Why Do My Drains Smell After Not Being Used? Advice from a Perth Plumber

If you’ve noticed unpleasant odours coming from your drains after a period of inactivity, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in Perth experience this issue, especially in rarely used bathrooms, laundry sinks, or guest toilets. Understanding why drains smell and how to fix them can save you from ongoing frustration and prevent potential plumbing issues.

At Ember Plumbing & Gas, your trusted Perth plumber, we frequently assist homeowners with smelly drains, blockages, and maintenance solutions to keep your plumbing running smoothly.

Why Drains Smell After Not Being Used

Drains are designed to carry wastewater away from your home while keeping sewer gases out. Most drains include a U-shaped trap (P-trap or S-trap), which holds water to prevent odours from entering your home. However, if a drain hasn’t been used for a while, the water in the trap can evaporate, allowing unpleasant sewer gases to escape.

Other reasons drains may smell after periods of disuse include:

• Dry Traps: When water in the trap evaporates, it no longer blocks sewer gases.
• Bacterial Build-Up: Slow-growing bacteria in stagnant water or organic debris in drains can produce foul odours.
• Blocked Vent Pipes: Venting pipes allow air to move freely through the plumbing system. Blockages can prevent proper ventilation, leading to odours.
• Debris in Pipes: Hair, soap scum, and other debris can accumulate in rarely used drains and emit smells as they decompose.

Common Drains That Smell After Disuse

Certain areas of your home are more prone to odours due to infrequent use:

• Guest Bathrooms: If a toilet or sink is rarely used, the trap water can evaporate quickly.
• Laundry Sinks: Drains may dry out during periods of no washing or vacation.
• Outdoor Taps or Floor Drains: These drains often have minimal water flow, causing traps to dry.
• Bathroom Floor Drains: Especially in ensuite bathrooms or second bathrooms, lack of regular use can lead to odours.

How to Fix Smelly Drains in Perth

Fortunately, fixing drains that smell after being unused is often straightforward:

1. Refill the Traps with Water

Pour a small amount of water into sinks, showers, or floor drains to refill the trap. This simple step restores the barrier against sewer gases.

2. Use Mineral Oil or Vinegar

Adding a few drops of mineral oil on top of trap water slows evaporation. Alternatively, pour vinegar down the drain weekly to keep bacteria under control and reduce odours.

3. Clean the Drain Regularly

Remove hair, soap, and debris to prevent bacterial growth. For hard-to-reach areas, consider using a drain snake or call a professional Perth plumber for safe and thorough cleaning.

4. Check for Venting Issues

Blocked vent pipes can prevent air from moving freely, leading to smelly drains. A licensed Perth plumber can inspect vents and clear blockages safely.

5. Use Drain Covers or Caps

For rarely used drains, consider installing drain covers or caps to slow evaporation and prevent insects or debris from entering.

When to Call a Perth Plumber

If the smell persists despite refilling traps and cleaning, it may indicate a more serious plumbing problem. You should contact a licensed Perth plumber if you notice:

• Persistent odours even after running water through the drains
• Gurgling or bubbling sounds in pipes
• Multiple drains in the home smelling at once
• Signs of blocked vents or pipe damage

At Ember Plumbing & Gas, we provide expert advice, inspections, and maintenance to solve drainage problems quickly. Our team uses professional equipment to ensure your drains are clean, vents are clear, and odours are eliminated.

Preventing Smelly Drains

To avoid smelly drains in the future, consider these tips:

• Run water through rarely used drains weekly
• Clean traps and drains regularly
• Pour a small amount of mineral oil into traps to prevent evaporation
• Check for plumbing vent blockages periodically
• Schedule routine maintenance with a licensed Perth plumber

Why Choose Ember Plumbing & Gas in Perth

As a trusted Perth plumber, Ember Plumbing & Gas provides:

• Fast, reliable drain inspections and repairs
• Expertise in blocked drains, odours, and preventative maintenance
• Transparent pricing and upfront quotes
• Fully licensed and compliant plumbing services across Perth

Whether it’s a smelly sink, blocked toilet, or maintenance check, our friendly team ensures your drains are clean, functional, and odour-free.

Contact Your Perth Plumber Today

Don’t let smelly drains disrupt your home. Contact Ember Plumbing & Gas, your local Perth plumber, for expert advice, drain cleaning, or plumbing maintenance.

📞 Call us today at 0477 777 301 or visit our contact page to book a service. Enjoy fresh-smelling drains and peace of mind with Ember Plumbing & Gas.