A smelly drain in your home is not only unpleasant but can also be a sign of a deeper plumbing issue. Whether it’s coming from your kitchen sink, bathroom, or laundry, a foul drain odour usually indicates trapped food, grease, bacteria, or even a blocked drain. Ignoring the problem can lead to more serious issues, including pipe damage and expensive repairs. At Hunter Eco Plumbing, we specialise in diagnosing blocked drains in Newcastle. Our expert team provides blocked drain repairs, drain and pipe relining, and general residential plumbing services, ensuring your drainage system functions properly. If you’ve noticed a persistent bad smell, here are five possible reasons why your drain might be the reason.
1. Food and Grease Buildup
One of the most common causes of a smelly kitchen drain is the buildup of food particles, grease, and oil. Over time, small bits of food and grease coat the inside of your pipes, encouraging bacteria. As these organic materials decompose, they release smells that can make your entire kitchen smell unpleasant. Grease and fat are problematic because they harden inside the pipes, trapping food particles and making it difficult for water to flow properly. If your drain smells like rotting food, a deep clean or professional blocked drain service may be necessary to remove the buildup and avoid burst pipe repairs.
How to Prevent It:
- Avoid pouring grease down the drain, instead wait for it to harden and empty in the bin
- Use a drain strainer to catch food scraps and prevent them from entering the pipes.
2. Blocked or Clogged Drains
A blocked drain is another major reason why your plumbing might start to smell. When things like hair, soap scum, or food waste build in your pipes, it slows down water flow. This leads to mould and bacteria that can often smell sewer-like. If you’ve noticed slow drainage, gurgling sounds, or water pooling around your drain, a blockage may be forming. Without proper maintenance, this can lead to more serious plumbing issues, it’s best to contact your local Newcastle plumber to avoid secondary damage.
How to Fix It:
- Use a plunger to dislodge minor blockages.
- If the smell persists, contact Hunter Eco Plumbing for blocked drains in Newcastle. Our team can identify and remove blockages quickly using advanced plumbing technology.
3. Pipe Damage
A more serious cause of drain odours is a damaged sewer line or broken pipes. If there’s a crack or leak in your sewer line, foul-smelling gases can escape and make their way into your home. Damaged pipes can also cause slow drainage, frequent backups, and even structural damage to your property.
One of the most effective ways to fix damaged pipes is drain and pipe relining, a non-invasive technique that repairs your plumbing without digging up your yard. At Hunter Eco Plumbing, we specialise in pipe relining services in Newcastle, providing a durable and long-lasting solution for cracked or leaking sewer lines.
How to Fix It:
- If you suspect sewer line damage, do not ignore the problem. Call a professional plumber immediately.
- Hunter Eco Plumbing can perform a drain camera inspection to locate the issue and recommend the best course of action.
4. Bacteria and Mould Growth
Warm, damp environments are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and mould, which can contribute to unpleasant drain odours. If your drain smells musty, moldy, or like rotten eggs, it could be due to bacterial growth inside the pipes.
How to Fix It:
- Flush your drains with hot water and vinegar to kill bacteria.
- Use a drain cleaner to break down organic matter safely.
- If the smell doesn’t go away, contact Hunter Eco Plumbing for a professional drain cleaning service
How Hunter Eco Plumbing Can Help
At Hunter Eco Plumbing, we understand how frustrating and unpleasant smelly drains can be. Whether it’s a blocked drain, sewer line issue, or general plumbing concern, our expert team is here to help Newcastle residents keep their drains clean and odour-free.
Our Services Include:
✔ Blocked Drain Repairs – We use high-tech tools to locate and remove stubborn blockages.
✔ Drain & Pipe Relining – A cost-effective solution to repair damaged sewer pipes without excavation.
✔ Residential Plumbing Services – From minor drain issues to major plumbing repairs, we do it all.