Have you been Googling how to get rid of smelly drains? As the cost of living crisis really starts to bite, you’re definitely not alone. If a foul-stinking drain isn’t bad enough, it always seems to arrive at the worst time – just when you can least afford it. More and more people are seeking inexpensive DIY options before calling in a professional – and we have some good news on the smelly drain front.
Yes, mild to moderate odours really can often be cleared using simple items that cost less than $7 – and many are things you already have in the cupboard.
Why do my drains smell?
Before diving into the fixes, it helps to understand the common causes:
- Food residue
- Soap scum
- Dirty P-traps
- Dried-out seals
- The beginnings of a blockage
Why do my drains smell? If that’s your question, it’s usually a mix of bacteria, trapped debris, and stagnant water (yuck!). Luckily, the cheap tricks we’ve come up with really are the easiest, cheapest, safest and most effective ways to freshen drains – without special tools, chemicals or expertise.
7 Cheap ways to fix a smelly drain (All under $7)
We’ve done a bit of homework to check that the prices reflect real world supermarket, big store and hardware store prices in Queensland in late 2025. Sure, they might be heading higher by the day, so let’s get straight into it without further ado. If the water is slow as well as smelly, it’s also worth reading “How to unblock a drain”.
1. Boiling water flush
This one is completely FREE!
It’s also the fastest way to start cleaning a smelly drain. Pouring a full kettle of boiling water down the sink helps dissolve light fats, soap residue, and grime. It won’t fix deep issues – but it’s a great first step.
2. Baking soda & vinegar clean
Next up, the cheap and classic combo – still one of the most effective DIY ways to clean smelly drains:
- Tip half a cup of bicarb into the drain
- Follow with a cup of white vinegar
- Cover the drain for 10 minutes
- Flush with hot water.
It’s great for kitchen sinks and smelly bathroom drains alike.
COST: $1.50–$2.40 (home-brand bicarb & vinegar)
3. Dish soap & hot water degrease
For drains coated with oils, lotions, or food fat:
- Squirt dish soap down the drain
- Flush with very hot water.
- The surfactants help break down the film that causes smelly drains.
COST: ~30 cents for 10-15 mL of the good stuff.
4. Lemon & salt scrub
This one’s ideal for bathroom basins:
- Cut a lemon in half
- Sprinkle salt on top
- Scrub the drain area and grate.
The acidity helps clean a smelly drain while the salt acts as a mild abrasive.
COST: $1-$2.
5. Budget drain strainer or stopper replacement
Sometimes, the smell comes from the top – not inside. A worn strainer or rubber stopper traps slimy residue. Replacing it is cheap and instantly helps if the smell seems to come from the grate itself. This also helps if you’re trying to learn how to get rid of smelly drains in bathroom settings.
COST: $3–$6 at the hardware store.
6. Small enzyme cleaner (Travel size bottle)
Brisbane supermarkets now sell smaller enzyme-based drain cleaners for people wanting eco-friendlier options. These break down organic matter over a few hours and are safe for most plumbing – a good step as you learn how to clean a drain without harsh chemicals.
COST: $5–$7
7. Check & reseat the trap seal (DIY-friendly)
If you’re researching how to clean bathroom drain smells on the super-cheap, the trap seal is often the hidden culprit. A loose, dried, or poorly seated O-ring beneath the basin can let odours escape from the waste pipe even if the drain isn’t blocked. Reseating or replacing the ring costs only a few dollars and takes five minutes.
COST: $2–$5 for a new O-ring if required.
When cheap DIY fixes aren’t enough
These cheaper-than-$7 remedies are great for surface-level issues. Unfortunately, they won’t fix:
- Deep blockages in the pipework that need professional drainage solutions
- Sewer gas escaping due to structural issues
- Mouldy, stagnant traps
- Fatbergs forming further down the line
- Damaged or collapsed pipes
- Odours linked to blocked stormwater or sewer lines.
If your drain smells like sulphur, rotten eggs, mould, or sewage (gross!) – or the odour returns within a day or two – that usually means the cause is deeper than any budget hack can reach. In these cases, you need a fully licensed plumber to properly diagnose and clear the line using professional equipment. That’s the real answer to how to fix smelly drains when the cheap options fail.
A plumber can eliminate the source of the smell and prevent it from returning with:
- CCTV drain inspection
- High-pressure jetting
- Repairing damaged traps – and more.
It’s especially important if the issue involves smelly bathroom drains that persist despite cleaning – as these are often linked to hidden blockages or venting issues.
Need a plumber to solve a stubborn smell?
Tried the cheap fixes but the stink won’t budge? At least you didn’t blow the budget in the attempt. Luckily, our licensed team cares about your bank balance too – and we can definitely help to restore a sweet-smelling drain at your place! Static Plumbing services the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane Northside and Moreton Bay with fast, affordable drain cleaning and expert diagnosis – always with a smile.
How to get rid of drain smell? The easiest way is to book a visit – we’ll get your drains fresh and flowing again.
