We freshen our bathrooms using candles, diffusers, air fresheners, wax melts, and wall plug-ins. We enjoy scents of citrus, vanilla, fresh linen, and cinnamon – but one scent that we do not like to find in our bathroom is the acrid smell of sewage.
However, sewage stench can creep into our bathroom despite the fresheners we spray. What causes this smell? Luckily, it’s probably not you – and the smell can go away with some easy quick fixes.
Sink Overflow Build-Up
You may notice a small hole in the sides of your sink. This is the sink overflow and it has two purposes. One, it acts as a safety drain in case your sink overflows, and two, it allows air to escape into the drain, promoting water flow. Sometimes, gunk and debris can build up in the overflow. If you do not clean it regularly, this gunk can start to smell like sewage.
To combat sink odors, pour the drain cleaning solution into it. It may take a few tries, but the smell should dissipate after proper cleaning.
P-Trap Evaporation
Your sink has a piping component known as the P-Trap, shaped like a “U,” and usually found underneath your sink. When you flush your toilet, use the sink, or empty the bathtub, a small bit of water remains in the P-Trap. This water acts as a barrier between sewage gases and your bathroom’s atmosphere. If the water in the P-Trap evaporates, this barrier disappears. As a result, that unpleasant sewage odor escapes into your bathroom.
If you smell sewage in your bathroom, try pouring a quart of water into every drain. If P-Trap evaporation is the cause of this odor, the smell should disappear.
Vent Pipe Problems
The vent pipe in your toilet sends bad odors out of your bathroom through a vent outside your home, keeping the room free of odor. However, if a plumber incorrectly installs or cuts your vent pipe, these odors can vent into your home. If the odor is coming from the walls, it’s likely a vent pipe problem and you will need to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to fix it.
Do you have a bad sewage smell in your bathroom? Mr. Rooter Plumbing can rid your home of the stench easily. Contact us today to receive a free job estimate for your San Diego plumbing needs.
