Whatever its name, bathroom odor is always unpleasant and could even be deadly. A deep clean, where every nook and cranny has been cleaned, may be necessary when bathroom odors have built up and your standard air freshener is failing to eliminate the foul smells. This is one method for addressing the problem.
A stinky toilet could also be a sign of a more serious plumbing issue that requires expert attention and requires more than a DIY fix like baking soda, bleach, lemon juice, essential oils, white vinegar, or a cup of vinegar and hot water.
We regrettably lack a conclusive solution because there may be a lot of causes, and without being present, it may be challenging to identify the source of the offensive smell.
In addition to having an unpleasant odor, sewer gas contains methane, which is frequently linked to bathroom odors and that “bad smell” that the exhaust fan is unable to eliminate. Methane is not only flammable in high quantities, but it is also unhealthy to breathe.
The good news is that after you figure out what’s causing the odor, fixing it shouldn’t be too expensive or complicated. A sewage smell in your bathroom indicates that something is wrong with the plumbing system.
Possible reasons are:
The P-trap in a toilet sometimes contains water that has evaporated, which is a common cause of unpleasant odors. To stop smelly sewage gases from entering the bathroom, the P-trap is a U-shaped conduit that is located beneath the toilet bowl. It captures water.
When a toilet isn’t used for a long time, the water in the P-trap evaporates, allowing sewer gases to escape and produce unpleasant odors. Vacant guest rooms or vacation homes frequently experience this issue.
Running water through the toilet on a regular basis will fill the P-trap and stop evaporation. Alternatively, a thin layer of mineral oil can be added to the water to form a barrier that slows the evaporation process.
A clogged toilet drain or pipe might be a significant contributor to the unpleasant smell coming from your toilet. When waste, toilet paper, and other debris build up in the drain or pipe, they block the flow of water and make it stagnate. The odor-producing bacteria that are produced as a result of this stagnation can cause a foul toilet smell.
Having an outdated plumbing system that is prone to clogging, or flushing improper stuff down the toilet are just two examples of causes for clogs that can happen. Tree roots may occasionally enter pipes, clog them, and cause foul odors. Utilizing your toilet correctly and performing routine maintenance can help prevent clogs and keep it smelling fresh.
A key contributor to a foul-smelling toilet is the low water level in the toilet tank. When the water level in the toilet tank is too low, it can cause insufficient flushing and a buildup of waste and bacteria.
This problem may be brought on by a number of things, including a broken or clogged pipe, a troublesome toilet flapper, a dirty toilet tank, or an inoperable water valve. Hard water can also result in mineral accumulation on toilet tank parts, which lowers the water level.
Unclogging the pipe, replacing the toilet flapper, or adjusting the water valve may be required to resolve this problem. Low water levels and bad aromas in your bathroom can be prevented with regular cleaning and upkeep.
Follow these steps to modify the float:
If neither of these solutions succeed, get assistance from a licensed plumber.
Bad smells may result from a malfunctioning toilet flapper. The flapper is in charge of controlling how much water is pumped from the tank into the bowl. If it breaks, water may leak from the tank, leaving the toilet bowl dry and allowing a sewage smell to enter the room.
If the flapper is damaged, worn out, or installed incorrectly, it may not function properly. It is crucial to take care of this problem right away to stop the foul odor from persisting. The issue can be resolved easily and affordably by changing the flapper. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also stop problems from developing in the first place.
You can adjust the flapper’s chain by detaching it and rehooking it to a hole closer to your flush lever. Make sure the chain has just the right amount of slack so that when you flush the toilet, it opens completely.
You should replace your flapper if it is too old or damaged. If you need to replace the flapper or its chain, call a plumber.
A typical explanation for unpleasant scents coming from toilets is bacteria in the system. This occurs when organic waste and waste-related gases, such hydrogen sulfide, which has an odor similar to rotten eggs, are broken down by natural bacteria in the toilet’s pipes and drains.
This issue can be made worse by other things, including infrequent toilet usage, inadequate ventilation, and low water levels. When certain bacteria accumulate in the bowl or tank, they can also produce unpleasant odors.
This problem can be avoided by performing routine toilet cleaning and maintenance, as well as by utilizing substances that encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Make a bleach solution with water in it:
One of the main causes of bad toilet smell is mold buildup. Toilets are the ideal growing habitat for mold since it prefers warm, damp surroundings. As a result, the bathroom may begin to emit unpleasant smells.
When the toilet is not properly aired, or is not cleaned frequently, mold growth happens. When you flush and take a shower, the moisture and humidity can create the ideal conditions for mold to grow. Mold growth can also be facilitated by toilet leaks, which can also be a factor.
Regular toilet cleaning and ventilation are essential for preventing the growth of mold. A window can be opened or an exhaust fan can be used to accomplish this. In addition, any toilet leaks need to be corrected right away to stop moisture from building up.
An attached vent pipe that passes through your roof serves as a common method of toilet drainage. To ensure that wastewater flows swiftly through the pipes and into the main sewer line, the pipe ventilates the system, eliminates sewer gas, and allows air to enter the system.
Sewer gas won’t be able to escape if this vent clogs due to obstructions or bad design.
For example, a nest of birds or a mass of leaves can obstruct the vent pipe. To clear it and inspect the vent pipe’s shape, call a licensed plumber.
To prevent sediments and liquids from being lodged inside the vent pipe, it should have a downward slope. A professional plumber should replace the vent pipe if the slope isn’t steep enough to prevent toilet water from stalling every time you flush after it encounters the obstruction.
Your bathroom may smell bad if your toilet has a broken sealing ring, commonly known as a wax ring. The wax ring forms a watertight barrier between the toilet base and the sewer pipes. If the wax ring is worn out or damaged over time, sewage gas can escape through the crack and produce an odor.
Age, regular usage, faulty installation, or an unstable toilet base are just a few of the things that might harm the sealing ring. A quick and low-cost remedy to this issue is to replace the wax ring. To avoid further damage and potential health risks, it is better to treat the problem as soon as you notice a persistent bad smell.
Check for fractures in the sealing ring. Apply caulk to the exposed area if there are cracks.
No cracks are visible? Verify whether your toilet shakes or wobbles. If this is the case, a plumber needs to be hired to replace the loose sealing ring.
Bathroom smells can be brought on by a damaged toilet. It happens when a crack forms in the porcelain or ceramic of the toilet, allowing sewer gases to seep into your bathroom. This may occur as a result of aging, poor installation, or physical damage.
Your health could be harmed by the offensive odor, which needs to be removed right away. Leaving a broken toilet unattended might result in water damage and other plumbing problems. It’s recommended to call a licensed plumber for repairs if you smell anything nasty coming from your toilet.
There are a few additional ideas for removing a toilet smell in addition to the conventional cleaning techniques. One is to use a toilet-specific odor-neutralizing product, such as deodorizing tablets or toilet bowl cleaners. Opening a window or putting on a fan will improve airflow in the bathroom.
Additionally, odors can be prevented from developing in the first place by routinely maintaining your plumbing and septic system. Consider contacting a reputable plumbing business like A-1 Sewer and Septic Service for advice and remedies if your toilet is emitting a chronic stink.
I bring over 9 years of dedicated plumbing experience to the table. As a seasoned professional in the plumbing industry, I've tackled a wide range of projects, from residential repairs to large-scale commercial installations.