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Why Does My Kitchen Sink Smell So Bad?

When your kitchen sink smells bad, the problem has many potential causes. If a stinky sink is ruining your home’s environment, you may feel frustrated not knowing what’s causing it or how to get rid of it. 

Fortunately, when your kitchen sink smells bad, it’s usually simple to eliminate the foul odor without paying a high plumbing repair cost. Over time, even the cleanest household sink will begin to accumulate odor-causing bacteria or blockages. In fact, a stinky kitchen sink is one of the most common plumbing problems many households experience. 

As experts in kitchen plumbing repair in Glendora, CA, we have ample experience handling various plumbing problems. If you have a foul smell in your kitchen, we want to help you understand what may cause it. Let’s cover some of the reasons why your kitchen sink smells bad.

What Causes a Bad Smell in a Kitchen Sink?

A foul smell in a kitchen sink usually results from the accumulation of food particles in your drainpipe or an issue with your U-bend. However, several additional factors may cause a foul smell in your kitchen sink. 

Mold and Mildew

When your kitchen sink smells bad, it may result from a leak you can’t see elsewhere. A water leak from kitchen pipes is one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners experience. 

This issue can cause water to soak the wood and other materials around it, resulting in a moldy smell. If your kitchen sink smells bad, it may indicate that you need plumbing repairs in your kitchen pipes. Check your pipes for leaks, and schedule emergency plumbing services to repair them as soon as possible. 

Bacteria Growth

If your kitchen doesn’t have a leak somewhere causing the smell, then bacteria is the most likely culprit. As a natural part of your plumbing system, bacteria can become problematic when too many or the wrong kind accumulate. 

Food debris, hair, and other small particles go down the kitchen sink drain during a sink’s lifetime. Over time, even regularly cleaning a kitchen sink doesn’t prevent enough bacteria from causing an odor, especially if you have a garbage disposal.

Additionally, other plumbing issues, like a clogged drain, could be the main culprit when your kitchen sink smells bad. When you schedule a professional drain cleaning service, a professional plumber can reduce the bacteria in your kitchen sink drain.

Clogged Sewer Vent

When your kitchen sink smells bad and doesn’t drain properly, there’s a chance you have a clogged sewer vent. When this happens, the eventual sewer gases that typically leave your pipes get trapped and build up. Not only does this cause drainage problems, but it also gradually worsens the odor.

Sulfates

If your sink has a rotten egg smell, your water may contain too much sulfate. Thankfully, this isn’t toxic but may cause damage to clothing and even digestive issues when ingested. 

An abundance of sulfates in your water can also create drainage problems so that the smell may result from the sulfates in addition to the clog. This situation may necessitate plumbing repairs to clear the clog and restore full functionality to your plumbing system.

Plumbing Errors

After you have done plumbing work or installed new pipes, you may notice that your kitchen sink smells bad. This situation may result from an error by the plumbing company, such as a missing component or a leaky pipe. If you notice a bad smell coming from your kitchen sink soon after plumbing repairs, contact a professional to have them double-check the work. 

Contact Us to Schedule Plumbing Service Today!

If your kitchen sink smells bad, there are some steps you can take to remedy the issue. Boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar may eliminate or reduce the smell. However, if the foul odor persists, it may be time to call a professional drain cleaner. 

Good News Plumbing & Drain has a certified team of residential and commercial plumbers in Chino Hills, CA, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule an appointment!

Snaking vs. Hydro Jetting: Which Is Best for You?

Your home’s plumbing system must work well at all times, as you rely on it to remove waste and dirty water from your home. Unfortunately, when pipes get blocked, they can’t function properly, and this blockage causes stress for everyone.

When your home experiences issues with drain clogs, you have two options: snaking or hydro jetting. But which option is best for the clogged pipes in your home? There are important factors that influence whether snaking or hydro jetting is the best method for your clog.

Good News Plumbing & Drain provides residential and commercial plumbing in Glendora, CA, and the surrounding areas. Our team of experts can help you decide whether snaking or hydro jetting may work best to clear your plumbing.

What Is Snaking a Drain?

Snaking a drain involves twisting a plastic or wire coil into a drain to remove a clog. Professional plumbers will either pull the obstruction out or break it into pieces so it flows down the drain. 

A drain snake usually has a hook or claw on the end to help grab the blockage. In the case of a minor clog, a drain snake can break it and clean your pipes to prevent future blockages.

What Are the Benefits of Snaking a Drain?

When deciding between snaking or hydro jetting, a drain snake may be the best option for minor clogs. These types of clogs can appear on a regular basis and often occur from excess toilet paper and food waste. Snaking a drain is safe for most plumbing systems and effective for clearing most drain blockages.

