https://epgi.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Drains-and-Water-1.png 1000 667 Admin A Admin A https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/191fafa9c1ed05bb2314052489765493?s=96&d=mm&r=g August 26, 2019 March 16, 2023

Modern plumbing systems and fixtures in our homes and businesses are designed to work flawless without odour. When you do find you have stinky drains and water, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Not only are the sulphurous smells unpleasant but the sewer gases caused by bacteria also pose health hazards.

When you notice awful smells emanating from your drain, don’t hesitate to contact a plumbing company. Brisbane residents can contact EPG for fast and reliable plumbing services. Below we look at the top three causes of stinky drains and water.

1. P-Trap Issues

Every drain in your property should have a P-trap. In addition to trapping debris drained from the sink, this plumbing fixture creates a water seal at the bottom of the U-curve in the pipe, allowing fluid to flow into the overflow pipe and preventing it backing up into the sink. It also helps prevent gases and odours from the overflow pipe entering your home.

P-traps can fail to function properly for a few reasons, such as:

A leak causes the P-trap to lose its seal.
A blockage, such as a large clump of hair, blocks the passage and siphons the water out of the P-trap.
Prolonged periods without use, causing the water in the P-trap to dry out and let noxious odours through.

Proper function of the P-trap and vent system is crucial as the pressure in sewer lines can fluctuate. The vent allows air to come in and equalise the pressure so sewer gases go up the stack to the outside. Without proper venting, water and air can be pushed through the P-trap and break the protective water seal, letting awful smells in.

2. Drain and Sewer Line Issues

From rotted or cracked drain pipes to loose-fitting pipe connections and blocked, overflowing drains, there are a variety of other issues that can cause bad smells. Sewer blockages in the private lines that connect your plumbing system to the main sewer lines can be locked by foreign objects like:

Cooking oil and fat
Diapers
Tampons
Pet litter
Solid food

If the main sewer line backs up, then it is the local council’s duty to fix the problem. However, you’ll often need to consult with a plumbing professional to determine the reason.

3. Bacteria in the Hot Water System

Another source of bad smells could be your hot water system. Every water heating system features an anode rod that protects the tank from corrosion and rust. Over time, the rod decays, creating hydrogen sulphur gas that reacts with sediment in the tank to create rotten smelling showers and bad tasting water.

If the temperature is set too low on the hot water system, bacteria can also grow and multiply. In other cases, a hot water system may not have been in use for a long time, causing bacteria to multiply in an environment where they aren’t destroyed by heat.

Need a Plumbing Company? Brisbane’s EPG Can Help

Got a smelly drain in your house? Get in touch with the expert plumbers at EPG today. In addition to fixing residential plumbing issues around Brisbane, we offer a range of other services: