Have you recently noticed a foul odor coming from your pipes and drains? It is not unusual for plumbing to smell. Septic systems and plumbing stink for a variety of reasons. Understanding the root causes behind stinky plumbing can help us tackle the issue and prevent similar problems in the future. We have compiled a list of reasons why your plumbing might be stinky to help you determine the reason behind your sticky plumbing.
Common Reasons behind Sticky Plumbing
Below are some common causes of stinky plumbing:
Accumulation of Waste
Waste accumulation is among the top reasons why your plumbing might be stinky. It can be easy for grease, soap scum, hair, food particles, and other debris to end up within our pipes. With time these particles can get lodged within drain pipes and lead to a buildup that can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Since it can be easy to overlook plumbing maintenance, the damp environment within the pipes is the ideal place for bacteria to multiply.
When these bacteria feed on the buildup, it leads to the release of hydrogen sulfide, which has a foul stench similar to that of rotten eggs. This can cause an unpleasant smell within a home and worsen if left untreated. Moreover, the accumulation of buildup within pipes can also lead to completely blocked drains.
Blocked Drains
Blocked pipes are no less than a plumbing nightmare since they can impact your water flow and leave you with no water supply. When water cannot flow within pipes and becomes stagnant, it further enhances the multiplication of bacteria, leading to a strong foul smell from your plumbing. This smell can consume your entire house, creating an uncomfortable and uninviting environment.
This is why to avoid issues like waste accumulation and blocked pipes, it is critical for homeowners to place filters over their drains to keep food particles, grease, or hair from accumulating within their pipes. Regular cleaning can also help you clean your drain pipes and reduce the likelihood of clogs. A vinegar and baking soda solution is highly effective in breaking down buildup within pipes and will also help eliminate any foul smell-causing bacteria within them.
Issues with Vent Pipes
Plumbing systems rely heavily on ventilation to maintain adequate pressure balance in pipes. Vents are usually placed on the exterior walls or roofs to allow air to escape in and out of the plumbing systems. This helps prevent issues like gurgling sounds, slow drainage, or sewer smells coming into the home that may occur due to the pressure buildup of pipes.
Venting issues can arise from several factors, including bird nests, leaves, or debris buildup blocking the vents. This can lead to pressure imbalances and keep sewer gasses from flowing out of the home. Over time, this issue can worsen until the foul smell becomes unbearable, leading to health risks. These gasses contain hazardous substances like methane, which, when inhaled, can lead to health issues like headaches, dizziness, respiratory problems, etc.
Homeowners must promptly address venting issues by looking at their venting systems. Sometimes, the issue may stem from within the plumbing system, requiring you to call a professional plumber. A plumber will inspect your plumbing system in-depth to identify the issue and offer a solution to prevent foul odors from entering your home.
Issues with P-Traps
P trap refers to a 'u' or 'p' shaped portion within a pipe usually present under your shower, sink, or other fixtures. This portion is designed to house a specific amount of water that prevents sewer gasses from coming out of the drains. However, sometimes with a lack of maintenance and frequent use, the p-traps can begin to dry. When this occurs, the P-trap cannot keep gasses from rising through the pipes, leading to foul smells spreading throughout your home.
Thankfully, a simple way to remedy this issue is to cycle water through fixtures you rarely use. Try to run the water through these fixtures every few weeks and allow the water to drain for at least a minute or two. This lets you replenish the water within the P traps and keeps sewer gasses from rising from the drains.
Sewer Line Problems
Although waste buildup and blocked pipes are common reasons behind foul-smelling plumbing, sometimes the issue may stem from outside your home. Cracked or damaged sewer pipes can produce foul-smelling gasses like methane or hydrogen sulfide that can end up within your home. The best way to determine if a plumbing issue stems from within your home or outside is to notice the air in the surroundings of your home.
If the smell comes from sewer drains surrounding the property, it is best to seek the help of a professional plumber. Leaving cracked or damaged sewer lines unattended can lead to further issues and expensive repairs. Hence, treating the problem as early as possible is the best way to minimize the repair costs and ensure the plumbing system's proper functioning.
Call the Mesa Plumbing Company to Fix Your Plumbing Issues
Although homeowners can diagnose and solve plumbing issues like dry P-traps, it is always best to call professional plumbing services to look at your plumbing systems. Sometimes minor plumbing issues like stinky plumbing may signal larger concerns like blocked drains and sewer line problems that, if left untreated, may lead to expensive repairs.
If you notice a foul smell coming from your plumbing and wonder, 'why does my plumbing stinks,' we recommend calling the licensed professionals at the Mesa Plumbing Company. Our professional plumbers have received extensive training and have years of plumbing experience. The experience and expertise allows them to efficiently diagnose and treat plumbing issues.
At PMC, we prioritize customer service and aim to offer high-quality plumbing services at low prices. Our website also features money-saving specials to encourage Arizona homeowners to take charge of their plumbing systems' health. Moreover, we offer finance options to take the financial burden of unexpected plumbing repairs off your shoulders. So what are you waiting for? Contact us today to learn more about our services.