Additionally, it can be a DIY task for homeowners who want to clear a clog before calling a professional drain cleaning service. You can make a trip to your local hardware or home improvement store to purchase one. 

What Are the Disadvantages of Snaking a Drain?

The main drawback to snaking a drain is that it won’t be able to remove all of the waste that builds up on the walls of the pipes. There are also inevitable tough clogs that are too difficult for a drain snake to handle. 

In the case of a significant blockage, you’ll have to call a professional plumbing company. They have the equipment and expertise to remove more difficult blockages.

What Is Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting, also known as water jetting, uses a high-pressure hose with a special nozzle fixed on the end. The hose connects to a machine that forces pressurized water through the nozzle to clean and clear sewer pipes. 

What Are the Benefits of Hydro Jetting?

Hydro jetting provides a more thorough cleaning than snaking a drain. It leaves the piper clean while reducing the chance of a future clog. 

It’s more effective than snaking a drain when clearing stubborn blockages and clogs. Another of the main advantages of hydro jetting is the ability to remove tree roots from your sewer line.

What Are the Disadvantages of Hydro Jetting?

Like any other plumbing service, hydro jetting has a few disadvantages. Its powerful stream can break clogs but may also damage older plumbing. This damage occurs because the pipes are old and need replacement. 

Unlike snaking a drain, hydro jetting isn’t a DIY project. Instead, you need to call a professional to use hydro jetting for a drain blockage. 

Rely on Professionals to Clear Your Blocked Pipes

If you’re having trouble with your drains, don’t delay getting them repaired. Good News Plumbing & Drain Inc. provides drain cleaning services in Glendora, CA, and the surrounding areas. We can help you decide if snaking or hydro jetting is the right solution for your blockage.

Our plumbing professionals have extensive experience with drain snaking and hydro jetting and can clear your drain blockage quickly and effectively. Contact our team of experts today!

Benefits of Trenchless Technology for Pipe and Sewer Line Repair

Have you noticed recently that multiple drains in your home are backed up or that your yard is wet and soggy even though it hasn’t rained in a while? These could be signs that your sewer line has burst or become infiltrated by tree roots. This may sound bad enough, but if the problem isn’t addressed in a timely manner, extensive property damage can occur.

At this point, you may be worried about how much it will cost to repair the sewer line. The good news is that plumbing techniques have improved exponentially over the last few years, and now there’s a more cost-effective way to fix plumbing problems. What’s even better is that trenchless pipe repairs don’t damage your landscaping! If you suspect your sewer line needs professional attention, here’s how you could benefit from a trenchless service repair.

Why Traditional Sewer Line Repairs Are Becoming a Thing of the Past

Not too long ago, when pipes would crack with age or burst due to extreme pressure (whether as the result of tree roots, poor weather conditions, or other reasons), plumbers would have no choice but to dig up the ground along the damaged pipe. This process of digging the trench took an incredible amount of time and required the expertise of several technicians. So, homeowners not only had destroyed lawns after this repair, but they also had to pay several hundred dollars. Obviously, something needed to change. Enter trenchless sewer line repairs.

Trenchless technology enables plumbers to detect and repair damaged pipes without needing heavy digging equipment or numerous technicians. With this advanced technology, homeowners can save money and enjoy several other benefits, including shorter repair times and minimal harm to their landscaping.

Trenchless Repairs Save Time

Excavating a yard and repairing a damaged section of piping could take days using the traditional method. Now, homeowners don’t have to make arrangements for overnight stays somewhere else when they schedule trenchless sewer line repairs and replacements. In most cases, it takes only a few hours to fix the problem.

Trenchless Repairs Save Money

When it comes to plumbing issues, sewer line replacements and repairs are some of the most expensive. Thanks to trenchless repair methods, homeowners can minimize these costs. They no longer need to pay for the use of heavy machinery or the expertise of several plumbing contractors. Plus, they will not need to invest in additional services to restore their landscaping or outdoor features.

Trenchless Repairs Preserve Your Landscaping

Whether you invested extensive time, money, and energy into your landscaping to make it a beautiful display or simply mow your lawn when necessary, you don’t want to see it turned into a big pile of dirt. Traditional excavation methods have historically been known to destroy landscaping and disturb outdoor structures like driveways. Thankfully, you don’t have to watch your landscaping’s beauty crumble before your eyes in the name of a plumbing repair. Trenchless pipe repairs and replacements only require digging one or two small holes (near the start and end of the damaged pipe), minimizing the disturbance of your landscaping.

Trenchless Repairs Are Environmentally Friendly

Trenchless technology enables professionals to perform plumbing repair services without disturbing the environment. High-tech cameras allow plumbers to see the exact location of the damaged pipe, saving them from accidentally hitting other utility lines and releasing raw sewage or chemicals into the ground. It also minimizes the area they need to dig up, ensuring plant life can still thrive.

