As the UK swelters under another heatwave, homeowners are battling a pungent problem: smelly drains. Warmer weather accelerates decomposition of food, soap, and debris in pipes, while water in U-bend traps evaporates faster, letting sewer gases seep in. But a cheap solution is at hand – effervescent indigestion tablets costing just 26p each.
Why Drains Smell Worse in Summer
Higher temperatures speed up the breakdown of organic matter trapped in drains, and the water seal in U-bends evaporates more quickly, allowing odours to escape. This makes summer the peak season for drain odours, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
The 26p Trick That Works
Bathroom experts from Vidalux.co.uk recommend dropping a few effervescent indigestion tablets – such as Alka Seltzer – down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. The fizzing reaction loosens debris. After the fizzing stops, flush with hot water. A pack of 20 Alka Seltzer tablets costs £5.20 at Boots, working out at just 26p per use – cheaper than many branded drain cleaners.
Andy Ellis, shower and bathroom expert at Vidalux, said: "No one wants a foul smell entering their home which is why it's worth giving your drains a refresh as we head into spring. Unknown blockages can start to smell when the weather warms up and the longer you leave them, the more damage they're doing to pipework – which could leave you with an even bigger and more expensive problem."
Other Household Remedies
Ellis also suggests using salt and white vinegar, or even vodka, to neutralise odours. Boiling water and lemon juice are other simple options. However, he warns against harsh chemicals: heavy-duty products like One Shot are "extremely corrosive" and require gloves and safety goggles.
Social Media Frustration
Many Britons have taken to Reddit seeking solutions. One user wrote: "It's fine when water is running, but the longer it's not used, like overnight, the smellier it is. I've tried bicarbonate and vinegar, a large bucket of water... and now I've run out of ideas!" Another replied: "I also have this problem. It smells like rotten eggs! I've put all sorts down there but it still smells disgusting."
Responses included checking for a trap under the plug cover clogged with hair and soap scum, or installing an air admittance (durgo) valve to prevent vacuum suction from emptying traps. One Redditor explained: "What will be happening is when the toilet is flushed it will be creating a vacuum and sucking the water out of the traps."
Prevention Tips
To avoid smelly drains, experts advise regular flushing with hot water, avoiding pouring grease down the sink, and using a drain strainer to catch debris. For persistent odours, the indigestion tablet method offers a cheap, effective first step before calling a plumber.
