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Get The Stink Out Of Your Sink

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Many people are surprised to learn that their kitchen sink is connected to their sewer line. If you notice obnoxious odors emanating from your kitchen sink, these odors could be harmful sewer gases that should be eliminated as quickly as possible.

If you are ready to get the stink out of your sink, here are three easy methods you can try to eliminate odors in the future.

1. Check the P-trap beneath your sink.

The curved piece of pipe below your sink is commonly referred to as a P-trap. When the P-trap is filled with water, this water forms a barrier between your home and the sewer gases that are present in your main sewer line.

Sewer gases are smelly, but they are also dangerous. The sewer gas that can leak into your home through a dry P-trap can be explosive and poisonous. To keep your sewer system working properly and prevent odors from wafting out of your sink, have a professional plumber ensure that your P-trap is not dry or clogged.

2. Have a professional clean your sewer pipes.

Over time, bacteria can begin to build up along the interior of your sewer pipes. These bacteria encase themselves in a sticky polysaccharide, making it impossible for them to leave the surface. As new bacteria join the colony, they stay within the sticky polysaccharide layer.

This buildup of bacteria is commonly referred to as a biofilm, and it can contribute to the odor coming from your kitchen sink. Food, grease, and other debris that enters your sewer system will serve as food sources for the bacteria. The waste produced by bacteria, as well as the decaying organic particles bacteria feed on, can create an unpleasant odor. Hiring a sewer cleaning specialist to remove the biofilm from your pipes' interiors will help eliminate foul odors in the future.

3. Remove clogs from your pipes.

Food, grease, or coffee grounds can find their way into your sewer pipes, especially if you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink. If these organic particles become lodged in your sewer pipes, they can begin to decompose before they are carried away from your home.

Rotting organic material can cause an unpleasant odor to come through the drain in your kitchen sink. Hiring a sewer professional with the tools required to clear potential clogs from your pipes will allow you to rid your kitchen sink of the smells caused by rotting foods.

Taking the time to ensure that your sewer system is working properly can help you eliminate odors coming from your kitchen sink. Check for a dry P-trap, have biofilm removed from your pipes' interiors, and remove clogs to eliminate odors in the future. Contact a service like Tierra Environmental & Industrial Services for more help.


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