Quick Self-Care Tips to Eliminate Unpleasant Odors from Rental Drainage and Water Fixtures

You've just moved into a new place, but it smells like sewage. Or it gets smelly around the rainy season—drainage and water fixture odors in rental housing are extremely common problems. In most cases, you can handle it yourself, but depending on the cause, you may need to report it to your property management company. This article explains the causes and solutions for odors by location.

Kitchen Drain Odors

Causes

The main causes of kitchen drain odor are accumulation of grease and food residue. Oil clings to the inside of the drainage pipes, and food scraps get tangled in it and rot. Additionally, if the drainage trap—the water in the S-shaped pipe that blocks sewer odors—dries out or evaporates, the sewer smell can come directly up through the drain.

Solutions

1. Clean the strainer basket: Once or twice a week, use an old toothbrush or a drain brush to remove slime buildup
2. Refill the drain trap with water: If you don't use water for a long time, the seal water evaporates. Running about 1 liter of water down the drain will stop the odor
3. Baking soda and citric acid bubble wash: Sprinkle baking soda (3 tablespoons) down the drain, then pour citric acid solution (200ml water + 1 teaspoon citric acid). The bubbles will lift away dirt
4. Monthly drain cleaner: Using a commercial drain cleaner (like Pipe-Yuniish) will remove buildup deeper in the pipes

Bathroom Sink and Washing Machine Drain Odors

Causes

Bathroom sink drains accumulate hair, soap residue, and skin oils, which cause odors. Washing machine drains are prone to rotting detergent residue and clothing dirt.

Solutions

1. Remove and clean the sink drain cover weekly: Simply removing hair frequently makes a huge difference in odor
2. Check the washing machine hose connection: The drain hose root may have shifted, eliminating the seal water. Make sure to reposition it correctly
3. Clean the washing tub: Once a month, clean the tub with a commercial washing machine cleaner or oxygen-based bleach

Bath and Bathroom Odors

Causes

The most common cause is drain trap seal water evaporation. When you return home after a long absence, it's usually this causing the sewage smell. Also, accumulation of soap residue and skin oils in the drain, plus dirty ventilation fan filters contribute to odors.

Solutions

1. Refill the drain seal: Pour about one bucket (5–10 liters) of water down the bathroom drain to stop the odor
2. Clean the drain weekly: Use a specialized brush to remove soap scum and use a drain net to prevent slime buildup
3. Regularly clean ventilation fan filters: Every 2–3 months, remove the fan cover and rinse the filter with water or vacuum it clean
4. Use anti-mold and deodorizing spray: Spray a bathroom anti-mold treatment (like Look Bath Cleansing) weekly

Toilet Odors

Causes

The most common cause is toilet bowl grime and urine scale buildup. The underside of the seat, the junction with the floor, and the inside of the tank are particularly prone to getting dirty. If the trap water level is too low, it can also cause sewer odors.

Solutions

1. Clean the inside and outside of the bowl and the floor junction once a week: Use an acidic cleanser (like Sunpol) to dissolve urine scale
2. Clean the toilet tank interior: Add baking soda (about 100g) to the tank, let it sit overnight, then flush
3. Ensure thorough ventilation: Keep the exhaust fan on continuously. If there's a window, ventilate regularly

When to Call Your Property Management Company

The following odors cannot be self-treated and require reporting to your property management company:

• •Strong sewer odor: Possible drainage pipe cracks or connection failure
• •Rotten egg smell (sulfur odor): Possible gas leak → contact the gas company immediately (119)
• •Chemical or pungent odor: Possibly chemicals left behind by previous residents
• •Odor from ceiling or walls: Possible water damage or rot from upper floors

Summary

Most water fixture odors are caused by "drain seal dryness," "organic matter accumulation," or "poor ventilation." By making weekly drain cleaning and regular ventilation a habit, you can prevent and resolve most odor problems. If the odor persists or you notice unusual smells, don't hesitate to contact your property management company.