Does your bathroom smell like sewage?
Bathrooms should be a place of relaxation and privacy. The way you decorate or paint your bathroom makes a colossal difference, but what about pungent odors? Nasty smells in a bathroom certainly do not help maintain a relaxing and private atmosphere. For the most part, these are a result of clogged poop and toilet paper. You can learn more about clogged toilets with poop and how to deal with it to eliminate that awful smell. The sewer smell from the toilet could be a result of many other reasons, including mold and bacteria formation, unclean shower drain, dirty vent pipe, etc.
You can also learn more about why your kitchen sink smells like a sewer and how you can eliminate the smell.
If using air fresheners hasn't helped get rid of the sewage smell in the bathroom, then it's time to look further into this. In this article, we will discuss the causes of the sewage smell in the bathroom and how to fix them.
1. Plumbing problems
How often does one think about plumbing? If you're like most people, probably not much.
When your toilet's running or water isn't draining in the sink, it can be easy to put off calling a plumber until the issue gets worse.
But when plumbing issues start showing in your bathroom and you still haven't called anyone, it may be time to take action.
A clogged plumbing vent along with clogged drain pipes can give your bathroom a sewage smell. If you notice an increase in bathroom smells, it may be a sign of a plumbing problem. Plumbing problems may also cause a sewage smell when flushing your toilet.
You could have blocked vent pipes that will need to be unclogged by your plumber as soon as the bathrooms start smelling bad and potentially overflowing with sewage (more on that in the next section).
The first thing to do when something is wrong with any part of your home's plumbing system is to contact a professional plumber for help. They can flush out drain lines while identifying if there are any blockages or leaks present in the piping. You can easily identify problems with your plumbing when flushing your toilet makes the sink gurgle.
The clamp must not only remove debris from the pipe but also clean away buildup inside (or outside) the pipe itself which can lead to the bathroom with a sewer smell
Toxic gases can also be found in bathrooms that smell like sewage so make sure to deal with potential plumbing problems as soon as possible. In many cases, a p trap can be causing the smell in the bathroom.
To tackle bathroom smells, try out these tips:
- Vent pipes regularly…don't let them clog up.
- Keep drains unblocked by using plenty of hot water down each drain after use (and letting it flow down slowly) as well as keeping hair out of the drains.
- Call an expert when you notice the bathroom smells different from usual, or if there's water leaking under the house.
- You can also pour boiling white vinegar down sinks and baths to disinfect them and remove excess soap scum buildup too.
Sewer gas can also come from bathrooms with faulty or broken pipes, as well as when residents flush inappropriate items down the toilet such as feminine hygiene products, diapers, and paper towels (which should be put in a trash bag before disposal). One way of fixing this is to keep those things out of your bathroom.
Speaking of plumbing, a broken seal can also be causing issues. You could replace this broken seal by investing in an air-tight sealable lid for your toilets to prevent sewer gas from coming up through drains.
If your bathroom smells terrible you might need something more permanent like an all-new piping system installed from the street.
2. Sewer gas smell caused by sewer gases and backup
If your bathroom has a sewage smell or even a sewer gas smell, it's usually due to a sewer backup. You can easily identify and remove sewer gas smells in your house by either snaking your drain or installing a new trap line and sump pump system.
U-shaped pipes are also often the culprit, so if the bathroom smells like sewage and there's a U-shaped pipe below your house or apartment toilet then you should call an expert to help.
If your bathroom has no U-shaped pipes under it but still has a sewer smell or sewer gases, then use plenty of hot water down each drain after use (and let them flow slowly) as well as keeping hair out of drains.
You can also pour boiling white vinegar down sinks and baths to disinfect them too.
Drain pipes sometimes cause a rotten egg smell due to a clogged pipe, or the pipes are so old they're corroded and leaking gas into the bathroom as water flows through them.
Sewer gases can also come from vents that are too close to bathrooms. This will cause the unpleasant sewer odor that you smell. A sewer inspection might reveal more about drain pipe issues that need to be fixed.
If you do smell sewage outside but it's not near any bathrooms then contact the appropriate authorities who will take care of it. Chances are that this foul odor is affecting many other people as well so taking care of the sewage smell and the resulting sewer gases might be a high priority.
