Plumbing odors can mask even the strongest home air fresheners. Plumbing odors can be challenging to get rid of, as they often indicate a deeper plumbing issue. If your home has plumbing odors, then we can help! Stop buying deodorizers in bulk and, instead, identify and tackle the root of the problem with the help of experienced Ocala plumbers with Sunshine Plumbing and Gas. We offer an encompassing selection of plumbing services that keep your drains, pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing features in tip-top shape.
Below, professionals with our plumbing company outline five common plumbing odors and tips for how to remove them. Contact us today to get a free plumbing estimate!
Bacterial Growth In Drains
Drains are ideal breeding grounds for bacterial growth due to organic matter build-up, such as shed skin cells and soap scum. In these dark and damp spaces, bacteria divide and conquer, creating foul odors as they multiply. What’s more, build-up can trap things like loose strands of hair, creating stubborn blockages which prevent proper draining and enhance the potential for bad smells. However, rather than turning to caustic chemical cleaners, we recommend scheduling drain cleaning with an Ocala plumber at Sunshine Plumbing and Gas. Our technicians use safe and effective methods to clean out your drains and remove foul odors.
Sewer Gas Smell In Bathrooms
The smell of sewer gas can rear its head when you least expect it. Sewer gas smells, which resemble the smell of rotten eggs or gasoline, can be caused by plumbing issues like leaks or leaks that allow gasses to penetrate the air. Damage to your toilet’s wax ring and base or bacterial growth in drains are two of the most common causes of sewer gas smells in the bathroom. Sewer gas can escape through gaps in the toilet base or from damage to the wax ring’s seal. You can either replace the wax ring yourself or contact our plumbers for help. Re-caulking the toilet base is a relatively simple fix to the presence of this smell as well.
Rotten Egg Smells In Sinks
If bad smells are coming from the sink, then the first thing to check is the sink overflow. The sink overflow is a hole located either underneath or across from the faucet. This hole is prone to accumulate built-up bacteria, soap scum, and loose hair strands that can clog the opening and produce foul smells. To clean the sink overflow, use a small bottle brush and wipe away any buildup you see. Alternatively, you can mix a solution of half chlorine bleach and half water to clear out any grime effectively. If the sink in question is rarely used, try running some water down the drain and wait to see if the smell subsides. If it persists, contact our plumbers!
Sulfuric Smelling Water
Sulfuric-smelling water isn’t necessarily dangerous, but it can negatively impact the taste of your water. If the sulfur smell comes only from the hot side of the faucet, then your water heater may be the problem. Hydrogen sulfide is produced due to reactions between aluminum and magnesium in the water heater tank. The anode rod attracts these corrosive agents, eroding over time, resulting in hot water with a potent sulfuric scent. If the smell comes from both sides of the faucet, then the issue may be with the plumbing or water source. In either case, water filtration, water softening, and plumbing maintenance can help improve your tap water.
Decomposition In Garbage Disposals
If foul odors come from the garbage disposal, the first thing to address is the disposal’s splash guard (the black rubber piece you see when looking into the disposal). The splash guard’s underside is a magnet for food waste and bacteria, both of which produce bad smells. To clean the splash guard, take a clean cloth and turn the splash guard inside out. Then, scrub away any grime found and finally rinse with hot water. To prevent future odors, consider tossing fresh lemon, lime, or orange peels and tossing them down the disposal, or pour a quarter cup of baking soda down the drain and top it off with a cup of vinegar, waiting a few minutes before running the disposal to clear out any leftover food waste.