If you’ve ever walked into your kitchen or bathroom and been met with a “mysterious” and unpleasant odor, you aren’t alone. It’s one of the most common calls we get here at Hargrave’s Plumbing in Lafayette.
In fact, the issue is so common that Southern Living recently reached out to our very own Travis Hargrave to get his expert take on how homeowners can banish these smells for good.
In the article, “How To Banish Sink Drain Odors—And Keep Them From Coming Back,” written by the talented Ashlyn Needham, Travis breaks down why your drains act up and how you can fix them using items already in your pantry.
What’s Causing That Smell? (The Cajun Drain Mystery)
As Travis mentioned to Southern Living, your sink is actually designed to be odorless. The “P-trap”—that U-shaped pipe under your sink—is supposed to hold water that acts as a seal against sewer gases.
According to Travis, if things start smelling “funky,” it’s usually one of two things:
- Food Debris: Bits of yesterday’s dinner are caught and decaying.
- Evaporation: If a guest bathroom or utility sink hasn’t been used in a while, the water in the P-trap evaporates, letting smells through.
The Hargrave-Approved DIY Flush
The article outlines a simple DIY method to freshen up your pipes. While we always love seeing our Lafayette neighbors, we want to empower you to try these steps first:
- The Hot Water Flush: Start by pouring a gallon of hot water down the drain to refill that P-trap.
- The Baking Soda & Vinegar Fizz: Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Let it sizzle for 15 minutes to break down organic buildup.
- The Enzyme Edge: Travis often recommends enzyme-based cleaners over harsh chemicals. They are much gentler on your plumbing system (and our local environment!).
When Should You Call a Professional?
While Ashlyn Needham’s guide is perfect for minor odors, Travis and the team at Hargrave’s Plumbing know that sometimes the problem goes deeper.
You should call us if:
- Multiple drains in your home smell at the same time.
- The odor returns just a few days after cleaning.
- You notice slow drainage along with the smell.
These can be signs of a venting issue or a failing drain component that needs a professional eye.
A Big Thanks to Southern Living
We are incredibly honored to have Travis featured as an expert source for such an iconic publication. A huge thank you to Ashlyn Needham for the great write-up and for highlighting the importance of proper home maintenance.
You can read the full article and see all of Travis’s tips over at Southern Living’s website.