3. Foul, sewer smell from toilet
It's not a pleasant experience to visit the bathroom and have your nose greeted with a foul smell of sewer gases. In some cases, a build of poop and toilet paper may be the reason why your toilet is not flushing and why the foul odor is so strong. Other times, it may be due to something else entirely like an animal in the crawlspace that has died and is decomposing.
Here are some tips to try out when it comes to the toilet bowl.
- boil vinegar and baking soda together on your stovetop for 20 minutes
- pour down drains or soak cotton balls with the mixture for 10 minutes beforeplacing them around your home where they might be smelling from
- sprinkle coffee grounds outside of the house near sewer drain pipes
- pour down boiling water to empty the pipes if you have a clog
- lace scented candles around the home
- use air fresheners like Glade or Febreze Bathroom Air Freshener to mask odors
Garbage disposal is also an important topic to consider when it comes to sewer gases and sewer smells in your bathroom. If the garbage disposal smells like sewage, that is usually an indicator of a clog that needs to be addressed
To do this:
- clean your sink or tub with bleach and vinegar
- place baking soda in drain traps
- pour boiling water into drains if you have a clog
- inspect under the kitchen sink where pipes may come through from the main house plumbing into the building's sewer system. Check for signs of leaks or other problems there as well
If you have a house that reeks of sewer smell, it's likely because something has gone bad in the area. You can also decrease humidity levels by using a dehumidifier and keep drains clear of hair, soap scum, and other debris with a plumbing snake. This will also prevent stinky bathroom smells from coming back.
Read more on bathtub drain removal techniques for better understanding!
Finally, consider the shower drain as also being a potential issue for causing the rotten eggs smell. This cause is something to include in your considerations when trying to solve this problem.
4. Mold and mildew growth in the bathroom
Mold and mildew growth can make you feel like you're living in a sewer. If this is something that's been bothering you for a while, it might be time to take care of it.
Here are some things that could cause mold or mildew growth: too much humidity, dirty surfaces, leaks under sinks, toilet flange issues, and poor ventilation. These all need to be addressed before they get worse and your home begins to reek of sewer gases.
How do you get rid of mold and mildew in the bathroom? You can start by wiping down surfaces with a disinfecting cleaner.
The next step is to change your shower curtain, towels, and other linens every week for at least four weeks or until they no longer smell like mold or mildew. This will kill any spores that are in these items. Also, check if you have any mold in your shower caulk.
You should also clean any wooden furniture as well as remove all porous materials from around sinks-toilet combos (like clothes hangers).
If there's severe damage under sinks, it might be time to call someone in for professional help. Bathrooms need good ventilation if you want them to stay fresh so make sure yours has enough windows open.
If you want to get rid of the icky smell and you're not sure what's causing it, grab a bottle of hydrogen sulfide. Bathrooms are breeding grounds for bacteria so using bleach or ammonia can make your problem worse by killing off good bacteria too.
Hydrogen sulfide is a disinfectant that will kill bad bacteria without harming good ones-and it won't leave behind any strong odors either.
Mix three parts of water with one part of hydrogen sulfide in a spray bottle (you might need more if the mess is really big) and spritz liberally all over surfaces where the smell seems strongest.
Let dry before replacing porous materials like towels or shower curtains back on hooks. Spray air freshener around while we wait for the sulfide to work its magic.
Getting professional help might be the answer
When your bathroom smells like sewage, it can be a tough situation to deal with. You may be faced with clogged pipes, and water leakage, or you may be struggling to stop your toilet from running even after flushing. You may not have the time or expertise for this type of problem. Don't worry.
You can also try some DIY remedies. Bathrooms are often at the end of a long pipe, so you may need to open up your bathroom windows and let fresh air in for a while before working on odor elimination techniques.
Try using baking soda mixed with water as an effective deodorizer; these two ingredients create a chemical reaction that helps neutralize odors from urine or feces lingering in the pipes.
Other potential things to try are remedies like baking soda mixed with water; this creates a chemical reaction that helps neutralize odors from urine or feces lingering in the pipes.
If this doesn't work, then it's time to call out professionals who have experience tackling sewer smells.
