Everyone hates it when they enter a bathroom and instantly smell sewage. This horrible scent is usually a sign of a severe problem within the plumbing system. Discovering the source of the foul odor is crucial to picking the right solution. In some scenarios, you may need to call a professional plumber.
Dry P-Traps and Why They Matter
Under your sink, tub or shower, the P-trap is the curved portion of piping. It’s meant to retain a tiny amount of water at all times. In doing so, the water blocks unpleasant odors from rising into your bathroom. A dry P-trap is one of the most frequent causes of a bathroom smelling like sewage.
The water in the P-trap might dry up if you haven’t used a sink, tub or shower for a while. Once this happens, the sewage line gases have a clear path straight into your house. Running water down the drain for a few seconds can help replenish the P-trap and stop the odors. If the P-trap dries out fast again, there might be a larger leak somewhere in the pipes.
Broken or Cracked Toilet Seals
The wax ring that your toilet uses to attach to the base of the drainpipe ensures a watertight fit. The ring’s ability to prevent the passage of sewage gases diminishes with age, cracking or improper installation. When you flush the toilet, you may see a little pool of water around it. If this happens, you’ll have to get a new wax ring. This will do much more than prevent foul odors in the bathroom. It’ll also protect your subfloor and mitigate costly repairs by preventing water damage.
Clogged or Blocked Drains
Your bathroom has several drainpipes. One connects to the toilet, one to the shower/tub and one to the sink. Over time, hair, soap scum, toothpaste and other debris can clog the drainpipes. You might notice odors similar to rotten eggs, mildew or sewage. To unclog a clogged drain, you can use a plunger or plumber’s snake. For more severe clogs, you’ll need to call a plumber. It’s best to stay away from chemical drain cleaners. They can degrade your plumbing system by corroding the pipes and weakening seals. In fact, the overuse of chemical drain cleaners could be the cause of the sewage smell. Avoiding them is crucial to maintaining a healthy plumbing system and preventing long-term damage.
Vent Pipe Issues
There’s much more to your plumbing system than drains and pipes. If you look at your roof, you probably see at least one vent pipe protruding through. These pipes connect to your home’s drain lines and sewer system. Their job is to prevent sewage gases from entering your home by allowing them to exit outdoors.
Debris such as leaves, mud, bird nests and other objects can easily block vent pipes, making it impossible for gases to escape. Over time, they will accumulate in the vent pipes and, eventually, leak back into the home.
Since unclogging a vent pipe usually requires climbing onto a roof, it’s best to hire a professional. They will safely remove the blockage so that the plumbing system works as it should.
Buildup of Biofilm in the Pipes
In some homes, the unpleasant odor doesn’t stem from sewage but rather from bacterial activity. This is because bacteria can accumulate over time within the walls of your bathroom pipes, forming a sticky covering known as biofilm. This biofilm has a foul, musty stench that closely resembles sewage.
Biofilm problems are more common in bathroom sinks and showers that don’t drain correctly. Usually, a thorough cleaning (pouring hot water after a combination of baking soda and vinegar down the drain) is the solution. If biofilm buildup persists, it’s a good idea to have a plumber inspect the drain for underlying problems.
Poor Bathroom Ventilation
It could be that your plumbing has nothing to do with the smell of sewage in the bathroom. Bad ventilation can make odors from using the toilet linger around for much longer than normal.
If your bathroom doesn’t have one, you need to install an exhaust fan. This will help with odor removal and moisture control. Just make sure to keep the vent cover clean on the fan to maintain proper airflow. Opening a window during and after using the toilet may also help get rid of bad smells in the bathroom.
Mold or Mildew Growth Behind Walls
If you notice a sewage smell that has a musty odor, there’s probably mold behind the walls. Bathrooms are havens for mold and mildew growth because they are consistently damp. Those with poor ventilation tend to experience the most severe issues. Cleaning out the mold can be difficult and hazardous to your health. It’s a time-consuming job best left to the pros that may require working with blown-in insulation and drywall.
Plumbing Installation Errors
Precision is a big part of plumbing installations. When pipes aren’t installed correctly, it can lead to loose connections, backward traps and missing vents. All of these mistakes will let sewer gases leak into the bathroom. The best way to avoid faulty installations is to let a professional plumber handle the job.
Sewer Line Damage or Blockages
If you’ve ruled out all the smaller problems, it’s time to think bigger. The sewage smell in the bathroom might be the result of a blocked or damaged sewage line. Tree roots can cause pipe blockages and cracks. Shifting soil can lead to pipe misalignment, resulting in sewage odors. Heavy clogs from grease buildup or foreign objects can rupture the line, leaving behind foul odors resembling rotten eggs or mold.
Multiple drains clogging at the same time is a clear warning sign of a damaged sewer line. You may hear gurgling noises if any air gets trapped. Fixing a sewer line is not a task you should handle yourself. It requires expert-level skills and knowledge as well as advanced tools. Fortunately, there are ways to dig up sewer lines without having to destroy your landscaping. We’ll inspect the line and assess the extent of the damage to determine the best solution for your property.
Reasons to Schedule Regular Plumbing Maintenance
Scheduling regular plumbing inspections and maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent foul smells in your home. During these checks, we’ll look for pipe leaks, clogs and other problems that cause bad odors. The sooner we pinpoint potential issues, the easier and cheaper it is to fix them.
As we check vent pipes and drain lines, we’ll clean out any debris and ensure proper sealing. This will boost airflow in the plumbing system to make sure all gases vent outside of the home. We recommend regular plumbing inspections and maintenance at least once a year. A yearly check can go a long way in saving money and guaranteeing you have comfortable living spaces free of bad smells.
Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical offers reliable plumbing services in Denver, CO and surrounding areas. Our drain cleaning services prevent bad odors by removing clogs and clearing out debris. Pipe repairs target leaks and corrosion for better water flow. We can even do full sewer line replacement to prevent future blockages. Call Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical now to schedule professional plumbing services.
