Appearance unpleasant aroma in the bathroom or kitchen can ruin the mood even in the most well-kept apartment. Many housewives immediately start pouring liters of chemicals into the drain, but this does not always help, because the reason may be hidden deeper. To truly solve a problem, you must first find its source and then apply the correct remedy.
Drying out of the water seal
The most common and harmless reason is water plug in a siphon. The curved pipe under the sink is specially designed to retain water, which blocks gases from the general sewer system. If you haven’t used the tap for a long time or the room is too hot, the water evaporates, opening the door for odors.
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Turn on the water at full power for 2-3 minutes to fill the siphon fresh liquid.
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If you are going on vacation, pour a little vegetable oil into the drain – it will create a film and prevent moisture evaporation.
Hidden blockages and plaque
Even if the water flows well, it often accumulates on the walls of the pipes. fatty depositshair and food debris. This organic mass begins to rot, releasing a characteristic amber. Regular rinsing with boiling water may not work here, since the coating can be very dense.
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Use a proven folk remedy: pour half a glass down the drain baking sodapour in the same amount of vinegar and tightly close the hole with a stopper.
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After 30 minutes, flush the system with plenty of hot water to remove any loosened dirt.
Loss of tightness of connections
Sometimes the source of the odor is not inside the pipe, but outside. Over time, rubber seals dry out, and pipe joints may separate due to vibration or mechanical stress. Even a microscopic slit will let through sewer gases to the apartment.
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Inspect all connections under the sink and tub with a flashlight, checking for moisture or dark spots.
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Replace old gaskets or treat joints with high-quality silicone sealant for reliable insulation.
Ventilation problems
In apartment buildings, the smell may not come from the pipes, but through the ventilation shaft if it is clogged or not working properly. With poor draft, air from the sewer stagnates in the room instead of being drawn out. This creates a feeling of mustiness and dampness.
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Check the draft by placing a sheet of paper on the ventilation grille with the window open – it should stick.
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If there is no traction, you need to clean the grill from dust or contact the management company to check ventilation shaft.
Incorrect installation of corrugation
Often, when installing a siphon yourself, the corrugated pipe is stretched too much and it loses the necessary bend. Without the correct bending, water is not retained and the water seal simply does not form. Gases have direct access to the living space.
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Make sure that the corrugation is shaped like the letter S or U and is securely fixed in this position with a special clamp.
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If necessary, replace the stretched corrugation with a rigid bottle-type siphon, which holds the unpleasant odors.
Regular preventive maintenance and timely inspection of plumbing will help keep the air fresh in your home without unnecessary effort and expense.
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