How To Fix Sewer Smell In Bathroom?

Ever stepped into your bathroom only to be greeted by a foul, sewer-like odor? It’s frustrating and embarrassing at the same time. Whether it’s a faint whiff or a full-on stench, it ends up making the cleanest bathroom feel unpleasant. The worst thing is when you are unable to find the cause of the sewer smell and all you are left saying “Why does it smell like sewer in my bathroom?” 

In this blog post, we will discuss the common causes behind sewer smell in bathrooms. Also, provide practical solutions to help you eliminate the odor. So, let’s start and see how to freshen up your bathroom once and for all.

Why Does My Bathroom Smell Like Sewage?

If your bathroom smells like sewage, it’s usually because there’s something wrong with the pipes. This could be a broken seal around the toilet, a leak in a pipe, or even tree roots growing into the sewer pipes.

If you smell something bad in your bathroom, don’t ignore it. The sewer gas smell in the bathroom can be dangerous and cause headaches, nausea, and other problems. It’s important to fix the problem quickly. Not only will it make you feel better, but it can also prevent damage to your home.

How To Get Rid Of Sewer Smell In Bathroom?

A sewer smell in your bathroom can be really annoying. Before you call a plumber, try these easy fixes. Sewer smells often come from problems with your pipes, like a dry or clogged P-trap, blocked drains, or a bad toilet seal. Finding out where the smell is coming from is important to fixing it. 

Keep Your Bathroom Fresh and Airy

Poor ventilation is what causes sewer smell in bathroom. In order to get rid of bad bathroom smells is to make sure there’s plenty of fresh air. Open the windows and turn on the exhaust fan to help air out the room.

If the fan isn’t working right, fix it or replace it. It will not only help with smells, but it will also make your bathroom feel cleaner and more comfortable.

Check and Fix P-Trap

If you’re dealing with an upstairs bathroom that smells like a sewage problem, there are a few things you can try. First, check the P-trap. This is a U-shaped pipe that helps prevent sewer gases from coming into your home.

If the P-trap is dry, just run the water for a few minutes to refill it. If that doesn’t work, the P-trap might be broken or dirty. A broken P-trap needs a plumber to fix it. To clean a dirty P-trap, pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain, cover it, and let it sit for a while. Then, flush it with water. It will surely help you get rid of that unpleasant smell.

Repair Your Toilet Seal

Still, facing a bad smell in the bathroom toilet even after trying the P-trap tricks? There might be a bigger problem. Check the seal around your toilet. If it’s broken or missing, sewage gases can leak in.

To fix this, apply caulk around the seal. If the problem persists, you might need a plumber to replace the wax seal under your toilet. Remember, a small leak can lead to big problems, so don’t ignore a sewer smell.

Clogged Drains Are Sources Of Stinky Smell

The sewer smell in bathroom sinks can often be traced back to clogged drains. Hair and dirt can build up in your shower drain, creating a breeding ground for bacteria leading to an unpleasant odor. If the clog isn’t addressed, it can even damage your pipes.

While you can often unclog a drain yourself using a plunger or a drain snake. However, a plumber may be needed for stubborn clogs. Additionally, a sewage smell in the sink can also be caused by a clogged sewer line. Tree roots, debris, or grease buildup can all contribute to this problem.

Install Backflow Valve

Sewer backups can be a real mess. Sometimes, after heavy rain, sewers can get full and push sewage back into homes. It is not only disgusting but can also damage your pipes and make you sick.

To prevent this, you can ask a plumber to install a backflow valve. The valve acts like a one-way door, stopping sewage from flowing back into your house. It’s a simple solution that can save you a lot of trouble and money in the long run.

Check The Septic Tank 

If your home has a septic tank, make sure it’s not full. A full septic tank can cause sewage smells in your bathroom. To check your septic tank, look for signs like slow drains or gurgling sounds. If you notice these signs, it’s time to pump out the tank. Be sure to follow local regulations when disposing of the waste.

Try Simple Cleaning Hacks

If your bathroom stinks like sewer even after fixing the pipes, it might be dirty. Bacteria can build up and cause bad smells. To clean your bathroom, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drains and let it sit before flushing it with hot water.

You can also use coffee grounds or activated charcoal to absorb odors. Lemon or citrus cleaners can help mask the smell too. To clear clogs in your drains, use a plunger or drain snake. You can also make a homemade drain cleaner with baking soda and vinegar.

Fixing Sewer Pipes Without Digging

When it comes to fixing damaged sewer pipes, you don’t always need to dig up your yard. There are ways to fix them without messing up your landscaping. One way is called pipe bursting. This involves pushing a new pipe through the old one and breaking the old pipe in the process.

Another method is pipe-lining. In this method, a new liner is inserted into the old pipe and then sealed in place. A newer technology called the Bluelight LED System uses light to cure the liner, making it faster. The best way to fix your pipes depends on the damage and what you need. A plumber can help you choose the right option for your situation.

Call In A Plumber

If you’ve tried everything at home to get rid of a sewer smell and it’s still there, it’s time to call a plumber. Plumbers have special tools and know-how to find and fix the problem.

Additionally, they can check your sewer pipes and suggest repairs or replacements. Even if you’re good at fixing things, it’s usually safer and easier to let a pro handle sewer problems. Plumbers can quickly figure out where the smell is coming from and fix it, saving you time and money.

How Plumbers Can Help:

• Inspection: Plumbers will use a camera to look inside your sewer pipes to see if there’s any damage.
• Cleaning: If there’s a blockage, they can use a high-pressure water jet to clear it out.
• Repair: For minor damage, they can make repairs to fix the problem.
• Replacement: If the damage is severe, they might need to replace the entire sewer line. There are different ways to do this, including digging up your yard or using a trenchless method.

Wrapping It Up

If your bathroom smells like a sewer, don’t ignore it. Start by trying simple things like cleaning the drains or refilling the P-trap. If that doesn’t work, call a plumber.

A sewer smell can be a sign of a bigger problem, and it’s important to fix it quickly. Plumbers know how to find the problem and fix it for good. Taking care of your bathroom’s plumbing will make your home more comfortable and healthy.

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