The bathroom can be a haven of hygiene and a destination for dirt at the same time. While there may be some occasional tension between fair and foul odors, there’s no question that cleanliness and fragrance are supposed to win the fight for bathroom ambience. If your bathroom smells like sewage, something has clearly gone wrong. There’s no reason to worry; simply check out some common causes and solutions with the pros at Solution Based Plumbing, Heating and A/C.
Problematic P Traps
Bathroom sink plumbing features an ingenious system called the “P-trap.” It’s the U-shaped pipe bend beneath your sink, and it has a very important function – to keep sewer smells at bay and out of your bathroom. The p-trap achieves this by keeping a constant level of water in its bend, keeping bad smells on one side and bathroom beauty on the other.
- Problem: Your sink’s p-trap has run dry, usually due to infrequent sink use, losing its barrier between septic smells and your bathroom.
- Solution: Simply let your sink water run for a minute or two, restoring the water level in your p-trap. Running some baking soda down the drain while you’re at it can also help prevent clogging! If the sink is in an infrequently used bathroom, it’s a good idea to run the water once a week or so to keep the p-trap full.
Toilet Troubles
When it comes to sickening smells emanating from the porcelain throne, there are several potential culprits. If your bathroom smells like sewage and it seems like it’s coming from your toilet, chances are it has something to do with the wax seal at the base.
- Problem: The wax sealing ring beneath your toilet is loose, releasing sewage odors.
- Solution: Don’t try to do this one yourself unless you have prior experience or you are a confident handyperson. Call in a plumbing professional to fix or replace the sealing ring.
Septic Setbacks
If your property or community uses a septic system, it’s possible that the sewage smell assaulting your senses is the result of a full septic tank. When the tank gets too full, sewage gasses have nowhere to go but back out into the bathroom.
- Problem: Your septic tank is full, and the pent up fumes are leaking into your bathroom.
- Solution: The solution to this one is simple, though it can be a hassle. Have a septic pumping company drain your tank and your bathroom will be back to normal in no time.
If Your Bathroom Smells Like Sewage, We’re Here To Help!
While these are some of the most common culprits for sewage smells in the bathroom, other candidates abound. From problems with vent pipes to sewer backups, troubleshooting the issue isn’t always simple and straightforward. If you’re stuck with lingering sewage smells and can’t find a solution, reach out to the experts at Solution Based Plumbing, Heating, and A/C! Our years of experience will make reclaiming your bathroom’s fresh fragrance a cinch.