A foul odor coming from your sink drain is an unpleasant and perplexing problem. The unpleasant scent may linger in your kitchen or bathroom, making everyday tasks uncomfortable and leaving you wondering, “Why does my sink drain smell?”
From food particles and grease buildup to bacterial growth and plumbing issues, there are various reasons why your sink drain might emit a foul smell. Let’s take a few minutes to delve into the common culprits behind this problem and explore possible solutions to eliminate the odor and restore freshness.
5 Reasons for a Smelly Sink Drain
Mold and Mildew
The damp, dark environment of sink drains provides the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. These fungi thrive in moist conditions and can produce a musty odor. Regular cleaning and proper ventilation help prevent mold and mildew growth, eliminating the source of the unpleasant smell.
Clogged Sewer Line
A clogged sewer line can cause sewage backups, leading to foul odors that travel out of your sink drain. This issue often requires professional intervention to diagnose and resolve, as it may indicate a more significant problem within your plumbing system. Prompt attention to clogged sewer lines can prevent further damage and eliminate unpleasant odors.
Rotting Food
Food particles that accumulate in sink drains can decompose over time, resulting in a foul smell. Rotting food debris can also attract bacteria and other microorganisms, which only exacerbates the odor problem. Regularly clearing food scraps from your sink and using drain covers can help prevent this issue and keep your sink smelling fresh.
Venting Issues
Proper venting is essential for maintaining optimal airflow in your plumbing system and preventing foul odors from entering your home. Venting issues, such as blocked or improperly installed vents, can lead to sewer gas buildup in sink drains, resulting in unpleasant smells. Professional inspection and repairs of venting problems are necessary to ensure proper ventilation and eliminate odors.
Clogged Drain
A clogged drain can trap debris and organic matter, leading to bacterial growth and foul odors. Hair, soap scum, and other materials can accumulate in sink drains over time, causing blockages and odor problems. Regular drain cleaning and garbage disposal maintenance can help prevent clogs and keep your sink smelling fresh and clean.
Dry P-Trap
The P-trap, a curved section of pipe beneath the sink, traps water and prevents sewer gases from entering your home. If the P-trap becomes dry or loses its seal, sewer odors can permeate your sink drain. Running water regularly and ensuring proper P-trap maintenance can help maintain the seal and prevent unpleasant odors from escaping.
Tips to Get Rid of a Smelly Drain
To get rid of a smelly drain, try following these tips:
- Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water down the drain can help dissolve and flush away grease, food particles, and other debris that cause unpleasant odors.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: Create a natural cleaning solution by mixing baking soda and vinegar. Pour the mixture down the drain, let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with hot water so it can work its magic. This combination helps break down buildup and neutralize odors.
- Citrus Rinds: Toss citrus fruit rinds, such as lemon or orange peels, into the garbage disposal and run cold water. The citrus oils will help freshen the drain, leaving a much more pleasant scent behind.
- Ice Cubes and Salt: Drop a few ice cubes down the drain followed by a handful of coarse salt. Turn on the garbage disposal, and let it grind the ice and salt mixture. The abrasive salt dislodges buildup and debris while the ice helps clean the blades.
By incorporating these simple yet effective methods into your cleaning routine, you can banish foul odors from your drain and enjoy a fresh-smelling sink once again.
Get Your Home Smelling Fresh Again With Chapman
Eliminating an unpleasant drain smell from your home is essential for creating a clean and inviting environment for family and friends. With Chapman’s range of effective odor-elimination products and solutions, you can enjoy a fresh-smelling home every day.
Whether you’re addressing a bad smell coming from your sinks or tackling plumbing issues, drain cleaning, or sewer cleaning, Chapman has you covered with reliable odor-fighting solutions. Say goodbye to unpleasant odors and hello to a revitalized home with Chapman. Schedule a service today to get one step closer to a fresher space.
It’s time for another employee feature and this month we interviewed Bill Handlon. You might know Bill as our service technician, but he is also a father of 4 (not including his 2 dogs) and one of the biggest Notre Dame fans you’ll meet. We sat down with Bill and asked him some questions about his time at Chapman, his time outside of Chapman and since he is the expert, we asked a few questions about air quality too.
Dedicated to Service
Bill’s official title at Chapman is service technician. As a service technician, Bill is the one to come to your house for calls and routine maintenance. Originally from Brownsburg, Bill has been with Chapman for the past 5 years. When asked what he likes about working at Chapman, he had this to say:
At Chapman, you really get treated like a person. Some other places look at you as a number or to reach a certain quota. I get to work for the customers, not just the company.
