It is not only at high summer temperatures that it can happen that it suddenly smells unpleasant from the drain.
Does there suddenly be a strong smell from the drain, for example in the shower? Then you should quickly get to the bottom of the cause. The good news is that a smelly drain doesn't have to be clogged automatically. This is because it is often just accumulated shampoo or soap residues that can be easily removed and prevented in the future with a small sieve in the drain.
Why does the drain stink when water runs?
If the strong smell arises after you have turned on the water, it may also be that it is not due to the drain itself, but to the supply line for the fresh water - in the case of the shower, possibly to the shower hose. Whether the hose is the cause of the smell, you can find out quite easily. However, you should not have used the shower for a long time before the test. Now close the drain and then turn on the water. If the smell occurs even though the drain was completely closed, it is probably really due to the shower hose, which you should replace with a new hose in case of doubt. Not only the sink, but also the overflow should be cleaned when cleaning.
Add hot water
If it is not due to the supply line and there is even a gurgling noise coming from the drain of the sink or sink, this is often not a good sign and a bottleneck has probably already formed in the pipe due to the deposits. In order to prevent the pipe from becoming completely clogged, quick action is required. So if the drain is only slightly clogged, you can first try to add hot water and washing-up liquid or reach for the pot.
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Home remedies could help with slightly clogged drains
If the water can still drain away, you can also try home remedies first. Tip: A mixture of baking soda (or baking soda) and vinegar can help loosen any limescale or grease deposits inside the pipe. But be careful and don't use too much of it: pour three tablespoons of baking soda (or alternatively three tablespoons of baking soda) and half a cup of vinegar essence down the drain, then let it soak in for a few minutes and - only when it has stopped bubbling - rinse the whole thing with hot water. There are other home remedies that could help clean the drain.
Getting rid of constipation: nine home remedies that ensure a functioning drain
Getting rid of constipation: nine home remedies that ensure a functioning drain
From drain smells strong? When a craftsman is in demand
However, if the smell does not go away, it is better to ask a craftsman who will unscrew and clean the siphon. Because if the drain is stubbornly clogged, the follow-up costs could otherwise be much more expensive.
Category list image: © Jens Büttner/dpa