Smelly outside drains

morganlefay

We have a big terrace which in this weather is a joy to sit out on, but at the back of it are two drains - one for rainwater coming off house, and one down which the water from (clothes) washing machine flows. They are both covered with chicken wire to catch leaves etc so quite clean and nice, but in this hot weather they get stinky. I thought of Jeyes fluid but then we'd have to enjoy the smell of that as we sat there. Does anyone know of some means of making them smell delicious (or at least not nasty, as now) as economically as possible ? I thought maybe of liquidised lemons, or tea tree stuff, but I bet someone on here has a better idea !

trinidadone

I also have a outside drain and like you can be a bit smelly. Once a month I usually pour a kettleful of boiling water over a capful of washing soda crystals down the drain. It often clears away the greese and soap residue and leaves the drains running freely, enhense no smells.

I buy my soda crystals from my local pound shop, hope this helps?

quiet_life_4

I second washing soda crystals. You can get them from most supermarkets,

lizimuffin

We have the same problem. Like the other posters, about once a month I get a bucket full of boiling water but instead of soda crystals I use Zoflora. It smells lovely and disenfects the drain as well.

seabright

If its really bad, caustic soda is good. But it's really strong, so wear protective clothing. Then, keep on top of it once a month, like everyone says.