You might recognize Bill from the last time you called for a check-up. Bill is an extremely hardworking member of the Chapman team and he takes pride in every service call, every day.
About Bill
With three sons in baseball and his daughter in softball, Bill stays pretty busy outside of work. When he finds some time for himself, Bill enjoys getting outside for a hike and some fishing. Like a lot of our employees here at Chapman, Bill is a big supporter of the Hamilton County Humane Society. He participates in charity motorcycle rides and stays active in going to events with the Chapman team.
Bill’s love for animals doesn’t end with his contributions to the Hamilton Humane Society, he has two dogs of his own at home. A Doberman named Rocky and a Boston Terrier named Rudy are important parts of the family as well.
Air Quality and Your Home
When it comes to the quality of air in your home, Bill has the answers. We wanted to know a little bit more about air purifiers and what impact they have on the home. We asked Bill to explain what an air purifier actually does.
Well an air conditioner cools the air and the filter in the unit will catch some of the dirt and debris in the air. An air purifier helps with bacteria and allergens by capturing and actually killing pollutants in the air.
This is especially important around the winter months. Keeping the air purified reduces the exposure to bacteria. We asked Bill to talk more about the overall health of the home and why, in his professional opinion, should people use purifiers in the home.
Well, by removing allergens and bacteria in the air, air purifiers help keep the home healthier which means less sick days out of work and less illness in the home. We have two dogs and the air purifier helps tremendously with the big dog smell.
As we head into the winter season, now is the time to give some thought to the overall quality of air in your home. Before you seal up the doors and windows, give Bill a call to talk about your heating and air quality options! Learn more about air purifiers here and call us to schedule an appointment.
Looking for home heating and air conditioning services contact Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, today
From our interview with Brad Harvey, Chapman service technician, we took away three main points. Keep your equipment regularly maintained, camping is his family’s favorite activity and just because you rent, doesn’t mean you don’t need to change your filters.
Brad Harvey joined the Chapman team is 2013. With a background in the equipment industry, Brad was ready to challenge himself and felt the HVAC industry was the right next step.
The reputation of Chapman drew me to the company. On all sides of the city, people have good things to say about the company, people and Jeff.
As a service technician at Chapman, we asked Brad to describe a typical day of work to us. He starts the day with a lot of demand calls; meaning, calls to go fix equipment or check the safety level.
The first thing I do is take a picture of the unit. A lot of people don’t know that their units are unsafe, so if I need to pull out the picture to show and explain, it makes more sense to them.
We see quite a few unsafe units, especially in the winter time. Maintained equipment fails a lot less often than those without regular maintenance. That’s why we recommend it so strongly.
Some parts of the unit can last a lifetime, but other parts will eventually need replaced. Finding these issues before they become big issues will extend the life of a unit in the long run and save a lot of money.
When Brad decided to make a change and start his career in the HVAC industry, he knew he wanted to learn as much as he could to be the best technician possible. Brad is NATE certified in gas heat with a universal heating license. Unlike a lot of technicians, Brad entered the field from a different industry.
The training helped me get a better idea of the industry, what to expect and what I needed to know. The NATE certification was more complex than other certifications. It took more study time, but it did train me in all systems, not just certain brands.
When he isn’t checking systems and taking service calls, Brad spends his time with his family. With 5 kids, there is more than enough to keep him busy. Brad and his family love camping and playing basketball, spending time out on the boat and watching the Colts.
We asked Brad more about what he likes to do in his spare time.
We love the Colts; the whole family loves the Colts. Personally I also really like golf. Jordan Speif is my favorite golfer.
Working at Chapman
One of my favorite things about working for Chapman is the focus on the community. We just helped with Bring the Heat here in Indianapolis.
Bring the heat serves 100 low-income homes for appliance cleaning and servicing at no cost to residents. For more information and ways to get involved, visit their website.
Jeff wants us to set goals to keep moving forward, but they are always attainable. He pays attention to us guys and supports and reward us.
As we gear up for the cold season, we asked Brad what he sees most often in damaged or unsafe units.
It really doesn’t matter what time of year you get your unit serviced, just as long as you get it done every 6 months. A lot of people forget to check and change their filters. This is one basic thing you can do to greatly improve the life of your unit.
Before we wrapped up our interview, we asked Brad what he thought this winter would bring to central Indiana.
I think winter is going to get here a little early this year. We got pretty lucky last year, but I think we’re going to have a pretty cold one.
