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Smelly drains can make a kitchen, bathroom, utility room, outside area or commercial premises unpleasant to use. Bad drain smells may come and go, appear after rain, become stronger when water is used, or seem to come from sinks, toilets, showers, outside drains or inspection chambers.
Drain Division helps investigate and resolve smelly drain problems for domestic and commercial properties. The smell may be caused by a simple build-up inside a waste pipe, but it can also be linked to blocked drains, damaged pipework, poor flow, root ingress or issues with external drainage.
If the smell is accompanied by wastewater backing up, overflowing drains or toilets that cannot be used, you may need emergency drain unblocking.
Common Signs of a Smelly Drain Problem
You may need help with smelly drains if you notice:
Persistent drain smells are worth checking properly, especially when they keep returning or are linked to slow drainage, bubbling noises or standing water.
Drain smells can come from several different places. Sometimes the issue is close to the plughole, but in other cases the smell is caused by a blockage, pipe defect or external drainage problem further along the system.
Common causes of smelly drains include:
If the smell is recurring or difficult to trace, a CCTV drain survey may help identify hidden pipe damage, blockages or defects inside the drainage system.
The right solution depends on where the smell is coming from and what is causing it. A smell from a kitchen sink may need a different approach from a sewage smell near an outside drain or recurring odours from an inspection chamber.
Smelly drain work may include:
If damaged pipework is found, Drain Division can advise on drain repairs or drain relining where appropriate.
Smelly drains are often linked to blockages, poor flow, damaged pipework or outside drainage issues.
You may also need:
Drain Division provides smelly drain investigation and drainage services across many areas, including Aldershot, Basingstoke, Guildford, Reading, Southampton and Winchester.
Why does my drain smell like sewage?
A sewage smell can be caused by a blockage, waste build-up, a dry or disturbed trap, poor flow, damaged pipework or smells travelling back from the wider drainage system. If the smell keeps returning, the cause should be checked properly.
Why does my sink smell even after I clean it?
If a sink still smells after cleaning the plughole, the problem may be further into the trap, waste pipe or drainage run. Grease, food residue, soap build-up or a partial blockage can continue to produce odours even when the visible part of the sink looks clean.
Why do my drains smell worse after rain?
Drain smells can become worse after rain if outside drains, gullies or surface water systems are struggling to clear properly. Heavy rain can also make existing blockages, silt build-up or poor flow more noticeable.
Can a blocked outside drain cause smells inside the house?
Yes. If an outside drain is connected to the same drainage system, a blockage or poor flow outside can sometimes cause smells, gurgling or slow drainage inside the property.
Will bleach get rid of smelly drains?
Bleach may mask or reduce some surface smells, but it will not fix a blocked drain, damaged pipe, root ingress problem or heavy build-up further along the drainage system. Recurring smells usually need the cause investigating.
Are smelly drains a sign of a serious problem?
Not always, but persistent or strong drain smells can point to a blockage, damaged pipework, poor drainage flow or wastewater issue. Smells alongside backing up, overflowing drains or slow drainage should be checked quickly.
Do I need a CCTV drain survey for smelly drains?
A CCTV drain survey may be recommended if the smell keeps returning, if the cause cannot be found from accessible drainage points, or if there are signs of damaged pipework, root ingress or recurring blockages.
Contact our team of experts today. Our offices are open 6am to midnight 7 days a week.
