Kitchen Drain Smells? Here’s What Calgary Homeowners Should Check First

June 26, 2025

Kitchen Drain Smells? Here’s What Calgary Homeowners Should Check First

Nothing ruins a kitchen vibe faster than a foul smell creeping up from the sink. One moment you’re prepping dinner, the next, it smells like something crawled into your drain and gave up. Gross? Absolutely. Uncommon? Not at all.

If you’re a homeowner in Calgary, you’ve likely dealt with strange kitchen drain smells before. And while they may seem harmless at first, these odours are usually symptoms of something deeper, grease buildup, clogs, trapped food waste, or worse, a full-blown plumbing issue on the rise.

This isn’t just about fresh air. It’s about protecting your pipes, preventing costly damage, and making sure your kitchen stays clean, functional, and inviting. In this blog, we’ll break down what causes that smell, what to check first, and why professional kitchen drain cleaning by expert plumbers is your best bet when DIY doesn’t cut it.

Why Does Your Kitchen Drain Smell?

A smelly kitchen sink isn’t just unpleasant, it’s a red flag. Every time you rinse your dishes, small traces of grease, oils, and food scraps enter your drain. Over time, those particles settle and decompose. That’s when bacteria move in, and that’s where the stink begins.

In Calgary, this problem is amplified in colder months. Grease solidifies faster in the pipes, creating a sticky, slimy mess that traps even more debris. Once the bacteria start breaking it all down, the drain starts to smell like a compost bin.

Common Culprits Behind The Odour

  • Grease and oil buildup
  • Food particles stuck in the trap
  • Dry P-trap (especially if the sink hasn’t been used recently)
  • Mould growth inside the drain
  • Poorly vented plumbing

The takeaway? Drain smells are a warning sign, and your nose is the first to know something’s off.

What Calgary Homeowners Should Check First

Before you panic or call for help, you can do a quick inspection of the likely suspects. These early checks can save time and point you in the right direction.

Is The Drain Visibly Dirty?

Pop out the sink strainer or stopper. If you see black sludge, food bits, or grease, that’s your first clue. Clean it out thoroughly and note if the smell lessens.

Does Water Drain Slowly?

Slow drainage is a sign that the pipes are clogged or partially blocked. That gunk you see (and smell) might be stuck further down the line.

Is Your P-Trap Dry?

The P-trap, the U-shaped pipe under your sink, should always contain a bit of water. It acts like a barrier, preventing sewer gases from coming back into your home. If it’s dry, pour in some water and see if the smell goes away.

Can You Hear Gurgling Sounds?

Weird noises when the water drains? That could mean poor venting or a blocked vent pipe, both of which can force odours back through the drain.

Simple At-Home Fixes That Might Help

If the smell is mild and your drain is still working properly, try these simple, non-toxic solutions first.

1. Boiling Water Flush

Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to loosen grease and dislodge sticky buildup. Do this slowly and in short bursts to avoid pipe damage.

2. Baking Soda + Vinegar Combo

A classic solution:

  • Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain
  • Follow with 1 cup of white vinegar
  • Let it fizz for 15–20 minutes
  • Rinse with hot water

This helps eliminate minor blockages and neutralises odour-causing bacteria.

3. Dish Soap And Hot Water

If you suspect grease is the problem, a combo of dish soap and boiling water can break it down. Let the soap sit for 10 minutes before flushing with hot water.

Important: Avoid commercial chemical drain cleaners. They can corrode your pipes and mask the problem temporarily without fixing the root cause.

When To Call A Calgary Drain Cleaning Expert

You’ve tried everything, but your sink still smells like a swamp. At this point, it’s time to call in the pros. Professional kitchen drain cleaning in Calgary goes far beyond what baking soda and vinegar can achieve.

Signs You Need A Pro:

  • Persistent odours despite cleaning
  • Water is draining slowly or backing up
  • Gurgling sounds and bubbling water
  • Smell spreads to other drains
  • Frequent clogs returning within weeks

A qualified plumber will likely perform a drain camera inspection to locate the problem. From there, they may use hydrojetting or augering tools to fully clear the drain and restore flow.

This process not only removes the stink, but it also prevents future clogs and pipe damage.

How To Prevent Drain Smells From Coming Back

Fixing the issue is only half the battle. Now it’s time to make sure it doesn’t return. These small habits can make a big difference:

1. Watch What Goes Down

Don’t dump grease, coffee grounds, or food scraps into the sink. Use a compost bin or garbage can.

2. Install A Drain Strainer

These catch solids before they go down the drain. Clean them daily to prevent buildup.

3. Flush With Hot Water Weekly

A quick hot water rinse after dinner helps keep grease and food residue from hardening inside the pipes.

4. Use Natural Cleaners Monthly

Maintain your pipes with monthly baking soda and vinegar treatments to stop buildup before it starts.

5. Schedule Annual Drain Cleaning

Professional cleaning once a year can prevent surprise clogs and eliminate deep gunk and odour-causing bacteria.

About Us

Jack’d Up Plumbing is Calgary’s go-to expert for everything plumbing, especially the smelly stuff. Whether your kitchen sink is gurgling, draining slowly, or just flat-out stinks, we’ve got the tools, training, and 24/7 service to fix it fast. From kitchen drain cleaning to full pipe inspections, we do it all with a smile and zero shortcuts.

Contact us today for more information.