Don’t Fear Sewer Line Repairs and Replacements!

If you suspect your sewer line is damaged, you may be tempted to turn a blind eye because you’re afraid of the costs associated with piping repairs. However, delaying action could result in even more damage and higher repair costs! Instead of risking the integrity of your home and property, turn to Good News Plumbing & Drain Inc. We offer trenchless sewer line replacement in Glendora, CA, and the surrounding areas and can help you fix your plumbing problems without breaking the bank! For cost-effective repairs and replacements with lasting results, contact our team of experts today!

8 Things You Should Never Put Down Your Drain

As tempting as it may seem, not all things are meant to be poured down your drain. Even some of your favorite foods probably shouldn’t be going down the drain, despite the fact you’ve done it before, and it didn’t cause a problem. Eventually, these products lead to desperate calls for a residential plumbing service and can create expensive repair bills. These eight things should never go down your drain, and throwing them in the trash can save you a lot of money now and in the future.

Grease and Fat

Everyone hates all that grease and fat, especially after cooking a delicious meal. It’s tough to know exactly what to do with it after you’re done, but the worst way to dispose of grease and fat is by throwing it down a drain. These substances are super sticky, meaning that even if they don’t clog your drain, they will attract dirt and other substances that stick to the sides of your drain and make it harder for products to go down safely.

Paper Towels

It’s easy to think you can swap out toilet paper with paper towels, but your drain won’t be happy about it. Paper towels are one of the most common ways to clog your pipe, and homeowners far and wide are responsible for accidentally throwing a few paper towels in their toilets here or there.

Paper towels, in general, aren’t meant to dissolve in water and are bad for the environment and local sewage treatment plants. While these water treatment plants are modern and much more accepting of the occasional toilet paper, homeowners risk trapping paper towels deep in the drain.

Paint

Paint should never be poured down drains, and it is one of the most serious offenses you can commit to them. Many locations have laws and regulations about pouring water or oil-based paints down your drains, and some homeowners have to dispose of their paint at a hazardous waste facility. Why so much of an emphasis on this? Paint likely won’t clog your drains, but that paint will get into the water supply and can contaminate it with nasty toxins and chemicals.

Coffee Grounds

Who doesn’t love a good morning coffee? We all have experienced those days rushing to make our morning coffee before we’re late to work, but that’s no excuse to throw those coffee grounds in the sink. Most plumbers will agree that coffee grounds are up there on the list of products that cause clogging, so you should never put them down your drains. As small as they may seem, you should still dispose of them in the garbage, and when in a rush, leave them until you get back home.

Eggshells

If you think pouring coffee grounds in your sink is bad, imagine putting your whole morning breakfast down the drain. Eggshells are one of the items that can get stuck in grease and fat that you pour down your sink or damage your garbage disposal blades. Eggshell membrane may even get stuck on your disposal grinder, making it easier for other blockages to occur. 

Medication

Medication — similar to paint — won’t clog your pipes, but it can contaminate the water supply. In the worst-case scenario, your medicine can directly impact someone else’s water down the street, and they are also an environmental risk. Over-the-counter drugs can potentially leak into the groundwater in homes with septic tanks. Drugs may slip into rivers and lakes in homes connected to treatment plants, impacting marine life or floating further down into community water supply lines. 

Cooking Oil

First off, pouring cooking oil down your drain is illegal. The oil can harden deep within your kitchen sink, reducing the space your pipe has to process the other gunk that travels inside. Not only can it harm your pipes, but cooking oil can also have a major impact deeper in the sewage system. When it interacts with the other chemicals and cleaning products meant to decompose waste and oxidize pipes, they form a soapy substance called a fatberg. Over time, fatbergs can grow and take over pipes, resulting in major repair costs. 

Rice

While it might occasionally slip into your kitchen pipe, rice is another one of those things you should never put down your drains. Rice absorbs water, so while it’s in your pipe, those little rice grains expand and take over more of the line. Pour enough down the drain, and you can have a huge mess that takes up almost 3 or 4 times the amount of space that a regular grain would. Even cooked rice absorbs water, so don’t think you’re off the hook with that either.

Accidents Happen, so Turn to a Professional Drain Cleaning Company for Help! 

As much as you try to avoid them, sometimes these products accidentally fall into your drains. Kitchen drain catchers can sometimes raise and let rice slide in, or it may simply slip your mind to not throw the wipe down the toilet drain. Every homeowner deserves to have a company that’s got their back, and that’s why you should turn to Good News Plumbing & Drain Inc.

With our drain and sewer services for Glendora, CA, residents and homeowners won’t have to sweat accidental clogs. Contact us today and learn more about how and why our plumbing and drain specialists are right for you!