The odor of rotten eggs is unmistakable, and it can be a real nuisance when it comes wafting up from your drain. While there are several probable causes for this odor, sulfur is the most common.
This gas is produced when organic matter decays, and it’s often the result of sewer gas seeping into your home. Fortunately, there are solutions for getting rid of the odor and preventing it from returning.
- Why Outside Drain Smells of Rotten Eggs?
- How do I stop my outside drains from smelling?
- What causes sewer smell outside?
- Smelly outside drains remedy
- How can you eliminate the rotten egg odor in the garbage disposal?
- Wrap Up On – Outside Drain Smells of Rotten Eggs
Why Outside Drain Smells of Rotten Eggs?
Suppose people are experiencing a rotten egg smell coming from an outside drain. In that case, it is advisable to search for any of the above potential causes and fix them accordingly.
Possible reasons for the smell of rotten eggs from an outside drain could be:
-A build-up of sulfur in the water system
-Bacteria in the water system
-Oxidation of hydrogen sulfide gas in the water system
-Rust in the water system
-Sewer gas
-Methane gas
-Hydrogen sulfide gas being released from the ground cycle
Reason1. The most common cause of a rotten egg smell is hydrogen sulfide gas. This is a by-product of decaying organic matter and can be found in high concentrations of sewer waste, cesspits, sewers, and latrines.
If the water doesn’t contain organic matter, no hydrogen sulfide gas will be dissolved.
Reason2. Other possible causes are bacteria in the water system. This is most likely to occur when there has been a mechanical breakdown or power outage, which has resulted in stagnant water in the property.
If this is the case, power should be restored, and any affected areas of piping cleaned and disinfected.
Reason3. Rust in the water system may also lead to a rotten egg smell. This will most likely occur because of limited access to services or where there is a service that goes through a difficult location, such as a manhole.
In this case, corrosion has taken place, and iron sulfide deposits have built upon the inside surfaces of the piping. This requires a specialist service to clean the inside of the piping.
Reason4. Oxidation of hydrogen sulfide gas in water systems may need a professional assessment. Still, it could be caused by factors such as chlorination and aeration, which produce oxidizing reactions within the water system.
In this case, other issues that have been found to have been causes include oxidation from
-Nitrates in the water system
-Sewer gas
-Methane gas
Reason5. A high sulfur level can make drinking water taste and smell like rotten eggs. This is frequently caused by the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which enters drinking water through natural processes such as organic matter degradation.
Hydrogen sulfide gas is found in water from rivers, streams, and wells.
Reason6. Sewer gas may enter a building via the soil stack or waste stack if a blockage beneath the building has not been properly maintained or repaired.
It can also occur as a result of several different factors, such as
· -Flooding from a storm or sewer system
· -Condensation of sewer gas on the inside surface of a cold water storage tank
· -Water leaks that allow sewer gases to escape into an occupied building
Reason7. Methane is odorless and colorless. It’s heavier than air and can collect in low areas forming a flammable and explosive mixture.
· This occurs naturally in coal mines and marshes, which is why methane detectors are often installed in these areas to alert workers of any potential danger.
Suppose people experience a rotten egg smell coming from an outside drain. In that case, it is advisable to search for any of the above potential causes and fix them accordingly.
Read More- Why A Sulfur smell allover the house after heavy rain & How to Deal With It
How do I stop my outside drains from smelling?
There are a few ways to stop smelling outside drains.
1. One way to stop your outside drains from smelling is by using a drain cover. These are available at most hardware stores.
2. Another way to stop your outside drains from smelling is to make sure that you regularly clean them out with a hose or a snake.
This should be done at least once a week to remove all of the decaying organic material that is blocking the flow.
If your drain still smells after flushing out the pipes, there might be a dead animal stuck in the system.
· You will have to call a licensed plumber, who can come and check out where the smell is coming from and fix it as soon as possible.
If you want to prevent animals such as rats or possums from getting into your drain system, then you should line the area with bricks or rocks so that they can’t burrow underneath them.
You might also want to check for any cracks in the house where they could be entering and seal them up.
If you want to stop your drain from smelling, you should ensure that you do not pour cooking grease or liquids like oil into the gutter.
· This will block up the system and cause unpleasant smells and other problems. It’s best to pour it into a container first and then dispose of it.
What causes sewer smell outside?
There are a few potential causes of sewer smell outside.
