Hot weather in the UK may be great for beach days and garden parties, but it’s not so great when your home starts to smell like a blocked sewer. Smelly drains are one of the top summer plumbing problems that UK homeowners face, and they’re more common than you think.
Warm temperatures speed up bacterial growth and intensify the smell of trapped organic matter in your pipes. Left unchecked, what starts as a minor inconvenience can quickly become a major plumbing issue. Luckily, there are simple and effective ways to stay ahead of the problem.
Here are some practical summer tips to prevent smelly drains in your kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor areas.
How to Prevent Smelly Drains?
1. Flush Your Drains with Boiling Water and Vinegar
One of the easiest ways to prevent smelly drains is to flush them weekly with boiling water, followed by a cup of baking soda and vinegar. This natural combo helps clear residue, kill bacteria, and neutralize odours.
Tip: Wait 10 minutes after pouring vinegar, then rinse again with boiling water for a deeper clean.
2. Watch What Goes Down the Sink
During summer, people tend to cook more greasy foods, wash off sunscreen, and pour leftover drinks down the drain—all of which can cause a sticky build-up in pipes.
To prevent this:
- Avoid pouring oils and fats down your kitchen sink.
- Use a hair catcher in your shower to trap strands and debris.
- Never flush wipes, even if they’re labeled “flushable.”
3. Clean Out Overflow Holes and Traps
Overflow holes in sinks and bathtubs often get ignored, but they can harbour bacteria. In warm weather, that bacteria becomes more active and smelly.
Quick Fix: Use a toothbrush and antibacterial cleaner to scrub overflow outlets and the area around the plug hole.
4. Keep Outdoor Drains Clear
Garden debris like grass, soil, and leaves can get washed into external drains during a summer downpour. These blockages rot quickly in hot weather, causing foul odours to rise.
Pro Tip: Install drain guards and check your gutters regularly to avoid external smells sneaking into your home.
5. Call a Plumber if the Smell Persists
Sometimes, smelly drains indicate a deeper issue like a damaged pipe, sewage backflow, or blocked vent system. If home remedies don’t fix the smell within a few days, call a professional plumber to inspect your system.
At our company, we offer fast, 24 hour emergency drainage services across the UK. Whether you’re dealing with smelly drains or any other plumbing problems that appear during summer, we’re here to help, quickly and affordably.
Don’t Let Smelly Drains Spoil Your Summer
Your home should smell fresh all year round, especially in summer when guests are visiting and windows are open. With these simple summer tips, you can prevent smelly drains and enjoy a clean, comfortable home.
Need help fast? Book an emergency plumber online or give us a call today. We serve London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, and more.