Have you ever walked into your bathroom, hoping to take a relaxing bath, when you’re suddenly accosted by a foul sewage smell? You may feel frustrated that you cannot enjoy your scheduled spa evening, or you may begin to dread the idea of having guests over. Sewage smell in bathrooms is often caused by plumbing issues, which can become hazardous to your health if left untreated.
In this article, we promise to cover the common causes of sewage smell, as well as how to prevent it from occurring again. If you’re interested in ridding your bathroom of its stench, come along as we explore the best ways to approach this situation.
Common Causes of Sewage Smell in the Bathroom
To begin, let’s discuss the common causes of sewage smell in the bathroom, from dry p-traps to cracked pipes. We’ll also offer some tips on how to handle each scenario.
1. Dry P-trap
P-traps are u-shaped sections of pipe located beneath sinks and other plumbing apparatuses. The primary function of the P-trap is to prevent sewer gasses from entering living spaces, such as bathrooms. It accomplishes this by creating a water seal, keeping the bathroom free of unpleasant odors.
Infrequent use of certain bathrooms or fixtures can cause the water in the P-trap to evaporate, allowing odors to escape. In this case, pour water down drains that are infrequently used every few weeks to keep the P-trap filled.
2. Clogged Drains
Clogs are another common bathroom concern, appearing in sinks, showers, or tub drains. The breakdown of hair, soap scum, and other debris can exacerbate the smell. Hair clogs (especially from long hairs) are the most common collection of debris that can occur in a shower or tub drain, but soap scum can also obstruct drains, making the accumulation of debris easier.
If you live in a home that has hard water, you are also likely to experience mineral buildup. This buildup can also act as an unwanted barrier, compounding on the above hair clog and soap scum issue. So, regularly maintain and clean your drains using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, employing a plunger when necessary.
3. Problems with the Toilet
Another cause of sewage smell is a broken toilet seat, which is the wax ring and caulk around the toilet base. When this seal is compromised, it allows sewer gas to leak into the bathroom. This occurs either due to a wax ring failure (for instance, toilet wobbling). Also, cracks in the toilet porcelain can also allow gasses to escape. To avoid this, check for leaks around the toilet base, replacing the wax ring if necessary.
4. Vent Pipe Issues
Vent pipes exist in drain systems to regulate air pressure and enable sewer gasses to escape safely through the roof. A blocked vent pipe, which can occur many ways, can force gasses back into the bathroom. Bird nests, debris, and snow are all common causes of blocked vent pipes. If you are able, remove roof vent blockages, but it can be a good idea to call a professional in these instances.
5. Biofilm Buildup in Drains
Biofilm is the slimy buildup of bacteria, soap, and debris that forms in drains over time, which can emit a strong odor as it accumulates. Biofilm not only smells bad, but can also pose health risks, such as food safety concerns and allergenic mold growth. Clean biofilm regularly by pouring boiling water or a vinegar solution down drains.
6. Septic Tank Problems (if applicable)
If your home has a septic system, it is important to check if it is overfilled or malfunctioning. Either of those scenarios can cause sewer gasses to back up into the bathroom. Regular septic tank maintenance and inspections are highly recommended.
7. Leaking or Cracked Pipes
Your pipes can also be the cause of the sewage smell. Leaking or corroded pipes can allow sewer-smell gas to seep into the bathroom, especially if your home is older. As with the prior tip, having your pipes regularly inspected is a good idea.
How to Prevent Sewage Smell in the Bathroom
Now, we’ll move on to discuss how to prevent sewage smell in the bathroom, providing actionable steps, as well as advice for when to call a professional.
1. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
The most important takeaway for preventing sewage smell is to routinely clean your bathroom to prevent clogs and biofilm buildup.
A great mixture often used for cleaning drains and dissolving buildup combines baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water. Also, drain strainers catch hair and other debris before it can clog a drain, so it may be worth investing in.
2. Addressing P-trap Issues
To avoid P-trap issues, pour water into the drains of infrequently used bathrooms to keep the P-trap filled. Keep a chart or a list of drains that might benefit from this practice to make sure that no drains are forgotten about.
3. Ensuring Proper Ventilation
It is incredibly important to check vent pipes for blockages to ensure proper airflow throughout your plumbing system. You can use bathroom exhaust fans to your advantage, during and after showers, to help remove excess moisture and prevent odors from forming.
4. Toilet Maintenance
If you are still getting a sewage smell, check your toilets for cracks, leaks, or a failing wax ring regularly. Inspect and replace the toilet wax ring every few years or when you notice any signs of leaking around the base. Additionally, check for loose or damaged caulk around the toilet and re-caulking when necessary.
5. Professional Help
Lastly, it’s valuable to know when it is the right time to call a expert plumbing contractor for persistent sewage smells, suspected leaks, or more serious issues (like cracked pipes or blocked vent pipes). If you are able, annual plumbing inspections, particularly for homes with older plumbing systems or septic tanks, can catch issues before they arise.
Final Words
Sewer smells in the bathroom are not just unpleasant, but they can also indicate plumbing problems that should not be ignored. The smell can indicate a health hazard is looming, or that your plumbing system is in need of expert care. Follow the preventative steps outlined and take immediate action when a sewage smell occurs. By following the suggested tips and maintenance you can enjoy a fresh and odor-free bathroom, perfect for that relaxing bath.