If you haven’t done it yet, it’s time to clean and check your system before winter weather hits. Give us a call for an appointment with one of our knowledgeable, certified technicians like Brad!
Think you have what it takes to be a member of our team Apply Today!
Since the age of 14, Chuck Colbert has been learning the ins and outs of the plumbing industry. His career as a plumbing technician started alongside his dad, going along on service calls and learning the trade. After high school, Chuck went into plumbing at the same company his dad worked for, working alongside him just like he had as a teenager. After 19 years, Chuck went looking for something different, that’s when he found Chapman.
I was looking for a less stressful environment and I found Chapman. They really are a second family here and they care about my own family as much as they care about the Chapman family. Jeff does a lot to get the families involved. Last year we all went to King’s Island and this winter we went bowling. It’s great to be with a company that is so caring about the people.
In his 4 years at Chapman, Chuck’s duties as a service plumber include assessing and fixing plumbing issues. Working in the field, Chuck is sure to explain to clients the issues and service required to fix plumbing problems in detail
I get told I talk a lot, and I like to talk. I want to make sure nothing gets left out.
Chuck is the go-to resource for all things plumbing and doesn’t hesitate to explain things in detail. When we asked Chuck a few questions about common plumbing issues, he had a lot of knowledge to share from his years as a plumbing professional.
The best thing you can do is get things checked out yearly. It depends on the type of pipes you have. Galvanized piping should be inspected and likely replaced soon, this type of piping is mostly found in older homes.
Cooper piping is a little better, but still does require yearly inspection. The biggest issue we find is calcium buildup. If you notice dripping or difficulty turning faucets on and off, it’s likely a calcium buildup. Checks and service are the best ways to avoid small problems becoming big, expensive problems.
Outside of work Chuck likes working with cars. Currently, he’s working on restoring a 1990 Suburban. Chuck was raised working on cars and any opportunity he has to work with his hands, he takes.
He stays busy with 3 kids and spends a lot of his time with his daughter at the softball diamond. It doesn’t seem like there would be much time left in Chuck’s schedule for anything else, but he is also a volunteer firefighter and EMT. He has been volunteering since he was 14, giving time to help others is a big part of Chuck’s life.
We asked Chuck what his ultimate vacation would be. My ultimate dream is to drive Route 66, or part of Route 66 in an old car. My wife and I both like to travel and with my love of cars, it’s always been a dream of mine.
We’re lucky to have such a knowledgeable technician taking care of our clients and contributing to our community. If it’s time to have your pipes looked at, give us a call and schedule an appointment for Chuck to come assess the plumbing in your home.
Think you have what it takes to be a member of our team Apply Today!
Chapman Heating And Air has been awarded a 2016 Top Workplaces honor by The Indianapolis Star. The Top Workplaces lists are based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC, a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. Several aspects of workplace culture were measured, including Alignment, Execution, and Connection, just to name a few.
The Top Workplaces award is not a popularity contest. And oftentimes, people assume it’s all about fancy perks and benefits. says Doug Claffey, CEO of WorkplaceDynamics. But to be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet our strict standards for organizational health. And who better to ask about work life than the people who live the culture every daythe employees. Time and time again, our research has proven that what’s most important to them is a strong belief in where the organization is headed, how it’s going to get there, and the feeling that everyone is in it together. Claffey adds, Without this sense of connection, an organization doesn’t have a shot at being named a Top Workplace.
For over four decades, Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing has provided high quality, reliable service to families throughout central Indiana.
Think you have what it takes to be a member of our team? Apply Today!
If you have visited our Facebook page recently, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a review or customer compliment directed at our senior tech Doug Reams. Hardly a week goes by without someone taking the time to reach out and tell us about Doug’s positive attitude and outstanding work ethic. We’re so happy to have Doug as a part of our team. To hear more about Doug’s work at Chapman, we talked to his supervisor, Chris Baker. Chris is our service manager and has been working with Doug for almost 5 years.
Doug is a friend and everyone sees him that way’, Chris explained, ‘everyone knows they can call him and he will take the call. He’s always there to help you out and he has the skills to work on just about anything. Chris describes Doug as a laid back guy that is always there to help. He’s just a really nice guy, one of those guys you can approach with anything, he’s so easy to talk to.
We are truly lucky to have Doug as a part of our team. Not only do his friends, family and coworkers agree, but everyone that crosses paths with Doug can tell what a genuine person he is. This story posted on our Facebook wall demonstrates all the qualities we know and love about Doug.
