Is That Smell Coming from Your Water or Your Drain?
Having clean, fresh water in your home is essential—not just for drinking, but for cooking, cleaning, and bathing. That’s why it’s so important to ensure your whole house water filtration system is working properly. But what happens when something smells… off?
If you’re catching an unpleasant whiff when you turn on the tap—especially in the kitchen or bathroom—you might assume it’s your water. However, in many cases, the odor isn’t from the water itself, but from the sink drain.
How to Tell if the Smell Is from Your Water or Drain
Here’s a quick and easy test to find out:
- Let the tap run for 15–30 seconds.
- Fill a clean glass with the water.
- Take the glass outside (or to another room) and smell or taste the water.
If the water smells and tastes fine, then your filtration system is doing its job—the odor is likely coming from the drain, not the water supply.
What Causes Smelly Drains?
Sink drains can accumulate all kinds of debris over time—grease, food particles, soap residue, hair, and even bacteria. This buildup can cause sour, sulfur-like, or musty odors to rise back up into your kitchen or bathroom.
Simple and Natural Ways to Clean Your Drain
You don’t need harsh chemicals or expensive cleaners to fix a smelly drain. Here are two easy, eco-friendly methods:
1. Dish Soap and Boiling Water
- Use a grease-cutting dish soap like Dawn, Ivory, or Palmolive.
- Pour 2–3 tablespoons of dish soap down the drain.
- Slowly pour a pan of boiling water into the drain.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse again with a second round of boiling water to flush out the debris.
2. Vinegar and Lemon Juice
- Pour half a cup of white vinegar or lemon juice down the drain.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Follow with hot water to clear out residue and neutralize odors.
These natural methods are safe, affordable, and help protect both your plumbing and your family from harmful chemical exposure.
Keep Your Water Fresh, Inside and Out
If you’re still noticing unusual smells even after cleaning your drains, it may be time to check your whole house water filtration system. Filters need to be maintained or replaced periodically to ensure you’re getting the cleanest water possible.
Need help with water quality or filtration? Contact us today to learn more about protecting your home’s water from contaminants—and your sinks from bad smells.
