Broken Arrow, a suburb of Tulsa, Oklahoma, provides an ideal spot for life as an aspiring individual or part of a growing family. It has a B+ rating for jobs, with the average household making quite a bit more than the national average. Niche also gives it an A- for public schools and housing.
Of course, ratings won’t matter much if your home in Broken Arrow smells disgusting. Do you know how to clean a smelly drain in Broken Arrow, OK? Drain odors are not only unpleasant but lead to further problems that threaten your plumbing system and your health.
Fortunately, Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric’s #1 team can provide reliable plumbing repair in Broken Arrow. Since 2009, we’ve ensured this community has the home comfort it expects. Below are some causes of smelly drains and the best solutions.
The Causes of a Smelly Drain in Broken Arrow, OK
Is the toilet in your unused guest bathroom starting to smell? It might be a sink in your outdoor cooking area after a long winter away. Without regularly running water through these appliances, the P-traps dry out, which is one cause of smells that are fairly easy to remedy.
The P-trap holds water after each use to block toxic sewer gasses from flowing back up out of the drain and into your home. Running or flushing the water occasionally helps refill this P-trap, dampening any smells.
Still, some pipes might stink if something lodges within them. Anything from hair and soap scum in the bathroom shower drains to food from your kitchen sink disposal might be starting to decompose and attract odor-filled bacteria as it clogs the drain.
Remedying a Smelly Drain in Broken Arrow
So, you know what often causes odors. Now, let’s learn how to clean a smelly drain so that you can give your home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, a fresh start.
Removing Clogs That Causes the Smell in Drain Lines
If a clog accompanies the smell, clearing it solves the problem. Plumbing and drain-cleaning experts will take the following approach:
- Remove the drain clover.
- Remove as much debris as possible from the drain entrance.
- Close to the drain.
- Use the suction action of a plunger to pull the remaining debris out.
This will clear any small clogs, but if it doesn’t sort out the smell after a few hours or days, there’s likely a deeper clog. Anything in the outside sewer line requires an auger to reach deep into your drain system and grind up offending particles – including tree roots and critters’ nests. These remains then travel into Broken Arrow’s municipal sewer main.
If that still doesn’t do the trick for the odors, there’s hydro-jetting to sort out sludge, grease, and other gunk. This high-pressure water hose sprays up to 5,000 psi during drain cleaning, blasting away any residue in the pipes.
Eradicating Smells That Don’t Originate from a Clog
What if you want to know how to clean a smelly drain in Broken Arrow but are sure there’s no clog? Smells can still develop due to a biofilm of fungi, algae, and bacteria. These microorganisms multiply and secrete a slimy extracellular polymeric substance, often releasing a musty, sewage-like, or “rotten egg” smell.
Fortunately, in this case, odor removal would be as simple as pouring boiling water into your sink, tub, or shower drain to flush away loose bacteria. Vinegar and baking soda might also do something to neutralize the smells. Throw in this mix for a few minutes before you pour in the boiling water.
Fixing Garbage Disposal Odor Issues
Garbage disposals work slightly differently from traditional pipe systems and require extra care. Because the disposal comprises blades that face buildup, just like the inner pipe walls, you’ll want to keep this drain as clear as possible to avoid odors.
Throwing in some salt mixed with a dozen ice cubes and lemon peels is a good start. Turn on the disposal for a few minutes to scrub the mechanism and pipes. The peels give the blades a fresher scent.
For Unbeatable Quality in Broken Arrow!
Broken Arrow is a beautiful area, from the scenic Ray Harral Nature Park to its boutiques and award-winning art galleries. You don’t want your Broken Arrow home to be known for its foul smell, so why not learn how to clean a smelly drain or call for plumbing maintenance?
Contact Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric for a team with five-star reviews on Google and Facebook, as well as an A+ rating with the BBB. With our reliable 24/7 assistance, you can say goodbye to bad plumbing!
