Nothing can render your home uninhabitable more quickly than stinky plumbing problems. Whether it be in the shower, the kitchen sink, around the toilet, or outside, no one wants to live with the constant presence of foul odors. Today, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita looks into the four common causes of foul odors inside a home.
Dry P-Traps
The P-trap is the curved pipe under your sinks, showers, and toilets that holds a small amount of water. The water creates a barrier that prevents sewer gases from entering your house. If the P-trap dries up due to lack of use or the fixture gets damaged, it can no longer block odors. Therefore, foul-smelling sewer gases will escape into your house and cause stinky plumbing problems. Fortunately, fixing a dry P-trap is a simple and straightforward task. Just run water through the affected drain for a few seconds to refill the trap. If the fixture is damaged, call a nearby plumbing repair service to inspect the fixture and make repairs.
Clogged or Dirty Drains
A foul smell coming from your kitchen or shower drains is an indication of clogged drains. For kitchen sink drains, food waste, soap scum, and grease buildup are the most common culprits. These materials can stick to the inside of the pipes and create blockages. It’s a good idea to install a drain screen to catch food particles, hair, and other debris before they enter the drain. This is a simple step that can reduce the risk of clogs and help keep your drains flowing freely.
In shower drains, the smell is usually caused by a buildup of hair, soap residue, and other debris that may find its way into the drains. Our professional plumbers recommend you flush your drains with hot water every two weeks to minimize buildup and discourage the growth of odor-causing bacteria. You can also add a small amount of baking soda and vinegar before flushing with hot water for a more thorough clean. If the smell persists despite cleaning the drains, schedule a professional drain cleaning service. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita is the company to call when you need professional drain cleaning service.
Vent Stack Problems
Your plumbing system has vent stacks that extend through your roof. These vents allow air to enter the plumbing system, helping with drainage and preventing a vacuum that could suck water out of the P-traps. If these vents are blocked by debris, bird nests, or even snow, it can disrupt the airflow and allow sewer gases to enter your home. It’s advisable to inspect vent stacks at least once a year and schedule repairs when you notice a problem. Vent stacks happen to be some of the most overlooked components of a home’s plumbing system. They play an indispensable role in maintaining proper function and preventing foul odors. Keep a close eye on your vent stacks and act quickly when you notice a problem.
Sewer Line Issues
Problems with your main sewer line, such as blockages, cracks, or backups, can force sewer gases back up through your drains. This can result in a persistent and very unpleasant odor throughout your house. A professional plumbing repair service can use high-tech cameras to identify the problem and perform accurate repairs. Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita today for professional sewer repair service.
Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita for Professional Help
Are you experiencing stinky plumbing problems in your home and need professional help? Look no further than Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wichita. Our team has the expertise to clean clogged drains, repair damaged sewer lines, unblock vent stacks, and fix all issues that cause foul odors in homes. Contact us today to book an appointment with our skilled and experienced plumbers in Andale, KS.
