Nothing will ruin your day quite like the smell of sewage in your home. These foul smells in bathrooms can be caused by a variety of things. Using fragrance cleaners can temporarily mask the smell, but they will persist. You must take immediate action to resolve this terrible odor. There are easy and affordable ways to fix it yourself. Hiring a professional can be a good option if this isn’t possible. Keep reading to find out how to get rid of the sewer smell in the bathroom and restore a clean-smelling bathroom.
Why Does My Bathroom Smell Like Sewage?
Dry P-Trap
The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe beneath sinks or showers that traps water to prevent sewer gasses from entering homes. However, if it dries out due to infrequent use or leaks, sewer smells can enter the bathroom, especially if sinks are not used regularly.
Clogged or Blocked Vents
Clogged vent pipes, which act as the sewerage system’s breather, can cause sewer gasses to back up into the sinks and toilets. This creates a bubbling sound if installed improperly.
Broken or Leaking Sewer Lines
Sewage gas leaks, caused by deteriorated seals, loose connections, or damaged plumbing components, can cause an unpleasant sewage smell in the bathroom at night. These leaks can wake up your household and indicate a potential issue with the plumbing system.
Bacteria Buildup in the Drain
A shower drain can become a breeding ground for bacteria and clogs, leading to pipe leaks and unpleasant smells. Dirt and hair left behind can cause drain clogs, which can also eat away at pipes and pose a risk to your health.
Poorly Sealed Toilet
Fraying wax seals around toilets can cause sewer gasses to enter a bathroom. To fix this, remove the entire toilet and replace the wax ring. Hire a plumber to avoid a broken toilet and potentially increased costs.
Issues With the Septic Tank
If you notice a sewage smell in the bathroom due to a septic tank, first check the tank to see if it is full. Follow your specific local government waste disposal guidelines before pumping and emptying the tank.
DIY Solutions to Sewer Smell
Here are some suggestions for getting rid of sewer odor in the bathroom. To restore a fresh and odor-free bathroom, use the following measures:
- Make sure the P-trap has water.
- Clean the drains with baking soda and vinegar.
- Check and unclog the vent pipe.
- Replace the wax ring on the toilet.
- Regularly clean the drains and pipes.
- Use enzymatic cleaners to break down organic buildup.
Is Sewer Smell Dangerous?
Eliminating the odor and any harmful gasses that might be the source is the ultimate solution, as there are potential health risks from sewer gas exposure. There are also long-term implications if you ignore the problem.
Symptoms of Sewer Gas Poisoning
High quantities of sewer gas exposure can cause hydrogen sulfide poisoning. Low amounts of exposure can irritate the mouth, nose, throat, lungs, and eyes, among other symptoms.
How to Know When to Call a Plumber for Sewer Gas Smell
While there are many instances where you will be able to get rid of the smell on your own, sometimes your attempts alone are not enough to succeed. That’s when you need to call in a professional to help you take care of the smell for good.
A few common signs that you need a professional plumber to help you with your sewer smell include:
- Visible signs of leakage or water damage
- Unexplained health issues or symptoms
- Lack of access to the necessary tools or knowledge for proper repair
Professional Methods for Addressing Sewer Odor
If you’re experiencing a sewer gas smell in your bathroom and nothing you have tried seems to get rid of it, then it’s time to call a professional. They have extensive knowledge and experience in handling sewer-related issues, will thoroughly inspect every pipe in your home, and use advanced tools to pinpoint the source of the odor.
Plumbing experts conduct comprehensive plumbing inspections to assess the condition of drains, pipes, and sewer lines, identifying hidden issues. They use specialized techniques to eliminate sewer smells effectively, and use professional-grade cleaning agents and equipment to neutralize odors.
Camera Inspection of Sewer Lines
Video and camera technology has revolutionized pipe and sewer problem diagnosis without causing damage to homes. Sewer camera inspections use waterproof cameras to enter pipe networks, taking pictures and providing video feeds to a plumbing contractor. Advanced software generates a sewer line inspection report, enabling plumbers to identify problems and repair options efficiently. This technology makes diagnosing pipes and sewer problems faster, more efficient, and more precise.
Hydro Jetting to Clear Blockages
Hydro jetting uses a head to deliver a stream of extremely high-pressure water to pipes, stripping them of debris and washing it down the drain and into the sewer system. This process removes grease, fats, paper, heavy items, tree roots, and corrosion, leaving cleaner, smoother pipes that flow more freely.
Replacing Damaged or Broken Pipes
Replacing your damaged or broken pipes is a long-term solution that can be implemented in a variety of ways. The traditional technique entails digging and excavating your yard to lay down new piping. It will work, but many people are opting for trenchless sewer systems to minimize the tearing up of sidewalks and landscaping.
Checking and Repairing the Septic System
Have a professional plumber check your septic system to make sure it is working properly. If it is not, you may need to have it repaired or replaced.
To eliminate a sewer odor in your bathroom, identify the root cause and consider the best solutions. If you’ve tried to eliminate the odor and found no solutions, it may be time to seek professional help. The professional plumbers at Classic Aire Care offer expert plumbing solutions using cutting-edge methods and specific tools, such as camera pipe inspection services, to the residents of St. Louis, MO. We can provide both short-term relief and long-term solutions, cleaning your home from unpleasant odors and providing peace of mind for you and your family.
If you have any questions or are interested in a plumbing quote, contact the plumbing repair, sewer, and emergency plumbing specialists at Classic Aire Care.
Schedule an Appointment or Call Us: (314) 329-1943
