long before the water stops flowing altogether. The good news is that, with the right treatment and a trusted drain company, that smell can be eliminated for good.

How Professional Cleaning Helps

Many people try pouring harsh chemicals down the drain, but those products can damage pipes and rarely address the root of the problem. A drain company like ours uses proven techniques such as drain snaking and hydro jetting to clear the buildup. Drain snaking works well for breaking through clogs and restoring flow, while hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the inside of the pipes, leaving them nearly as clean as new. Sewer drain cleaning may also be needed if the source of the odor is further down the line.

With the right approach and professional clogged drain service, the smell disappears and doesn’t return.

Why DIY Isn’t Enough

You might be tempted to ignore a drain clogged with debris if water is still moving through, but the smell will only grow stronger over time. DIY tricks may mask it for a day or two, but they don’t remove the buildup. Professional drain cleaning services not only take care of the odor but also help protect the life of your plumbing system. Regular service can even cut down on emergency calls later, saving you money in the long run.

FAQs About Smelly Drains

How often should drains be cleaned?

Most property owners benefit from a professional cleaning once a year. If your building gets heavy use, like a restaurant or rental property, you may need service more often to keep odors and clogs under control.

Are chemical drain cleaners safe?

Store-bought chemical cleaners can corrode pipes over time and often just punch a hole through the clog instead of fully clearing it. Safer and more effective solutions are mechanical methods like drain snaking or hydro jetting.

What can I do to maintain fresh-smelling drains?

Regularly flushing drains with hot water helps move grease and soap scum before they harden. Avoid pouring cooking oil or coffee grounds down the sink. Even with good habits, scheduling professional sewer drain cleaning prevents long-term issues.

Time to Clear the Air

If smelly drains are taking over your property, it’s time to act before the problem gets worse. Pure Flow Plumbing offers drain cleaning services for both residential and commercial customers. We’re proud to provide fair pricing, quality workmanship, and fast service every time. Free estimates are available, and with round-the-clock availability, we’re ready whenever you need us. First-time customers even receive 10% off.

Don’t let smelly drains disrupt your home or business. Call our team today to schedule a drain cleaning appointment.

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