One common cause is when the sewer system is backed up, and sewage starts to overflow onto the ground. This can occur when there is a blockage in the pipes or when too much wastewater is trying to flow through the system at once.
If the smell is powerful, it may indicate that there is a severe problem, and you should call a plumber immediately.
Another possible cause of sewer smell outside is when tree roots grow into the sewer line, causing a blockage.
If you think this might be the problem, you can try using a rooter machine to clear the lines.
Finally, if your home is located near a sewage treatment plant, the smell of rotten eggs may be coming from the plant.
The easiest method to avoid these odors is to have your septic tank inspected by a professional plumber once a year.
Smelly outside drains remedy
If your outside drains smell, the likely culprit is a build-up of organic matter like leaves, grass, or snow.
You can clear the blockage and prevent future smells by pouring a gallon of hot water down each drain once a week.
Spray a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain if the odor is coming from the shower drain.
Cover with a plug or rag to keep the chemical reaction contained, then let sit for several hours.
Flush with hot water. Remove the trap and clean it with an old toothbrush and dish soap if this doesn’t work.
If you can smell sewage or water backing up into your tub or shower, call a professional as the problem may originate from inside the main sewer line coming from your house.
How can you eliminate the rotten egg odor in the garbage disposal?
First of all, know the reason: Why does it smell?
It is caused by hydrogen sulfide gas produced by bacteria. Remove the garbage disposal odor with these tricks!
Now…
How to remove the rotten egg smell from your garbage disposal?
Suppose you are looking for a permanent solution to eliminate bad odors in your kitchen sink. In that case, I have two comments for you: KEEP UP.
Just kidding. But seriously, keeping the drain in your kitchen sink unclogged and clean is one of the most important things to do!
It’s challenging to get rid of a bad smell if there’s a clog stopping it from going down the drain. At least that’s been my personal experience.
But if you don’t want to solve the clog, there are always ways to deodorize your drain! Here’s what I found with some basic internet research:
1. Vanilla extract (or any other extracts with high alcohol content)
Vanilla is my favorite trick. Pour vanilla extract down the drain, wait at least an hour, then wash it out with water.
2. Baking soda and vinegar
This is a classic natural cleaning recipe that eliminates the worst smells in your drain.
Pour baking soda down the drain, add some white vinegar and let it bubble up for a few minutes before rinsing everything out.
3. Lemon or citrus peels
Lemon and citrus peels contain limonene, a natural deodorizer. So if you’re not against putting citrus inside your garbage disposal, go ahead and toss some lemon/orange/grapefruit peels down the drain!
4. Charcoal
This is an interesting trick that I haven’t tried yet, but it works for aquariums to eliminate the fishy smell. Put activated charcoal down the drain and let it sit for a while before washing it out with water.
5. Baking soda, vinegar, hot water
This is my second favorite trick I mentioned in my previous post about keeping your garbage disposal clean.
Just put baking soda down the drain add some white vinegar and hot water. It will fizz up for a bit before it settles down. Then wash your garbage disposal with this solution at least once a month!
6. Baking soda and lemon juice
I also mentioned this in my previous post. Just put baking soda down the drain, add a bit of lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes before washing everything out with hot water.
7. Salt and ice cubes
This is another favorite trick because, believe it or not, it gets rid of a lot of smells in the fridge! Just put a few ice cubes and some salt down the drain; wait a few minutes before rinsing.
8. Natural enzyme cleaner/ bathroom cleaner
There are multiple cleaners on the market that remove odors. You can use Tilex or any other natural enzyme multipurpose cleaner you have at home to solve the garbage disposal stench problem.
I recommend making your own natural enzyme cleaner with citrus peels to keep your drain clean and smelling fresh!
If none of these work for you, or you don’t have time to regularly do this, it’s time to call a plumber.
Unfortunately, some clogs are not easy to solve because they are caused by many factors. The best thing you can do is prevent this from happening in the first place!
Read More- 9 Best way to Unclog a badly clog toilet when nothing works
Wrap Up On – Outside Drain Smells of Rotten Eggs
The smell of rotten eggs is one that most people can easily identify. While this smell may be unpleasant, it is also a warning sign that something is wrong.
In the case of outside drain smells, this means that there may be an issue with your drainage system.
If you’re experiencing this problem, it is important to take action right away to prevent further damage and costly repairs. Our team of professionals can help you have your drains back up and running in no time.
