As the weather warms up, many people may be noticing an unpleasant smell coming from their drains - but experts say there's a cheap and simple DIY fix that could help get rid of the stench15:54, 23 Jun 2026As yet another heatwave takes hold up and down the country, many homeowners may be dismayed to discover their drains are giving off a distinctly unpleasant - and wholly unwanted - stench.‌Thankfully, there's a host of tips and tricks to eliminate these odours once and for all, from raiding your kitchen cupboards to reaching for a 26p health staple to tackle the pong. But why does warmer weather cause drains to smell in the first place? The heat accelerates the decomposition of food waste, soap, scum and other grime lurking within the drains.‌Similarly, rising temperatures can cause water in U-shaped pipes to evaporate more rapidly, and without that water acting as a barrier, sewer gases can seep into our homes far more easily.‌With this in mind, bathroom specialists at Vidalux.co.uk revealed some of the most effective methods to quickly freshen up drains using everyday items such as boiling water, lemon juice and even effervescent indigestion tablets.Andy Ellis, shower and bathroom expert at Vidalux, said: "No one wants a foul smell entering their home which is why it's worth giving your drains a refresh as we head into spring."Unknown blockages can start to smell when the weather warms up and the longer you leave them, the more damage they're doing to pipework - which could leave you with an even bigger and more expensive problem.‌"There are some really simple and effective ways to unclog drains and you can use some items you already have in your home such as salt and white vinegar."You can even use things like indigestion tablets and vodka to help unblock and neutralise any odours."‌On using effervescent indigestion tablets, Ellis explained: "Similar to white vinegar and baking soda, the fizzy reaction from effervescent indigestion tablets can help loosen debris in clogged drains."Drop a few tablets down the drain followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for a few moments until the fizzing stops and wash the solution away with hot water."Currently, a pack of 20 Alka Seltzer effervescent tablets is priced at £5.20 in Boots, which works out at just 26p per tablet.‌Smelly drains are a frequent headache for many homeowners, with countless people turning to social media in search of solutions.One person posted on Reddit asking: "What can I do about a smelly drain?"They went on: "It's fine when water is running, but the longer it's not used, like overnight, the smellier it is. I've tried bicarbonate and vinegar, a large bucket of water (I read about a dry P trap... sounds painful) and now I've run out of ideas!"‌Responses flooded in, with recommendations ranging from powerful drain cleaners such as Mr Muscle or One Shot, though a word of caution was issued given that One Shot is "extremely corrosive". A fellow Redditor warned: "Gloves and safety goggles should be used."Others proposed checking whether there's a "trap under the plug cover that is clogged with hair and soap scum".Someone else said: "You need an air admittance valve or otherwise known as a durgo valve. What will be happening is when the toilet is flushed it will be creating a vacuum and sucking the water out of the traps.Article continues below"Generally on the outside soil stack one should be fitted at the top and at every sanitary-ware device at the highest point of drain. These valves allow air in but not out."One Reddit user replied: "I also have this problem. It smells like rotten eggs! I've put all sorts down there but it still smells disgusting. Going to try a few of these suggestions today."