There are lots of possible causes, including a dry trap, a failed seal, damaged pipework, food waste and debris build-up, scum, sewage or even rodents. Finding the source is the first step to dealing with it properly.

How can it smell when we haven't even used the facilities?

This is a particularly common question, and the answer is quite simple. If water isn't going down the waste regularly, the trap can dry out and allow unpleasant smells and gases from the drainage system to vent out. Flushing through the facilities regularly can help prevent this.

Odour Investigation

A bad smell is a symptom, not the cause. Waste build-up, a dried-out trap, damaged pipework or a failed seal can all allow unpleasant odours into your property. Finding where the smell is actually coming from can be the hardest part.

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The base of a toilet and its soil pipe thick with black mould, with brown seepage spreading out across the vinyl floor.

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Smell familiar?

There's a drain smell in your kitchen, bathroom or utility room.
You've tried cleaning products, but the smell keeps coming back.
You've noticed an increase in drain flies alongside the smell.
A plumber or other contractor has identified the smell as a possible drainage issue.

How we do it

1

The obvious things

Traps, gullies and anything altered recently. Often that's it.
2

Camera down

Cracks, standing water and build-up all show up on screen.
3

We tell you what it is

Before you spend anything on fixing it.

Inspection chamber packed to the top with set yellow-brown cooking fat and grease, with a rod pushed into it.

The same chamber jetted clean, with the green pipe now visible and water running through freely.

Drain Smells and Odours, on real jobs

Every photo on this site is one of ours.

Congealed fat and grease pulled out of a waste trap, hanging from the open pipe. — Congealed grease pulled from a waste trap

A toilet pulled off its soil pipe, leaving the open stub against the wall and brown water across the tiled floor. — Toilet off, soil pipe open

A lifted cellar floor with an old cast iron pipe collar, a torch, and rag pulled out of the drain on the rods. — Rag pulled out under a cellar floor

A white plastic waste trap held in the hand, its bore almost completely closed by hardened build-up with only a small hole left. — A waste trap closed down to a pinhole

A close-up down a white waste pipe, the bore narrowed to a small opening by grey-brown build-up on the walls. — The bore closed down by build-up

See more of our work

Questions we get asked

What could it be?: There are lots of possible causes, including a dry trap, a failed seal, damaged pipework, food waste and debris build-up, scum, sewage or even rodents. Finding the source is the first step to dealing with it properly.
How can it smell when we haven't even used the facilities?: This is a particularly common question, and the answer is quite simple. If water isn't going down the waste regularly, the trap can dry out and allow unpleasant smells and gases from the drainage system to vent out. Flushing through the facilities regularly can help prevent this.

Other ways we can help

A CCTV drain survey monitor showing the inside of a pipe at a joint with visible scale.

CCTV Surveys

A camera down the drain so you can see the problem yourself.

A rodent guard bolted into the end of a drain pipe where it enters an inspection chamber, blocking rat access.

Rodent Prevention

Blocking the route rats use to get into your property.

CCTV still of a cured patch liner seated inside a broken clay drain pipe, forming a smooth new bore through the damaged section.

Drain Repairs

Cracked and broken pipes fixed from the inside. No digging up the drive.

Experienced Drainage Engineers

Practical advice from experienced drainage engineers who actually do the work. From blocked drains and internal blockages to drain repairs and CCTV surveys, we know what we're looking for.
We Do the Job Properly

We don't just clear the immediate problem and walk away. Where appropriate, we'll look at what's caused it and advise you on the best way forward.
Fair, Clear Pricing

We'll explain what's involved and give you clear pricing before any work starts. If we uncover anything unexpected, we'll talk you through it before carrying out additional work.
24/7 When You Need Us

Drainage problems don't stick to office hours. Whether it's a blocked toilet, overflowing drain or something more serious, our drainage engineers are available day or night.
191+ Five-Star Google Reviews

Thousands of customers have trusted DrainAway with their drainage problems — from blocked drains and emergency call-outs to drain repairs and CCTV surveys.

That smell isn't going to disappear on its own.

Speak to one of our experienced drainage engineers today, who can help find a solution to the problem.

07482 390165

Or send us a message instead

Odour Investigation

Smell familiar?

How we do it

The obvious things

Camera down

We tell you what it is

Drain Smells and Odours, on real jobs

Questions we get asked

Other ways we can help

CCTV Surveys

Rodent Prevention

Drain Repairs

Why choose DrainAway?

Experienced Drainage Engineers

We Do the Job Properly

Fair, Clear Pricing

24/7 When You Need Us

191+ Five-Star Google Reviews

That smell isn't going to disappear on its own.