Why Your Drain Smells Like Rotten Eggs — and How to Get Rid of It for Good (Cleveland Edition)
Cleveland • Lakewood • Parma • Shaker Heights • Cleveland Heights • Garfield Heights
You walk into your bathroom or kitchen and catch a whiff of something awful — that unmistakable rotten egg smell coming from the drain. It’s one of the most common calls we get at ExpertPipe Rooter from homeowners all across Cleveland, Lakewood, and Parma.
That smell isn’t just gross — it’s often a sign that bacteria, sewer gases, or decaying buildup are lurking in your plumbing system. Luckily, with the right cleaning approach (and sometimes a little professional help), you can get rid of it for good.
Let’s break down what’s causing that odor and how to stop it permanently.
1. The Rotten Egg Smell Explained
That “sulfur” or “rotten egg” smell comes from hydrogen sulfide gas (H₂S). This gas forms when organic material — like food, grease, or hair — decomposes in your drains or sewer line. It can also come from dry traps that allow sewer gases to rise into your home.
While the smell is unpleasant, it can also indicate a plumbing issue that needs immediate attention.
2. Common Causes of Smelly Drains in Cleveland Homes
A. Dry P-Traps
The curved section of pipe under your sink or floor drain (the P-trap) holds water to block sewer gases. When it dries out — usually in unused basement drains or guest bathrooms — it lets gases rise straight into the room.
Fix:
Pour a few cups of water into rarely used drains every few weeks to maintain the trap seal. You can also add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to slow evaporation.
B. Biofilm Buildup
Grease, soap, and organic debris cling to pipe walls over time, creating a slimy coating called biofilm. This bacteria releases sulfuric odors as it breaks down trapped waste.
Fix:
Mix one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar, pour it down the drain, and let it fizz for 10 minutes before flushing with hot water. For deeper buildup, ExpertPipe Rooter uses eco-friendly enzymatic jetting to remove biofilm completely.
C. Bacteria in the Water Heater
If you smell sulfur only from the hot water side, your water heater might be the source. Certain bacteria can grow in stagnant water or on the anode rod.
Fix:
Flush the tank and replace the anode rod with an aluminum-zinc alloy rod, which resists bacterial growth better than magnesium ones. We handle this service routinely across Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights.
D. Clogged or Partially Blocked Sewer Lines
If multiple drains smell bad or back up, the problem may be deeper — in your main sewer line. Tree roots, grease buildup, or collapsed clay pipes can cause sewage gases to push back into your home.
Fix:
Schedule a drain camera inspection and hydro-jetting service. It’s the fastest way to identify and eliminate the issue without tearing up your basement floor.
E. Garbage Disposal Odor
If your kitchen sink stinks, it might just be food particles trapped under the blades.
Fix:
Grind ice cubes and citrus peels with a splash of vinegar to clean and deodorize naturally. Never use bleach — it can damage your disposal seals and kill beneficial bacteria in your plumbing.
3. Why It’s Especially Common in Cleveland
Cleveland’s older plumbing systems, combined with humid basements and hard water, create the perfect conditions for bacterial growth and pipe corrosion. Many homes in Lakewood and Old Brooklyn still use cast-iron drains that trap sludge and biofilm more easily than modern PVC lines.
Plus, cold winters mean basements stay damp for months — and unused floor drains dry out faster, allowing sewer gas to escape.
4. How to Prevent Drain Odors Permanently
Flush drains weekly with hot water.
Use enzyme-based cleaners monthly (never bleach).
Run your garbage disposal daily with cold water.
Seal unused drains with a trap primer or small oil layer.
Install a drain vent or check existing vents for clogs.
Schedule annual drain inspections for older homes.
A little proactive care goes a long way in keeping that sulfur smell from coming back.
5. What ExpertPipe Rooter Does to Fix Smelly Drains
When you call (216) 203-6563, we:
Identify the odor source with moisture and gas detection tools.
Clean the affected drains using hydro-jetting or enzyme treatments.
Flush or disinfect your water heater (if needed).
Inspect the sewer line for cracks or venting issues.
Recommend ongoing maintenance to prevent recurrence.
We don’t just mask the smell — we eliminate it at the root cause.
6. FAQ – Drain Odors in Cleveland Homes
Q: Why does the smell get worse after running water?
A: Flowing water stirs up gases or bacteria in partially blocked lines. That’s a sign your drains need professional cleaning.
Q: Can I use bleach to clean my drains?
A: Avoid it — bleach damages old pipes and worsens odor long-term. Use enzyme cleaners or vinegar instead.
Q: Is the smell dangerous?
A: Hydrogen sulfide can cause headaches or nausea at high levels. If the odor is strong or persistent, call us immediately.
Q: My basement drain smells like sewage — is that normal?
A: No. That usually means a dry P-trap or a partial main line blockage. We can fix it same-day.
Q: Can you service both residential and commercial buildings?
A: Yes — from downtown Cleveland apartments to Lakewood storefronts, we handle all drain and sewer odor issues.
📞 Call ExpertPipe Rooter at (216) 203-6563
🌐 Visit expertpiperooter.com
ExpertPipe Rooter — Cleveland’s trusted team for fresh, clean drains and odor-free plumbing all year round.
