The bathroom is one of the most sensitive areas in a home, and it’s no wonder that people spend a lot on buying cleaning products for it. However, even as you maintain great hygiene in your bathroom, you may notice a sewage-like smell coming from the bathroom drains. This smell can make you and the other occupants of your house uncomfortable and pose health risks. If you are wondering what is causing a sewer smell in my bathroom, this article will enlighten you more concerning this matter. Below are some of the common causes of sewer-like smells in the bathroom.
Clogs in the Shower Drain
Clogs in the shower drain are a common cause of sewage smell in the bathroom. These clogs are usually caused by small pieces of soap, hair, and other debris. You can fix this problem or call a professional to do it for you. If you decide to DIY, unscrew the drain cover, pour hot water mixed with vinegar and add baking soda. Let it rest for around two hours before running water. Doing this loosens the deposits, which you can then remove using a drain brush.
The Toilet Is Damaged
The toilet may get damaged over time due to various reasons, including wear and tear. For example, if the seals that attach it to the drains are loose or broken, you will smell sewer gases in your home. Also, if the seals leak, they may cause bacteria growth which also causes sewer odors. You can fix these seals or get a professional to do it.
The Vent Pipes Are Broken or Damaged
If the vent pipe of your toilet is cut or poorly installed, it can cause sewage smells in your bathroom. The vent pipe usually sends bad odors away from the house, but it sends them to the bathroom when it’s damaged. This problem requires professional fixing.
The Septic Tank Is Full
If you have been asking why does my bathroom smell like sewerage, a full septic tank might be the culprit. This is possible when your drainage system connects to a septic tank located in your compound. If a full septic tank is the problem, you can identify other problems, too, such as giggling in the tank. The only solution to this problem is draining the septic tank.
The P-Trap Is Dry
The p-trap is the u-shaped pipe located under the drains or sinks. Its work is to prevent bad smells in the bathroom by trapping water under the drain. When it becomes dry, it can cause a sewage-like smell in your bathroom. This mostly happens when you don’t use your sink regularly, which allows the flowing of sewer gases in the bathroom. Fortunately, this is a small problem that you can easily fix. Simply run water into the sink for some time or add baking soda to the drains.
Sewer-like smells in the bathroom are unpleasant and can also cause health problems. When you feel these smells inspect your bathroom to identify the problem. If it’s something you can fix, do it carefully, but a professional plumber can come in handy if it’s something complicated.