Disinfecting and Flushing Your Pipes
Problem with your Pipes?
Like any fixture in your home, plumbing pipes can experience issues. Here are some of the most common issues and ways you can remedy them.
Smelly Lines
Smelly drains got you feeling sunk? The smell is usually not the water, but a gas caused by bacteria that live on food, soap, hair and other organic matter that builds up in the drain pipe or garbage disposal. The bacteria can also attract drain flies and other insects, especially in the kitchen. Click the + below to see how you can get rid of the stink.
Disinfect Smelly Drains
Smelly pipes – usually in kitchen sink drains - can occur when food product builds up inside your plumbing or disposal, causing odors. While there are several commercial products available that can help, here’s an easy method that may help get rid of the stink!
- Run cold water for about 15-20 seconds into the drain, then turn the water off.
- Slowly pour one to two cups of liquid chlorine bleach down the drain. To prevent splashing, pour the bleach around the edges of the drain so it runs down the sides of the drain.
- If the odor is coming from a sink drain that has a garbage disposal, turn on the disposal for a few seconds while the bleach is being poured. This will disperse the bleach around the inside of the disposal. Caution: Stand clear of drain and avoid splashing when disposal is turned on. Bleach exposure can cause eye damage, skin irritation and damage to clothing.
- Leave bleach in drain for about ten minutes. Caution: Prolonged contact with metals may cause pitting or discoloration.
- After 10 minutes, flush drain with hot water for about 2 minutes. If you have a garbage disposal, turn it on while flushing to ensure it is completely flushed.
If any smells persist, there may be an issue deeper down the line. You may wish to clean out your p-trap (the u-shaped pipe) underneath the sink, or if you are unable, consult with a professional to have the drain or wastewater service line inspected. Also - avoid tossing FOG (fats, oils and grease) down the drain to avoid smells and potential clogs.
Taste and Odor Issues
If the water coming out of your tap smells or tastes odd, or you see unexpected discoloration that is not associated with a main break or water outage, call Utilities Customer Service at 405-297-2833 and ask about having nearby mains flushed.
How to Flush Your Plumbing Lines
Sometimes you may need to flush your water lines, either because of taste and odor issues, or due to service restoration after a water outage. Water outages can happen for many reasons, including service line or plumbing repair, or local main breaks. Once service is restored, your water may appear cloudy or reddish.
What causes cloudy or discolored water?
This usually happens when sediment build-up or scaling inside the plumbing lines is loosened after service restoration. When water is turned off for several hours, naturally-occurring minerals such as iron or calcium can settle and dry inside the lines. Once service is restored and water begins to flow again, these mineral deposits can get stirred up inside the lines, causing discoloration.
The remedy? Flushing your lines once water is back in service, especially if water was out for several hours. Click the + below to learn how to flush your plumbing lines.
Flush Plumbing Lines After a Water Outage or Line Repair
- Remove faucet aerators. These are the small screens at the end of the faucet that help to filter out sediment. Most can easily screw off by hand, or by using a small wrench or spanner. Soak them in warm soapy water.
- Turn on the COLD water starting with the faucet nearest to the at-home connection – usually a kitchen, utility or similar room. Let this faucet run at full flow, then move to the next faucet. Repeat the process until all faucets are running. This includes all sink, shower and bath faucets. If you have a two-story house, start on the lowest level first, then make your way upstairs.
- Flush each toilet two or three times while the faucets are running. Flushing the toilets while all of the faucets are running generates a large amount of flow through the pipes. This will dislodge any organic matter build-up that is causing the discoloration, taste and/or odor problem.
- Let the faucets run for at least five minutes, then turn them off in reverse order.
- Reinstall the clean aerators.
Other tips:
- Monitor water for clarity: In most instances, it should only take a few minutes for water to go from cloudy to clear. If discoloration persists, repeat the flushing process.
- If discoloration continues after a second flushing attempt, you may need to contact a professional or contact Utilities Customer Service at 405-297-2833 to report the issue and ask about having nearby mains flushed.