Some professionals work on sewer odors every day and they have all the tools needed to solve your smelly issue. It might be time to consider this solution.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of the Sewer Smell
The first step to getting rid of a sewer smell in your bathroom is to identify the source. The most common cause of that unpleasant odor is bacteria growing in drains, pipes and other moist places. To get rid of this odor, you’ll need to remove the bacteria. Here are some home remedies for eliminating sewer odors:
- Pour boiling water down all drains in your bathroom (including the sink, shower and toilet). This will help kill any bacterial growth and dissolve clogs that could be causing the odor.
- Make a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. Pour it down the drain or into standing water in the toilet bowl. Let it sit for at least fifteen minutes before flushing with hot water.
- Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda together to create a paste. Spread the paste over any drains or standing water in your bathroom and let it sit for at least fifteen minutes. Afterward, rinse everything with hot water.
- Unclog slow-moving drainpipes with a plunger or an auger. This will help remove clogs that could be causing the sewer smell.
- Clean any shower curtains, bath mats and other fabric items regularly to prevent bacterial growth from occurring in them.
Preventing Sewer Smells from Occurring in the Future
To prevent sewer smells from recurring in your bathroom, there are some steps you can take:
- Check all of your drains regularly for any clogs. If you notice any, use a plunger or an auger to remove them.
- Clean all drains with boiling water or natural cleaners once a month. This will help prevent bacterial growth in your bathroom.
- Avoid pouring grease, fats and oils down the drain. These can build up in pipes and cause clogs that lead to sewer smells.
- Inspect all of the plumbing fixtures in your bathroom for leaks or cracks periodically. Make sure these are repaired promptly to avoid sewage leaking out and causing odors.
- Install air vents in your bathroom to improve air circulation and reduce odors from stagnant areas like showers and sinks.
- Check for blocked vents outside your home as well if you’re still experiencing sewer smells.
Tips for Improving Your Bathroom’s Air Quality
Opening the windows in your bathroom is a great way to improve air circulation and help reduce odors. Installing an exhaust fan is another great option for removing moisture, vapors, and other airborne particles. Be sure to keep the fan running while you’re taking showers or baths to help draw out any steam and prevent mold or mildew from growing.
Finally, make sure to clean all surfaces regularly with a disinfectant cleaner and vacuum carpets once a week. This will help remove dust, dirt and debris that can contribute to unpleasant smells in your bathroom. Following these guidelines should help get rid of any sewer smell in your home and keep it smelling fresh!
Bathroom Smells like Sewage Gases – FAQ
What are the common causes of a bathroom that smells like a sewer?
The most common cause of a bathroom that smells like a sewer is an obstructed or damaged plumbing vent pipe. If the plumbing vent pipe becomes blocked with debris, it can result in a build-up of wastewater gases in the pipes and lead to an odor similar to a sewer. Other causes include dry traps, cracks or leaks in the drain line, and poor air circulation.
How can I prevent my bathroom from smelling like a sewer?
Preventing your bathroom from smelling like a sewer involves regular maintenance and cleaning as well as ensuring adequate ventilation. You should regularly inspect all areas of your plumbing system for any signs of clogs, blockages, or damage. Make sure to keep the ventilation fan running when showering or bathing, and open a window for additional air circulation. Additionally, use a deodorizing product such as bleach in your drains to keep them clean and free of odors.
Is it safe to use air fresheners or other chemical products in the bathroom to get rid of the smell?
Air fresheners should be avoided when trying to eliminate sewer-like smells because they can mask the odor without actually getting rid of its cause. To truly eliminate an unpleasant odor from your bathroom, you should identify the source and take appropriate steps to address it. If you are still having trouble after eliminating the source, then non-toxic chemicals like vinegar or baking soda may be used as natural deodorizers. Be sure to read all instructions before using any chemical products in your bathroom.
Bottom Line: When Your Bathroom Smells like Sewage Gases
Since your bathroom is a private space, it can be difficult to figure out what's causing the sewage smell.
After all, you don't want other family members coming in and smelling this odor in the main or guest bathroom.
Fortunately, there are plenty of solutions for fixing this problem
