Walking into the bathroom and noticing the smell of sewage is never a pleasant discovery. Unfortunately, this is a fairly common issue. Regardless of the reason, it’s important to get to the root of the problem and to find a resolution.
Sewer smells in the bathroom can be the result of a few different issues. It is crucial to check any areas with plumbing, such as the sink, toilet, and shower/tub. Here are a few things to look for.
- A Dry P-trap: any plumbing that’s not used frequently can have the water in the p-trap evaporate. Without it, there’s nothing to block sewer gas from coming up and into the room. This issue can happen when an extra bathroom isn’t used often, or if you’ve been away from the home for several weeks. Try flushing the toilet or running water down the sink or shower, refilling the p-traps, to see if that solves the smelly issue.
- Clogs: Clogs can be one of the easiest and quickest problems to fix. Cleaning out any gunk/debris, as well as using a store-bought drain cleaner can help resolve any issues with the sink or shower drain. Make sure to follow all instructions provided on the label. There are also solutions that can be made at home to run through the drains.
- Leaks: Check for standing water or any signs of dampness/moisture around all areas with plumbing. These areas are typically under the sink, around the base of the toilet, and along the base of the shower/tub. Make sure to run your hand around all pipes. It is also a good idea to check for any corrosion.
- Bacteria: If you see a pink or orange film around drainage areas in your bathroom, this is a sign that your drains are harboring bacteria called biofilm. If you encounter biofilm, it’s important to remove your drain and use hot water as well as a disinfectant to remove all the film. Repeat the process if necessary.
If you continue to have issues with the smell of sewer gas in your bathroom or notice there are leaks or clogs that are not a quick fix, make sure to reach out to a professional. The licensed plumbers at Affordable Service are ready to serve you and are here for all your plumbing needs. Have a plumbing emergency? The Affordable Service team is here to help! Reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
