You walk into your kitchen and a mystery smell is coming from somewhere, but you’re not sure where. You check the refrigerator to see if food or leftovers have gone bad and need to be removed. You take out the trash and spray air freshener, yet the smell still lingers. Where is it coming from? Chances are the smell is coming from your kitchen sink.

This unpleasant odor may indicate that dangerous bacteria have accumulated in your sink drain and garbage disposal from food particles and grease that have built up over time.  Considering the kitchen is the heart of many homes, and one can’t even make a cup of coffee without using the kitchen sink, its best rectify the problem as soon as possible.

Here are a few helpful tips:

Freshen Up - After using grind up “Ice” on a regular basis and a few lemon or orange peels, occasionally and enjoy the fresh scent!

The Garbage Disposal – The garbage disposal’s job is to grind down food particles so they can wash freely through the drainpipe. However, with regular use, greasy food bits can tend to build up and stick to the blades of the grinder and decompose, which can create a smelly kitchen. The easiest way to dislodge the grease from the blades is to regularly pour hot water down the garbage disposal as it’s running to help wash away the grease.

Another home remedy that also effectively works is fill the sink with 2-3 inches of hot water and then add to the water, vinegar and baking soda; unplug and let flow down the drain as the garbage disposal is running.

Bacteria Build-Up - The build up of bacteria in the drainpipe can create a foul smell. Bacteria thrive off of the warmth of the kitchen, water and the build up food that doesn’t wash through the drain. To remove the bacteria and stop the odor that it creates, you can use baking soda and vinegar, bleach or a commercial cleaner.

If using baking soda and vinegar, be sure to run hot water afterwards to flush through the pipes. If you decide to use a commercial cleaner, read all directions and verify that it is safe for kitchen use to avoid food contamination.

Clogged Vent – If you continue to have an odor after cleaning and clearing the garbage disposal and kitchen sink, this could indicate that the vent that runs from the sink to the roof vent is clogged. You can clear a clogged vent by using a plumber’s snake. From the roof, introduce the snake from the top of the vent and push until the blockage is cleared. You can also try pouring hot water into the vent and try and clear it.

Having a smelly kitchen sink can be both a health hazard and indicate a build up of bacteria, as well as become an odor filled inconvenience. In many cases if the smell is mild it can be addressed with “Home Remedies” listed above.   However, we have a product called “Bio-Clean”, which is so safe... that you could actually drink it because it is all natural. You should use it on a quarterly basis as a preventative application. Call or stop by Central, and we can share this amazing product…I also like to use it in the dishwasher…

Whether you are in Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, Columbia Falls or anywhere else in the Flathead Valley. . .As always, your Comfort is our Central concern, call 756-6656, for all your heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical and drain cleaning needs.

Is your sewer line clogged?

A clogged sewer line is a potentially messy situation that can create a more hazardous, expensive, unhygienic household plumbing issue if the problem isn’t addressed. To avoid such disasters, it is imperative to understand the telltale signs and how to address the clog.

Is your home giving you hints? Are you experiencing any of the following?

• Toilet or drains making gurgling noise?

• Sewage odor?

• Water flooding?

• Sewage back-up?

Are you backing up? Do you have more than one fixture stopped up at the same time, such as the washing machine, shower, tub and/ or toilet? Is the toilet not flushing properly? Is the tub or shower draining slowly? If you are experiencing these or similar issues and suspect that you may have a clogged sewer line, it’s best to call a professional. Our fully qualified and experienced  24-hour emergency plumbers are experts in clearing of all types of drains and sewer pipes. 

Limit the use of your home’s plumbing once you confirmed a problem sewer-line clog. Being aware of these signs can reduce the risk of damage caused by flooding and costly repairs.

At Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical, we have built our reputation for honest, expert drain cleaning, drain maintenance and inspection services and advice. We use video camera inspection technology so we can isolate where the problem is, so we can provide an accurate price quote before we begin the needed repairs to get you flowing again.

As always, your comfort is our Central Concern. Call Central for all your heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical and drain cleaning needs at 756-6656.

A clogged drain is no small issue. Clogged drains are not only unhygienic, they can cause flooding and property damage that can cost thousands of dollars fix.

Here are a few preventative tips and information that can help save you from a clogged, smelly drain and help flush your problem’s away.

Question – What is the best home remedy for a simple drain clog?
Answer 1 – This is the quickest way to unclog a simple drain clog. Fill the tea kettle or a large pot with water and put it on the stove until it boils. In two to three stages slowly pour the hot water into the clog, allowing a few seconds between pours to work its magic. It doesn’t get any easier than this!

Answer 2 – Mix a 1/3 cup of vinegar and 1/3 cup of baking soda in a measuring cup. Immediately pour it into the clogged drain – it will be fizzing. The fizzing action will help remove the build-up in the pipe. Let it sit for no less than one hour or even overnight. Flush with hot water.

If either of these tips don’t work. . .Call CENTRAL at 756-6656.

Question – What can I do to prevent build-up of hair in my shower drain?
Answer – One of the best defenses against hair, soap, dirt, and other debris getting caught in your and bathroom shower drains is to purchase a mesh strainer drain trap. Place the drain trap in the drain opening to catch the unwanted debris and remember to clean it regularly. These also work great for the kitchen too!

Question – Why does my garbage disposal have a foul odor coming from it?
Answer – Build-up of grease and food debris can cause a foul smell in your garbage disposal. Cut up any size lemon, orange or lime (two if small) into small sections, toss the cut-up pieces and a few ice cubes into the disposal when grinding and rinse thoroughly with water. The citrus will remove the unwanted smell and the ice cubes will sharpen the blades.

Question – If I have more than one drain clogged in my house what should I do?
Answer – Call CENTRAL! Your kitchen sink, tub, toilets all share the same drainage pipes. So if you have a problem in your line, and not just in your fixture you may have several clogged drains and back-ups. The professionals at Central are able to unclog drains and other plumbing fixtures, main sewers, kitchen and bathroom sinks, bathtubs, and floor drains so you are flowing again.

Question – It is it okay to use Liquid Drano or Rid X in my drains?
Answer – There are several reasons why it is not recommended to use these products. These products are only a temporary fix, and if they don’t break down the clog, it can cause acid erosion in the line itself. This creates a possible hazard for the technician to properly and safely clean the line, which may end up costing you more in the end.

Question – Are there any drain cleaning solutions Central recommends?
Answer – We love our Bio-Clean, an environment friendly drain maintenance product to use about 4 times of year to keep your drains clean. Works well in the garbage disposal and even in smelly, dishwashers!! Bio-Clean is made up of natural enzymes and bacteria that literally digest the waste found in your pipes and plumbing system. It will not affect plastic piping and nor create fumes like other chemical de-clogging products do.

Question – What are the reasons why a sewer line may collapse?
Answer – There are many possible reasons why a sewer line may collapse. These reasons include: foreign objects, tree roots, pipe misalignment, and partially or fully collapsed pipes. Call Central today for a professional camera inspection by a licensed technician. We can show you where the problem is and we give you advice and a price quote before the work begins.

Whether you have clogged drains or a broken or leaking sewer line, call Central’s “Super Rooter” Sewer and Drain Cleaning Services. Our qualified, experienced technicians are available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week to fix your problem and have you back to normal as soon as possible.

As always, your Comfort is our Central concern, call 756-6656, for all your heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical and drain cleaning needs.