hat Awful Smell? Your Drain is Sending an SOS

A Guide for San Diego Homeowners by American Plumbing Co., Plumber in San Diego

That rotten-egg smell creeping from your bathroom sink isn’t just unpleasant—it’s your drain sending a distress signal. Left unchecked, it could lead to serious plumbing issues or even health risks.

Since 1983, American Plumbing Co., a trusted plumber in San Diego, has helped thousands of homeowners eliminate drain odors for good. We know the five most common causes—and how to fix them fast.

In this post, you’ll learn:

• What’s causing the bad smell
• How to fix minor issues yourself
• When to call a professional plumber in San Diego

No fluff. No scare tactics. Just straight-up help from your local plumbing experts.

Top 5 Reasons Your Bathroom Drain Smells Bad

1. Biofilm Buildup

One of the most common causes of smelly drains is biofilm—a slimy layer of bacteria and debris. It clings to the inside of pipes and gives off a sulfur or rotten-egg odor.

Quick Fix:

• Pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain
• Add 1 cup vinegar
• Let it fizz for 15 minutes
• Rinse with hot water

For tougher buildup, remove and scrub the drain stopper with an old toothbrush.

Still smelling funk? You likely need a professional drain cleaning service in San Diego.

2. Dry P-Trap

The curved pipe under your sink holds water to block sewer gas from entering your home. When the water evaporates, the smell comes in.

Happens often in:

• Guest bathrooms
• Vacation homes
• Rarely used sinks

Fix: Run water for 30 seconds weekly. For floor drains, pour a quart of water monthly.

If smells return quickly, your trap may be damaged or misaligned. You’ll need a licensed plumber in San Diego to inspect and repair it.

3. Clogged Vent Pipe

Every plumbing system needs air. If the vent pipe on your roof is clogged, air can’t escape—so gases linger inside.

Warning signs include:

• Gurgling toilets
• Slow drainage
• Persistent sewer smell

DIY Tip: Try flushing the vent pipe with a garden hose (if you’re confident on a roof). Or better yet, call American Plumbing Co. for vent pipe clearing. We use safe, non-invasive tools to get the job done right.

4. Sewer Line Issues

If all your drains stink at once, the issue could be your main sewer line. A clog or crack allows gas to back up into your home.

Look out for:

• Sewer odor in multiple rooms
• Gurgling sounds from drains or toilets
• Very slow drainage throughout the house

This is a major issue. You’ll need a sewer line inspection in San Diego to pinpoint the problem. We use drain cameras and hydro jetting to fix these issues without tearing up your yard.

5. Gunk in the Drain Stopper

Pop-up sink stoppers collect hair, soap scum, and toothpaste over time. The result? A rotting, smelly mess.

Fix in 5 minutes:

• Remove the stopper
• Scrub with dish soap and a toothbrush
• Rinse and reinstall

Still smells bad? The gunk might be deeper in the drain. Call for deep drain cleaning in San Diego to get it cleared completely.

DIY Drain Deodorizing Tricks

Boiling Water Flush

• Pour boiling water slowly down the drain to melt grease and kill bacteria. Avoid if you have PVC pipes.

Baking Soda + Vinegar

• This combo dissolves buildup naturally. Use monthly to keep odors at bay.

Stopper Deep Clean

• Remove and scrub the stopper thoroughly. This is often where the smell starts.

When to Call a Professional Plumber in San Diego

If those DIY fixes don’t work, it’s time to call American Plumbing Co. Odors that linger are often caused by deeper issues—like broken pipes or blocked sewer lines.

As a top-rated residential plumber in San Diego, we bring:

• Same-day service
• Drain cameras for accurate inspections
• Hydro jetting for powerful cleaning
• Honest pricing, no upsells

Call us now at (619) 723-1114 or schedule your service online.

Keep Your Drains Smelling Fresh All Year

Weekly Routine

• After brushing your teeth, run hot water for 60 seconds to flush out buildup.

Monthly Maintenance

• Drop a cup of baking soda down each drain. Follow with hot (not boiling) water.

Yearly Pro Cleaning

• Schedule annual drain cleaning in San Diego to eliminate biofilm and hidden gunk. Many homeowners add this to their spring cleaning routine.

FAQ: Drain Smells & Safety

Why does my sink smell like sulfur or rotten eggs?
That smell comes from bacteria or sewer gas leaking through dry or damaged pipes.

Can I use bleach in a smelly drain?
Not recommended. Bleach can damage pipes and only masks odors. Baking soda and vinegar are safer and more effective.

Are drain smells harmful?
Yes. Prolonged exposure to sewer gases like methane can be dangerous. If smells persist, call a professional plumber near you in San Diego.

Schedule Service with American Plumbing Co., Plumber in San Diego

Don’t let a stinky drain turn into a full-blown plumbing nightmare. Whether it's a smelly sink, slow drain, or sewer backup—American Plumbing Co. is ready to help.

Call (619) 723-1114 or book online for fast drain service in San Diego.