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Ever walked into your restroom only to encounter a terrible scent? You are not alone. Numerous homeowners face this issue. A stench in the bathroom does more than upset your mood; it feels revolting. But what triggers this unpleasant odor, and how can you eliminate it?
This article will explain why your restroom might reek of sewage and offer solutions. We’ll even share ways to stop the scent from making a comeback. No doubt you desire a fresh and spotless bathroom, so we’ll guide you to achieve it. No more need for nose-holding while enjoying your bathroom.
What are Some Common Reasons for the Smell, and How to Fix?
Some common reasons for the sewer smell in the bathroom are:
A dry P-trap: This is a pipe that traps water and prevents sewer gases from escaping into the bathroom. If the water evaporates or leaks out, the gas can seep through the drain and cause a foul odor. To fix this, you need to pour water down the drain regularly to keep the P-trap wet.
A broken toilet seal: This is a wax ring that seals the gap between the toilet and the floor. The bathroom smells bad if the area beneath the toilet leaks sewer gas due to a cracked or loose part. To mend it, change the wax ring and make sure the toilet’s bolts are tight.
Blockages or breaks in pipes can occur, too. Hair, soap scum, or other stuff stuck in pipes can block water flow and waste. This leads to pressure that pushes sewer gas up the drain into the bathroom.
On another note, pipes might crack or explode due to rust, cold temperatures, or harm, letting sewer gas free.To fix this, you need to clear the clog with a plunger, a snake, or a drain
cleaner, or repair or replace the damaged pipe.
A faulty vent pipe: This is a pipe that vents sewer gas out of the roof and maintains proper air pressure in the plumbing system.
If leaves, birds, or rodents block the vent pipe, or if it is too short or damaged, sewer gas can build up in the pipes and come out of the drains. To fix this, you need to clear the obstruction, extend the vent pipe, or patch the hole.
A full septic tank: This is a tank that collects and treats wastewater from your home. If the tank is too full, the wastewater can overflow and release sewer gas into the soil and the air.
This can also cause sewage backups in your drains and toilets. Correct this by draining the septic tank and inspecting for leakages or fissures.
Steps to Properly Clean Your Bathroom to Prevent Unpleasant Odor
Cleaning your bathroom efficiently relies on your likings, the nature and state of your surfaces, and the cleaning equipment and products you possess. Yet, here exist several universal instructions you can adhere to for the sake of a shiny and bacteria-free bathroom:
- Start by removing all the items that don’t belong in your bathroom, such as clothes, cups, and trash. Also, move out any small furniture or storage units that you can clean under them.
- Pour some bleach or another disinfectant into the toilet bowl and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Cleansing the toilet and brush gets easier. Try vinegar and baking soda as a nature-friendly choice.
- Start dusting from up top your walls, ceiling, and windows. Choose a broom, duster, or vacuum to wipe out dirt, dust, and spider webs. Using a soft cloth over bristles protects your wallpaper.
- Apply a scrubbing powder or a paste of vinegar and baking soda to any areas with lime, rust, or soap scum. This includes the tub, sink, faucets, and shower doors. Wait for around 10 to 15 minutes. This Let the stains soften up for easy scrubbing.
- Use a sponge, cloth, or a microfiber mop for wiping. Either a bathroom cleaner or vinegar-water mix can clean tiles, countertops, mirrors, and cabinets. Rin_ci_ng well and drying with a clean cloth prevents streak marks.
- Scrub the toilet with a brush and flush. Use a disinfectant spray or wipes to clean the seat, the lid, the tank, and the handle. Don’t forget to wipe the outside and the base of the toilet as well.
- Clear the drain off any hair, soap scum, or debris. You can use a plunger, a snake, or a drain cleaner to unclog the drain. You can also pour some hot water or vinegar down the drain to flush out any odors.
FAQ
How can I tell if the sewer smell is coming from the toilet or the sink?
You can use a simple test to determine the source of the sewer smell. Cover the sink drain with a wet cloth or a rubber stopper, and flush the toilet. If the smell gets stronger, then the toilet is the culprit. If the smell stays the same, then the sink is the problem.
How can I clean the P-trap and the vent pipe without calling a plumber?
Here’s how to clean the P-trap: Turn off the water. Place a bucket under the sink. Loosen the P-trap from the pipes empty it. Rinse with water and vinegar, then reattach. For the vent pipe: Head to the roof. Locate the vent pipe linked to your bathroom. Use a hose or plumber’s snake to remove blockages or debris.
How to stop mold and mildew from causing a musty smell in your bathroom?
One method is to lower humidity and dampness levels in your bathroom. This step helps keep mold and mildew at bay. You have a few options to stop excess dampness.
A dehumidifier, an exhaust fan, or just opening a window can make a difference after a shower or bath. A shower curtain that resists mildew, a squeegee, or simply using a towel to dry the walls and doors can help. Cleaning spots prone to mold and mildew with a bleach or vinegar mix is another effective method.
Wrap-up
A funky odor in the bathroom is common, yet a nuisance. It can affect both your mood and your health. It often originates from multiple plumber dilemmas like blockages, cracks, leaks, dry pipes, and overloaded units. Want a pleasant bathroom smell?
Find and get rid of the smell’s cause first. Then, try out some simple or store-bought products to make it smell better. Using the advice from this article, your bathroom can go from icky to refreshing in no time!
