How to Clean a Stinky Drain

Instructions to Clean a Stinky Drain

Getting rid of the stinky odor is often a process of elimination. Start by flushing the drain with distilled white vinegar and baking soda and see if that removes the odor. If not, progress to the next steps until all of the odor is gone.

1. Flush the Drain

   1. In a large measuring cup or bowl, combine one cup of distilled white vinegar and one cup of boiling water. Pour one-half cup of baking soda down the drain followed by the vinegar and hot water mixture.
   2. Cover the sink drain with the drain plug and allow the mixture to work for 10 minutes. There may be some foaming as the baking soda and vinegar react with each other.
   3. After 10 minutes, flush the drain with an additional two cups of very hot water. This will remove debris and fill the P-trap with clean water to eliminate odors.
      

2. Clean the Kitchen Sink Garbage Disposal

   1. Kitchen sink odor may be coming from a garbage disposal unit. Before you begin the cleaning steps, turn off the electrical breaker for the disposal to prevent injuries.
   2. Use a paste of baking soda and a few drops of water on a sponge to clean the rubber baffle of the disposal near the sink drain opening. Be sure to clean the underside of the baffle.
   3. Follow the steps for flushing a drain with vinegar, baking soda, and hot water. If you have a double sink, cover the opening of the sink drain in both sinks.
      

   Tip

   If the smell persists, grind up sliced or halved lemons in the garbage disposal: This can also help remove any odor.

3. Clean the Faucet or Showerhead Aerator

   Unscrew the end of the faucet and use an old toothbrush and a bit of damp baking soda to clean away any debris or mold that may be on the aerator screen. Remove the showerhead and submerge it in a bowl of warm distilled white vinegar. Let it soak for 30 minutes. Use an old toothbrush to remove any visible mold or debris from the nozzles, rinse, and reinstall the showerhead.

4. Clean the P-Trap

   1. Remove all items from underneath the sink and place a bucket under the curved portion of the drainage pipe to catch water and debris.
   2. Use a wrench to loosen and remove the P-trap.
   3. Wearing rubber gloves, empty any water and debris from the trap into the bucket. You can take the P-trap outside to rinse it out with a garden hose or flush it with water from another sink into the bucket.
   4. Reassemble the drainage system.
   5. Flush the sink with distilled vinegar, baking soda, and hot water as directed in the first step.
      

5. Remove Air Vent Blockages

   If you feel the drain air vent may be blocked, use a sturdy ladder and climb to the roof to remove leaves or debris that may be clogging the vent.
   

   Warning

   Always work with an assistant when working on a roof. Never climb alone, make sure your ladder is sturdy, and have your assistant steady the base for you. If in doubt, hire a professional to check out your roof.

How to Prevent Stinky Drains After Cleaning

Cleaning out your drains doesn't prevent odors from returning. Here are tips to maintain a fresh drain or to somewhat prevent a stinky drain from recurring after you clean it.

• Once a week, pour a large pot of boiling water down kitchen and bath drains.
• Sprinkle baking soda down all of your sink and shower drains every week to absorb odors.
• If you have a kitchen garbage disposal, run it for 20 seconds every time food goes down the drain.
• To minimize smells in your shower drain, plunge it every so often and then snake it with a hair catcher.

When to Call a Professional

If none of these methods work (or you feel uncertain about completing them), consider calling an expert. There may be a leak in the plumbing lines or a sewage line problem that will require a professional plumber.