After moving into my new rental apartment, I dedicated several days to an intense cleaning spree. The result? A sparkling clean living space! However, there was one significant issue that lingered: a foul sewage odor wafting from the kitchen drain. It was hard to imagine how I could live comfortably with such a stench permeating my new home. Determined to tackle the problem, I took a deep breath of fresh air and began brainstorming solutions to eliminate that unpleasant sewage smell.
Despite trying various commercial unclogging powders and liquids, the odor persisted. While the water flowed freely, indicating no blockage, the overpowering smell remained a nuisance. After some research, I discovered a simple yet effective method of banishing the bad sewage odor using common household ingredients.
What Causes Sewage Odor?
- Back-ups in the sewer system
- Leaks from rotted or cracked drain pipes
- Clogged drains
- Loose-fitting pipe connections
- Blocked or inadequately short vent pipes
- Old wax rings on toilets
- Dry traps
Gather These Supplies:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- 1 gallon of hot water
- Chlorine bleach
- 4 ounces of mineral oil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Begin by pouring 1/4 cup of baking soda into the drain.
- Next, follow it up with one cup of white vinegar.
- Allow the mixture to sit for two hours with the kitchen door closed to contain the odors.
- Gradually pour a gallon of hot water down the drain.
- After fifteen minutes, run cold water for ten minutes to rinse the vinegar thoroughly. This step is crucial, so be sure not to skip it.
- Introduce 1/2 cup of chlorine bleach into the drain and let it sit for an additional two hours with the kitchen door closed.
- Rinse again with another gallon of hot water poured slowly.
- Finally, let cool water run for ten minutes. By this point, ample water should be standing in the “U” curve of the P-trap.
- As a concluding step, pour four ounces of mineral oil (or plain cooking oil if you’re in a pinch) into the drain. The oil will float on the water in the trap, helping to slow evaporation.
Optional Tip: You can use a screwdriver to remove the trap if you wish to replace it or to clean it out thoroughly.