How to Get Rid of Sewer Smell in Bathroom

Sewer smell in bathroom is not only a menace but it can also be hazardous when it is left unchecked. Simply using air fresheners may not be enough to mask the smell in the bathroom if the problem is under the surface.

Before things get out of hand, it is more practical health-wise and economic-wise to solve the situation now rather than later.

Sewer odors or hydrogen sulfide can smell like rotten eggs. It is a colorless poisonous gas caused by the action of acids and sulfides. This sewage odor can be caused by various factors. The most common reasons include sewer backup, cracked pipes, leaks, blocked drainage pipes, and clogged drain pipes.

These problems can be easily addressed as long as you know what to watch out for and you know how to tackle these situations. The next time bathroom odors bother you here are a few things you can do:

Sewer Smell in Bathroom: What To Do

Check for clogged drains

A good place to start when you’re stuck with a sewer smell is to check the bathroom drains for clogs.

If a drain cleaner is inaccessible to you or if you are avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals you can try this effective DIY cleaning solution: you will need hot water, distilled white vinegar and baking soda.

First, pour the boiling water down the drain to loosen the guck inside. You can do this a few times to lessen the blockage. Next, fill the drain with 1 cup of baking soda to be followed by 1 cup of vinegar then wait for 15 minutes. The solution will start to create a fizz, do not be alarmed this just means its melting the buildup inside the pipes. Rinse the drain again with hot water once the fizzing stops. This can be done on your shower drain and sink drain.

To avoid a clogged pipe, being mindful of biofilm buildup can help reduce your work later on. Biofilm is the slimy gunk inside the pipes produced by the products we use on our hair and body. Using a drain brush regularly will help keep the shower drain clean and keep the bathroom smells away.

Sewer gas passing through a dry P trap

The sink is another fixture we use on the daily which can be another source of sewage smell in the bathroom. If the foul odor still persists after clearing clogs the problem might be caused by a dry p trap. A p trap is the u shaped pipe under your bathroom sink, it connects the sink directly to the sewer system.

When the p trap is dry, it lets in sewer gas straight to your bathroom causing the rotten egg smell. The water inside the pipe acts like a seal to keep the sewer odor away. A simple way to remedy this is by running water for a few minutes to fill it up again.

Sometimes, a broken p trap can also be the source of the nasty odor. A leak in the pipe can lead to mold and puddles under your sink which can cause a bad bathroom smell. You can check for leaks by running your finger on the pipe. If the pipe is damp it might be time to call in a plumbing service.

Sewer gases coming through a broken seal on toilet bowl

Another bathroom fixture we have to pay attention to is the toilet bowl. If you start noticing leaks around the base of your bowl this means you have a loose or broken seal.

Replacing the wax ring will help in keeping sewer gases and water from leaking into your bathroom. If you are not sure about what to do, calling for a professional plumber will be your best bet.

Make sure that the base of the bowl is well cleaned and the old wax is scrubbed off before it is replaced. Also, see to it that your bowl is bolted securely to the floor, the plumber will usually use caulk to seal everything in place.

Sewage smell caused by improperly installed or cut vent pipe

Having a well circulating vent will also help get rid of foul smell. A vent pipe or plumbing vent regulates the air pressure inside your home’s plumbing system. It removes the odor and other gases from your house to allow fresh air to circulate inside. This also improves pipe drainage and water flow. When the vent pipe is improperly installed this will cause the sewer gases to flow through your house.

If you notice sewage smell around your house the vent pipe is one thing you should consider checking. When you are unsure about what to do always ask for help from a professional.

Clogged plumbing vent

Since the air quality of your home depends on your vents, keeping it clean is as important. If you have blocked vent pipes, this can cause an unpleasant house smell.

To check if the vent pipes are blocked, have someone flush the toilet while you hold a hand over the vent. If you don’t feel a suction it means your vents are blocked. Use a plumber’s snake to unclog the stoppage, if this is not enough, use a garden hose to flush out debris.

Sewer line problem

In some cases, the root of the problem runs beyond our drain pipe and toilet drains. A damage to your sewer lines and septic tank can cause sewer backups inside your bathroom and other household fixtures. For instance, tree roots can sometimes penetrate or damage our septic system causing a disruption in the flow inside.

Calling a professional plumber who will do a proper inspection is the best way to go.

Mold and Mildew

If the bathroom plumbing is all in tact but an unpleasant smell is still there we can also take into consideration a mold problem. The bathroom is always wet and often humid. Wet surfaces that are left unattended for a long time can grow mold over time. Long exposure to mold can cause several respiratory problems and allergies in severe cases.

Regular general cleaning can easily help eliminate this problem. Scrubbing the shower tiles and bathroom floor with bleach or soap can help get rid of certain bathroom smells. Make sure to wipe surfaces that are always getting wet and frequently replace rugs, shower curtains and towels. Using air fresheners can also keep mold away.

Wooden surfaces should always be kept dry to avoid decay. Varnishes and finishing should be applied if not already. It is also great to have an open window to maintain ventilation to get rid of bathroom smells and to let the sunlight in for natural drying.

Conclusion

The bathroom is place where we clean ourselves everyday, it is only right that we maintain its upkeep.

We have to regularly check the condition of our drains, pipes, ventilation and make sure to get a sewer inspection. Hydrogen sulfide gas is not something we should dismiss so easily because it can cause health issues in the long run.

You can use The Crown Choice Natural Air Freshener to eliminate the source of odor from your bathroom or home.

The next time you detect sewer gas or sewage smell you already know what to do.