I want to take a moment and let you know I am not a customer. I actually live in Findlay Ohio. Tonight my family and I were traveling, we stopped at a Speedway gas station in Greenfield to fuel and use the restroom. After a fatal car accident, I have lost the use of my right leg. I have been in a wheelchair until recently, I have been able to use crutches. As I struggled to enter the restroom door I about lost control, as I was in there one of your employees had come in there, did not say a word, did not use the room. He waited patiently for me to finish and assisted me with the door and helped me safely out. It touched my heart that he cared enough about a total stranger. I wanted to offer him a cup of coffee on us, but he did his good deed and then left. I could not thank him enough! This happened around 7:30p.m. I pray that with employees like this your business is blessed! Will you please shake his hand and thank him for me! Thank you, Robert Sasse.
Last month another customer took the time to write a personal letter to thank Doug and the Chapman team for fixing a problem with their unit.
Hi,
Just a small note to say thank you Chapman Co. and to Mr. Doug Reams for coming to our house and fixing our problem.
Again,
Thank you
Nick & Elaine
If you have a story to share, tell us in the comments below. We love to hear from you and your comments make our jobs that much more rewarding. We are proud to have an exemplary team member like Doug taking care of our customers and adding knowledge and friendship to the Chapman team.
Think you have what it takes to be a member of our team? Apply Today!
If you have worked with us before, there is a good chance you have had the pleasure of talking to our Sales Representative, Kent Odom. Kent has been in the industry for 42 years and brings all of that experience and knowledge to each new customer and their specific needs. We sat down with Kent this month and got to know a little more about him. He also shared some insights on heat pumps and how they work to heat the home.
I’ve been in the industry for 42 years, doing everything from installing, management and service. I was looking for a new position and a friend told me about Jeff and he told Jeff about me, we were pretty much referred to each other and it’s been a great fit ever since.
Kent came to Chapman with years of experience and unmatched customer service skills, when asked what he likes most about working at Chapman he had this to say. Everyone promises things, but Chapman is different because we put it in writing. There’s a 99% chance we’re going to do everything right the first time, but there’s a 100% chance that if we don’t, we will be back to fix it and do everything we can to satisfy the customer.
Kent understands the needs of each customer and his strength is matching the right product to the customer. With the cold season in full force, we asked about heat pumps for heating the home and he had great advice for those looking to update their heating system.
The Evolution V Series heat pump is a good option for the home, mostly because of how efficient they are. I like to describe the difference between a regular heating system and the Evolution V heat pump like the difference between city and highway driving. Regular heating systems are stop and go. They start up and get up to speed/heat, just to slow down and stop in traffic.
Heat pumps work up to a temperature, much like driving on the highway, you gradually get up to speed. It steadily adjusts heat for your needs without completely stopping and starting. We all know highway driving is much more efficient than city driving, that’s basically how a heat pump works too.
When he isn’t working, Kent likes to spend time with his grandkids and spend time outdoors. We’re lucky to have Kent on our team taking care of customers. When it’s time to update your system, give us a call and let Kent help you find the perfect fit 317-291-4909.
Think you have what it takes to be a member of our team? Apply Today!
This month our employee spotlight is on Plumbing Field Supervisor, Matt Harrold. Learn more about Matt, his experience in the plumbing industry and his professional opinion when it comes to water heater options all month long.
A typical day for Matt keeps him busy managing plumbing jobs and making estimates for materials.
So what does a day in the life of a field supervisor look like? Matt filled us in, I wake up, check emails and texts then go out and gather materials and supplies for the job. After that, I spend the day checking jobs sites and making sure everything is running smoothly.
Matt has been in the plumbing business for 25 years and came to work for Chapman 5 years ago. As soon as I met Jeff we just hit it off and I have been with Chapman ever since. I like working for Chapman because we’re given the opportunity to do the job right, without question.
When he isn’t at work, Matt likes to spend his spare time watching documentaries. It doesn’t really matter what it’s about, I like them all.
We have been talking about water heaters a lot this month and ways to cut down on high energy bills during the winter. When we asked Matt for tips on cutting costs this is what he had to say, I would definitely recommend a tankless water heater. It’s an endless supply of hot water and much more efficient than people realize. They take up less room, save energy and have a longer life span.
If your water heater is over ten years old, you’re spending a lot more money using it than you would with a tankless. In a 10 year period, you will spend less money on a tankless, including cost of installation.
If it’s time to upgrade your water heater and reduce your energy costs, give us a call and schedule an appointment with Matt today 317-291-4909.
