Drains will stop smelling with one 26p product – not baking soda

With the onset of yet another heatwave, many people may be frustrated to find their drains are emitting an unpleasant – and thoroughly unwanted – odour.

Fortunately, there’s a wealth of tips and tricks to banish these smells for good from using kitchen cupboard essentials to turning to a 26p health favourite to get rid of the stench.

But why does the warmer weather lead to smelly drains?

This is because the heat speeds up the breakdown of food waste, soap, scum and other debris lurking in the drains. Similarly, the rising temperatures can lead water in U-shaped pipes to evaporate faster and without the water there as a barrier, gases from the sewers make their way into our homes easier.

With that in mind, bathroom experts from Vidalux.co.uk have shared some of the best ways to give drains a quick clean by using things like boiling water, lemon juice and, surprisingly, even effervescent indigestion tablets.

Andy Ellis, shower and bathroom expert at Vidalux, said: “No one wants a foul smell entering their home which is why it’s worth giving your drains a refresh as we head into spring.

“Unknown blockages can start to smell when the weather warms up and the longer you leave them, the more damage they’re doing to pipework – which could leave you with an even bigger and more expensive problem.

“There are some really simple and effective ways to unclog drains and you can use some items you already have in your home such as salt and white vinegar.

“You can even use things like indigestion tablets and vodka to help unblock and neutralise any odours.”

On using effervescent indigestion tablets, Ellis explained: “Similar to white vinegar and baking soda, the fizzy reaction from effervescent indigestion tablets can help loosen debris in clogged drains.

“Drop a few tablets down the drain followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for a few moments until the fizzing stops and wash the solution away with hot water.”

Currently, a pack of 20 Alka Seltzer effervescent tablets costs £5.20 in Boots, working out at just 26p per tablet.

Smelly drains are a common concern for many people, with lots turning to social media looking for answers.

One person took to Reddit and asked: “What can I do about a smelly drain?”

And continued: “It’s fine when water is running, but the longer it’s not used, like overnight, the smellier it is. I’ve tried bicarbonate and vinegar, a large bucket of water (I read about a dry P trap… sounds painful) and now I’ve run out of ideas!”

There were a litany of suggestions, from using powerful drain cleaners like Mr Muscle or One Shot, though caution was advised due to One Shot being “extremely corrosive”. A fellow Redditor warned: “Gloves and safety goggles should be used.”

Others suggested checking whether there’s a “trap under the plug cover that is clogged with hair and soap scum”.

Someone else said: “You need an air admittance valve or otherwise known as a durgo valve. What will be happening is when the toilet is flushed it will be creating a vacuum and sucking the water out of the traps.

“Generally on the outside soil stack one should be fitted at the top and at every sanitary-ware device at the highest point of drain. These valves allow air in but not out.”

One Reddit user replied: “I also have this problem. It smells like rotten eggs! I’ve put all sorts down there but it still smells disgusting. Going to try a few of these suggestions today.”