What to do when there is odor at your property

🏠 How to Troubleshoot Odor Inside Your Property

If you notice an unpleasant smell in your property, it often originates from a dry drain trap or septic tank ventilation issue.
This guide will help you identify the source, fix minor problems on your own, and know when to contact Saki Corporation for assistance.

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🌿 1. Common Causes of Odor

Source	Location	Typical Cause
Drain trap	Bathroom, laundry, or kitchen	Water in the trap evaporated, allowing gas to rise
Septic tank	Outdoors, near parking or yard	Tank nearing capacity or vent line odor
Floor drain	Bathroom or laundry area	Stagnant or dirty water
Toilet base	Around the toilet	Seal ring loose or worn
Air conditioner	Wall or ceiling unit	Condensation drain dirty or moldy

💡 Most indoor odors are caused by dry or dirty drain traps, not gas leaks.

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🚿 2. Step-by-Step: How to Fix Drain Trap Odors

Drain traps (also called “trap pipes” or トラップ管 / torappu-kan) hold a small amount of water to block sewer gas from entering the room.
If unused for several days, the water evaporates and lets odor escape.

Typical parts of drain trap (from left drain cup, trap, and lid for hair catcher)

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🔹 Step 1: Identify the Source

• Check bathroom, laundry, and kitchen drains one by one.

• Bend down to sniff near the drain opening.

• If the smell is strongest at a floor drain or sink → it’s likely a dry trap.

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🔹 Step 2: Pour Water into Each Drain

• Slowly pour 1–2 liters of clean water into every drain:

  • Shower drain

  • Bathroom floor drain

  • Laundry drain

  • Kitchen sink drain

• Wait 10–15 minutes to see if the smell decreases.

💡 Using lukewarm water (below 50°C) helps clear light buildup.

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🔹 Step 3: Use a Drain Cleaner if Necessary

If the smell continues, use a Japanese household cleaner such as:

• パイプユニッシュ (Pipe Unish)

• Drano (available in import stores)

🧴 How to use safely:

1. Pour the cleaner into the drain (follow the label’s amount).

2. Wait 15–30 minutes.

3. Flush with plenty of water.

⚠️ Avoid mixing cleaners together. Always ventilate the room when using chemicals.

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🧺 3. Odor from Laundry Drain or Floor Drain

If the smell comes from the laundry drain (where the washing machine hose connects):

• Remove the hose and clean around the rubber ring.

• Pour warm water into the drain hole.

• Wipe away any mold or buildup around the cap.

💡 For unused drains, pour a small amount of vegetable oil (about one teaspoon) after adding water.
This slows evaporation and keeps the trap sealed longer.

💡 There are also some cases where the odor is coming from the laundry drum, in this case, contact us immediately to request for cleaning > Submit your maintenance request form here.

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🚽 4. Odor from Toilet

• Check if the toilet base is loose or if water in the bowl is unusually low.

• Add water into the bowl if you’ve been away for a few days.

• Clean under the seat and around the base with mild detergent.

If the odor persists even after cleaning, the wax ring seal or drain gasket may be worn, please submit a maintenance request.

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🌸 5. Odor from Air Conditioner

If the smell seems to come from the AC:

• It may be from mold inside the unit or a clogged condensation drain.

• Clean the air filter regularly (see article: How to Clean Your AC Filter).

• If odor persists, request professional AC cleaning service through our maintenance form.

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🪣 6. Odor from Septic Tank

Some properties in Okinawa use septic tanks (浄化槽 / jōkasō) instead of direct city sewer lines.
You may occasionally notice odor outdoors if:

• The tank is nearing capacity

• The ventilation pipe is blocked or wind direction changes

💡 Light outdoor odor is normal, but strong, continuous smells may indicate the tank needs service.

Submit the maintenance request form and we will arrange a licensed septic maintenance company to inspect and clean it.

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🕵️ 7. How to Check for Hidden Water or Mold

If the odor is musty or “wet-smelling”:

• Inspect under sinks and around bathroom walls for moisture or water stains.

• Wipe the area with a dry towel, if water reappears, there may be a leak.

• Check the washing machine hose and toilet connection for slow drips.

⚠️ If a leak or dampness is found, please contact us, do not ignore it, as it can lead to mold and wall damage.

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📞 8. When to Contact Saki Corporation

Please contact our maintenance team if:

• Odor remains after cleaning and flushing drains

• You suspect a septic tank issue or leak

• The smell is strongly chemical, like gas or sulfur

• The odor is coming from walls or under the floor

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