2024-01-26

How to get rid of unpleasant odors from a linear drain? Proven solutions and causes

Jak pozbyć się nieprzyjemnych zapachów z odpływu liniowego?

Unpleasant odor from a bathroom linear drain is a problem that many people face - both in new and older installations. While it may seem trivial at first glance, in reality it often indicates specific operational negligence or installation errors. In this article, we explain:

  • Where unpleasant odors from the drain come from,
  • How to prevent them effectively,
  • The offer of modern drains, such as Balneo Duplex NEXT, to eliminate this problem at the source.

    • Water drying out in the trap - the most common cause

    The water in the trap acts as a natural odor barrier - a so-called "water seal" that blocks the penetration of gases from the sewer system into the bathroom. If for some reason this barrier disappears (e.g., by not using the shower for a long time), odors begin to be perceptible.

    Why water disappears from the siphon?

  • Infrequent use of showers (e.g., in guest bathrooms)
  • Floor heating to accelerate evaporation
  • Improper ventilation of the installation (see point 3)

    • How to prevent it?

  • Regularly flush the drain - even if the shower is not used, it is worth pouring a few liters of water once every few days
  • Consider a drain with a wet trap, such as the Balneo Duplex NEXT, which holds water longer

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    Obstruction of the siphon and pipes - blockage of water flow

    Blockages in the siphon and pipes can lead to incomplete water drainage, resulting in residue build-up, bacterial growth and odor emissions.

    The most common causes of obstruction:

  • Accumulation of hair, soap residue and cosmetic deposits
  • Lack of regular cleaning of the settling tank
  • Too narrow cross-section of drain pipes

    • How to prevent it?

  • Choose drains with easy access to the siphon and a removable sediment trap (e.g. Balneo Duplex NEXT - a basket sediment trap that retains debris)
  • Avoid using caustic agents (such as "Mole" type) - they can damage the surface of stainless steel
  • Clean the siphon regularly - just remove the settling tank and rinse it with warm water

    • Errors in the ventilation of the sewage system

    Proper aeration of the sewer system is of paramount importance. In the absence of adequate airflow, a vacuum is created that "sucks" water out of the trap, leaving the drain open to sewer odors.

    What to look out for:

  • Does the installation have an exhaust pipe (led above the roof)?
  • Can you hear "bubbling" in the traps after draining water from other appliances? This may indicate a lack of ventilation.
  • Are aeration valves installed, if there is no outlet above the roof?

    • How to solve the problem:

  • Consult a plumber about the installation - it is possible that the vent is missing
  • If necessary, install an aeration valve (especially in closed systems)
  • Make sure any vertical installation has an air supply

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    What drains help eliminate odor problem?

    At Balneo, we design drains with not only aesthetics in mind, but more importantly, reliable operation. When you choose models like Duplex NEXT, you gain:

  • Wet trap that retains water and blocks odors
  • Basketed settling tank - easily accessible for regular cleaning
  • High throughput (up to 55 l/min) - eliminates water-logging
  • No moving parts and full body welds, which increases the tightness of the entire installation


    • It is worth remembering that even the best product will not work without proper installation and use. Therefore, we encourage you to entrust the installations to qualified professionals.

    Summary - how to effectively get rid of unpleasant odors from a linear drain?

    To avoid the problem of unpleasant odors from the drain, it is worth taking care of the following aspects:

  • Regular flushing of the drain - especially in bathrooms that are rarely used
  • Cleaning of the siphon and settling tank - minimum once a month
  • Checking the proper ventilation of the sewage system
  • Installation of a properly sized wet trap with a settling tank
  • Avoid caustic chemicals - use mild cleaners


    • A well-designed, properly installed and regularly maintained linear drain will bring comfort and freshness to any bathroom - without unpleasant surprises.
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