Unpleasant drain smells in your home or business are more than just a nuisance — they’re often the first sign of a deeper issue within your drainage system. Whether you’re dealing with sulphur-like odours, musty smells, or occasional whiffs from the sink, it’s important not to ignore them.
At Drains24, we’re the go-to drainage contractors in Kingston Upon Thames, and we’ve seen every kind of drainage issue. In this guide, we’ll break down what those smells really mean and when you might be facing early signs of blocked drains in Kingston.
1. The Classic “Rotten Egg” Smell: Sulphur Gas
If your drain is giving off a strong sulphur or “rotten egg” smell, it’s likely due to hydrogen sulphide gas. This gas is produced when organic material breaks down in a low-oxygen environment — common in blocked or stagnant pipe sections.
What causes it:
- Trapped food waste
- Poor pipe ventilation
- Blockages in the u-bend or further down the system
What to do:
This may indicate a more serious blockage. A professional drain unblocking service can remove trapped waste and restore airflow in your drainage system.
2. Musty, Damp Odours: Pipe Leaks or Blocked Vents
A damp or mouldy smell around your sink or bath could be a sign of a cracked pipe or blocked ventilation stack. If your plumbing system isn’t vented properly, gases can’t escape — and the pressure buildup pushes odours back into your home.
Where it happens:
- Bathrooms, lofts, or behind walls
- Older properties around Norbiton, Surbiton, and Coombe
When to call:
This type of smell is subtle but persistent. If DIY cleaning hasn’t helped, our team can run a CCTV inspection to check for faults or blockages.
3. Grease Build-Up and Kitchen Sink Smells
Cooking oils and food scraps washed down the kitchen sink can stick to the inside of your pipes. Over time, this builds up and starts to rot, releasing a foul smell. This is one of the most common causes of blocked drains in Kingston — especially in busy households or flats with shared waste systems.
Signs to watch for:
- Gurgling or slow-draining kitchen sink
- Intermittent odours, especially after running the dishwasher
- Grease or black sludge around the drain
The solution:
Don’t wait until it backs up completely. We offer fast, affordable drain unblocking across Kingston and surrounding areas.
4. Outside Drain Smells? Check the Manhole
Smells coming from an outside drain, especially near the back of your property, could mean a blockage further down the line. Leaves, wet wipes, and garden debris often cause backups in external gullies and manholes.
This is where experienced drainage contractors in Kingston Upon Thames are essential — we can lift covers, assess the issue, and clear the blockage quickly without disruption.
Why Choose Drains24 Kingston?
We’re your local drainage experts, trusted by homeowners, landlords, and commercial clients across Kingston, Surbiton, New Malden, Chessington, and Norbiton. Whether you need a quick fix or a long-term solution, we offer:
✅ Expert diagnosis of drain smells and blockages
✅ High-pressure jetting and drain unblocking services
✅ CCTV surveys to identify hidden problems
✅ Fully qualified drainage contractors in Kingston Upon Thames
Don’t Mask the Smell — Fix the Problem
Smelly drains are often the first sign that something’s wrong. Instead of relying on bleach or air fresheners, get to the root of the issue.
📞 Contact Drains24 Kingston today for expert advice, fast service, and a clean-smelling home.