Think you have what it takes to be a member of our team? Apply Today!
Scott Smith is the Assistant Service Manager here at Chapman; he takes care of any questions our technicians might have and problems in the field. Scott has years of experience in heating and cooling and often lends his expertise to other technicians. This month we got to know Scott a little better and learned a lot about the benefits of a humidifier.
Scott began working in the industry in his father’s heating and cooling company. He has been sharpening his skills ever since. Now, 20 years later, he is an expert in everything heating and cooling and an invaluable asset to the Chapman team.
When asked what brought him to work at Chapman, he explained, I’d known of Chapman for a while and knew about their reputation in the industry. When I had a chance to join, I grabbed it.
Scott has been with Chapman for about a year. When he isn’t working, Scott likes spending time with his children and enjoying the great outdoors. An avid hunter and fisher, one of Scott’s favorite way to relax is out in nature. All month long we’re talking about humidifiers and with 20 years of experience, there was no one better to ask than Scott.
We asked why it was important to have a humidifier in the first place. He explained that humidifiers are good for more than just comfort. Health and comfort are the two most common reasons people invest in a humidifier, but there are many reasons it’s a good idea to have one. Humidifiers help keep the wood in the home from drying out and splitting, it will cut down on the static electricity in the home and help you to run the heater less which reduces your energy costs.
That all sounds great, but how do you know what type of humidifier you need for the home? The whole house humidifier is better than a standalone unit for proper humidification throughout the entire home. Whole home units disperse the humidity evenly and therefore, don’t have to work as hard to make the entire home comfortable. Standalone humidifiers don’t disperse the humidity evenly and will usually only humidify one room.
The other biggest difference between whole home and stand-alone humidifiers is the addition of water. Whole home humidifiers automatically refill and use the appropriate amount of water, standalone units must be refilled and depend on you to keep them working properly.
When asked how long a whole home humidifier will last, Scott explained that it depends on the type of unit and how you treat it. With proper installation and maintenance, you can enjoy your humidifier for a long time.
If you want to know more about humidifiers and what would be right for your home, give us a call at 317-291-4909. A whole home humidifier is good for your health, comfort and will extend the life of the wood in your home.
Think you have what it takes to be a member of our team? Apply Today!
We have an exceptional team at Chapman and we want you to get to know them! This week we’re shinning the spotlight on Brandy Clements. Brandy has been with us for 6 years, her first day at Chapman just so happened to also be Jeff Chapman’s Birthday. She is the best gift Jeff could have gotten; she helps keep things running smoothly at Chapman with her positive attitude, endless energy, permanent smile and exceptional customer service skills.
Brandy is the service agreement administrator at Chapman. So what does that mean? Well, Brandy makes sure people know what they can do to protect their systems and keep their homes running efficiency. Basically, she’s the one that makes you glad you know her and have your service agreement up to date when the heater breaks down in the middle of winter. Brandy makes sure everyone is aware of how an agreement keeps your system running efficiently and what’s all included. The service agreement is a value people don’t realize they’re getting until something breaks and they need us to come out. Most people don’t realize that having your system properly maintained can help identify problems before they happen and keep things running smoothly.
Brandy wears many hats at Chapman; she helps with invoices, training, accounting and service. Pretty much anything that needs done, Brandy is there to help do it.
Brandy started working at Chapman while completing her degree. She now has her degree in social work and a minor in psychology. I wanted to show my children the importance of an education. I love it here and I love coming to work every day, I really didn’t want to leave so when they asked me to stay on I did. Brandy’s education and background make her the best fit for the job. She is great at listening and understanding people’s needs. You have to be a people person and I love helping people. Brandy has the ability to really understand people’s needs and understand in a way that a lot of people without her experiences and background don’t know how to do.
When she isn’t keeping up with service agreements and helping the office run smoothly, Brandy spends time with her 4 kids. She has a 22 year old daughter in college, 18 year old twins and an 11 year old. I’m a dance mom, a soccer mom and do a lot of work with the booster club. Brandy also loves photography. She likes taking pictures of her kids and family members, including her Chapman family.
When you come visit Chapman keep an eye out for Brandy, she will be the one with the big smile and the friendly hello. To learn more about service agreements and how Brandy can help you save time, money and a cold home in the middle of winter, schedule an appointment or give us a call at 317-291-4909 to schedule an appointment. If you have had a service agreement in the past, it might be time to renew it!
Think you have what it takes to be a member of our team? Apply Today!
