How to Get Rid of Drain Odors

How to Get Rid of Drain Odors

Unpleasant drain odors are often caused by organic material that has accumulated inside the drain or pipe. Grease, food residue, soap residue and other organic matter can collect along the walls of a drain and begin producing noticeable smells.

The key to getting rid of drain odors is to address the source of the odor rather than simply covering it with fragrance.

An enzyme drain cleaner can help break down odor-causing organic buildup and can also be used regularly to help keep drains clean and fresh.

Why Does My Drain Smell?

A drain can develop an odor for several reasons.

Common causes include:

• Grease and food residue

• Organic buildup

• Soap residue

• Garbage disposal buildup

• Material trapped around the drain opening

• A drain that is used infrequently

• Plumbing or sewer problems

Kitchen drains are especially susceptible to food and grease buildup, while bathroom drains can collect soap residue and other organic material.

Start by Cleaning the Drain Opening

Before treating the drain itself, remove any visible material around the drain opening.

Depending on the drain, this might include:

• Food particles

• Hair

• Soap residue

• Grease

• Other visible debris

Clean the drain stopper or strainer as well. Material can accumulate underneath these components and contribute to unpleasant smells.

Use an Enzyme Drain Cleaner

If organic buildup is contributing to the odor, an enzyme drain cleaner can help address the material inside the drain.

Enzymes work by helping break down organic matter such as grease, food residue and other buildup.

Rather than simply adding fragrance to cover the smell, an enzyme-based product helps address one of the potential sources of the odor.

Use the product according to its directions and allow the recommended amount of contact time.

How to Get Rid of Kitchen Drain Odors

Kitchen sinks are exposed to food residue, grease and oils every day.

Small amounts of this material can stick to the inside walls of the drainpipe. Over time, additional organic matter can become trapped in the buildup and begin producing odors.

To help prevent kitchen drain smells:

• Keep grease and cooking fats out of the sink.

• Use a drain strainer to catch food particles.

• Clean the sink strainer regularly.

• Maintain the garbage disposal according to its instructions.

• Use an enzyme drain maintainer regularly as directed.

Consistent maintenance can help prevent organic residue from becoming a recurring odor problem.

How to Get Rid of Bathroom Drain Odors

Bathroom sinks, tubs and showers can develop buildup from soap residue, body oils, hair and other organic material.

Remove visible hair and debris first. Clean around the drain opening and stopper, then use an appropriate enzyme drain cleaner according to its directions to help address organic residue farther inside the drain.

What About Garbage Disposal Odors?

Food residue can become trapped inside and around a garbage disposal and create unpleasant smells.

Clean and maintain the disposal according to the manufacturer's instructions. An enzyme drain-maintenance product that is appropriate for garbage disposals can also help address organic residue in the drain system.

Never place your hand inside a garbage disposal.

How Do You Prevent Drain Odors From Coming Back?

Once the odor is gone, regular maintenance can help prevent the same problem from returning.

Good habits include:

• Keep grease and fats out of drains.

• Use drain screens and strainers.

• Remove food and hair regularly.

• Clean drain stoppers and strainers.

• Maintain garbage disposals properly.

• Use an enzyme drain maintainer according to its recommended schedule.

The objective is to reduce the organic buildup that can create odors before enough material accumulates to become noticeable.

What If the Drain Still Smells?

Not every drain odor is caused by organic buildup.

If a strong or sewer-like smell continues after the drain has been thoroughly cleaned, there may be another plumbing issue.

Possible causes can include a dry drain trap, venting problems, leaking plumbing or other issues within the drainage or sewer system.

Persistent sewer odors should be investigated rather than repeatedly covered with cleaners or fragrances. A plumber may be needed to identify the source.

Natural Armor Drain Maintainer with Enzymes

Natural Armor Drain Maintainer with Enzymes is an all-natural enzyme-based formula designed to clean, deodorize and maintain drains and septic systems.

When used according to the product directions, it helps:

• Clean drains

• Deodorize drains

• Neutralize odors

• Help prevent clogs

• Maintain drains and septic systems

Instead of simply masking unpleasant drain smells, Natural Armor Drain Maintainer with Enzymes helps address the organic buildup that can contribute to them.

Regular use makes it easy to incorporate odor control and drain cleaning into an ongoing maintenance routine.

Shop Natural Armor Drain Maintainer with Enzymes →