Eww! What’s that smell!?

We all know the moment: you walk into your kitchen or bathroom, and suddenly you’re hit with a funky odor. You clean the sink… you run the garbage disposal… you light a candle. But the smell? Still. Won’t. Leave.

Before you assume your house is haunted by the ghost of meals past 👻… the culprit might be your drains!

At 1st Home & Commercial Services, we’ve seen (and smelled!) it all. Here are the most common reasons drains start serving up stinky vibes — and what you can do about them:

1. Gunk & Bacteria Build-Up

Soap scum, hair, grease, and food scraps get trapped in your drains and pipes — and they rot. Bacteria then feeds on this buildup, creating foul odors that rise right up into your home.

✅ Fix:
Regular cleanings or a professional drain cleaning can swipe the slate clean. Pro tip: avoid chemical drain cleaners — they can damage your pipes!

2. Dry P-Traps

That U-shaped pipe under your sink? It’s called a P-trap, and it’s designed to hold water that blocks sewer gas from coming back up. If a sink or shower isn’t used often, the water evaporates… and hello sewer smell 🥴

✅ Fix:
Run water down every drain in your home at least once a week to keep those traps sealed.

3. Garbage Disposal Grime

Food debris can get stuck on disposal blades or in the splash guard — and trust us, the smell lingers!

✅ Fix:
Run a few ice cubes with cold water to knock off residue. Add a squeeze of lemon for freshness 🍋 (just don’t put fibrous peels down the drain).

4. Clogs or Slow Drains

If water isn’t draining properly, decay and bacteria multiply faster. The stink? Even faster.

✅ Fix:
Schedule a professional inspection before a small smell becomes a big plumbing disaster.

5. Sewer Line Trouble

If the odor smells like… well… a porta-potty, a sewer line issue might be behind it. This can be a serious situation and requires professional attention right away.

✅ Fix:
Call us immediately so we can identify the issue and get your home smelling fresh again.

Let’s Freshen Things Up

Bad smells shouldn’t be a part of your home’s personality. If odors linger no matter what you try, our licensed plumbing pros are here to help — fast, friendly, and always 5-star service

Give us a call today or schedule online — and say goodbye to the stink!
Because fresh air is always in style.