When you've got a rotten smell coming from your plumbing in your South Plainfield, NJ home, it can be very unpleasant. There are a variety of things that might cause your drains might smell, but how do you know what the root is? There are a few ways to remove this smell, but your best bet is a drain cleaning.
You might be noticing this stench because of the water itself, a blockage in your drain, or airflow from your sewer lines. It's important to find the source so that you can determine the solution most accurately. Here is what you should do.
Is Your Sink the Problem?
One of the most significant causes of smelly plumbing is that the pipes under your sink might be contaminated or otherwise compromised. One possible reason for that smell is that the P-trap has run dry.
The P-trap is the U-shaped part underneath your sink. It should always have water in it because the water acts as a barrier between the drain going into your home and the smelly sewer gases in your sewer line.
If that trap runs dry, the gasses will float into your home, causing the stink. You'll see this happen most often with sinks where you don't run the water very often, so all you really need to do is run the water in each bathroom.
Sulfur in the Pipes?
Would you categorize the smell from your plumbing as rotten eggs? It could be because your pipes have sulfur in them. When certain chemicals interact, they release hydrogen sulfide gas, which causes the rotten egg smell.
One thing to point out is that it could be your plumbing causing the smell, or it may be that your water supply is compromised. How do you know the difference? Do a smell test. Run water into a drinking glass and smell it.
Go to another tap and fill another glass. Do they both smell like sulfur? If so, your water may be contaminated. If not, your plumbing is the problem. Have a plumber go examine the pipes.
Why You Should Call Your Plumber
Contacting your local plumber is your best bet for getting to the bottom of this problem right away. If it is a quick fix, they can advise you on how to get rid of the smell and keep it away.
However, if the issue is more serious, such as a sewer line break causing the smell, then you need specific tools and training to diagnose and fix the problem.
Don't suffer from smelly plumbing. Consider these options or call your plumber today for more advice and to schedule a drain cleaning.
