Do You Need a Plumber to Stop that Foul Odor?

Jan 27
08:40

2012

Aloysius Aucoin

Aloysius Aucoin

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Sometimes it is necessary to hire a plumber in order to squash a foul odor that originates from one of your bathroom or kitchen fixtures. There are a few smells, however, that you can eliminate on your own with home remedies.

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Do you need a plumber to help you deal with an embarrassing odor emanating from one of your fixtures? Odors can happen for a number of reasons and sometimes removing them can be difficult. There are some measures you can take on your own to reduce the offensive scent or eliminate it. However,Do You Need a Plumber to Stop that Foul Odor? Articles in certain cases it may take the expertise and training of a professional to get to the root of the problem. If you're suffering with persistent pipe odors, here are some ways to pinpoint the problem and what you can do to put a stop to any unpleasant smells.

Kitchen Sink

The sink is a prime place for bacteria to thrive and colonize, creating a foul odor in their wake. Food particles can get stuck in pipes or mold can begin to grow in hard-to-reach areas. Garbage disposals are another hotspot for smelly activity. To neutralize the odor, try pouring a generous amount of plain baking soda down the drain and allowing it to sit and soak up any smells for several minutes. Once it has had a chance to absorb the odor, flush it down the pipes with boiling hot water that will help strip away food remnants and grease that has been left behind. There are also commercial products available that can help de-grease the insides of the pipes. If the problem lies within the garbage disposal, ensure it's turned off and check for any food that may have gotten stuck and rotted. Shredding some citrus peels within the blades can also help freshen it up between cleanings.


Toilet Bowl

While most toilets will obviously smell at one point or another, it's pretty easy to differentiate between normal odors and those that signify a plumbing problem. The scent of sewage, which is often likened to that of rotten eggs, means there is likely a leak (most commonly around the seal at the base of the toilet). A possible solution is to re-caulk the ring connected the bowl to the floor. If fixing this does not result in any improvements, the ring may need to be replaced or the basement drain needs to be emptied. A backed up drain can also cause a sewage smell to emit from a shower or bath as well. Either way, you may want to call a plumber for assistance.

Rotten Egg Water

Does your water smell like rotten eggs? It isn't pleasant, but it does happen on occasion. Sulfate may be overpowering your water supply source, in which case it will likely come down to the city that has to address the problem. However, you may also just need to increase the temperature of your water heater for a few hours in order to blast away sulfate-causing bacteria. If you can't seem to get anywhere with the city that supplies the water or if the problem is originating not form the source but from somewhere in your home, it's best to call a plumber to deal with the problem.

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