Why Does My Bathroom Smell Like Sewage?

Are you noticing an unpleasant smell in your bathroom? There can be many reasons why your bathroom's a bit unpleasant on the nose. If you're desperate to get your home smelling fresh again, read on for our helpful hints.

Mould and mildew are the most common cause of a smelly bathroom, and leaks in your pipes or fittings can be to blame. Keep an eye on areas that are damp - this could be due to water splashing from the shower or vanity, or even from a leak. It's particularly helpful to inspect inside or beneath your vanity cabinet, or near the wall behind your toilet.
 
If you do have a leak, there's no point trying to clean mould or mildew without resolving the problem. Your local plumber can help you resolve your pipe or drainage problems, or to work out where your leak is coming from.

Is there enough water in your toilet bowl or trap? If not, this could be what's causing the smell. If there's not enough water flowing through your plumbing, waste materials and water won't be washed away. Try and flush the drain to see if it reduces the smell before calling a plumber. You could also pour water down the toilet to fill the bowl or trap. If this problem occurs frequently, you might consider a replacement toilet with a better flushing system.

Sewer gas might be caused by blocked or clogged lines, pipes or vents. A plumber can resolve your problem, but first, you could try some at-home remedies. Try pouring 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before flushing with very hot water.

A slow water supply or overcrowded drain trap could be to blame for your unpleasant bathroom smells. Try and clean out anything that might have been collected in your sink drain trap. Some chemical cleaners can even cause bad smells on porcelain surfaces, as they leave a thin, hard water spot or bleach marks on your surfaces. If your showerhead is causing the problem, remove it and scrub it with vinegar.

The build-up of hair, scum and debris in your drains can cause bad smells. Plunging your drain at least once a month can help keep them clear. After unclogging a drain with a plunger, pour boiling water down to dislodge any remaining scum.

Poorly ventilated bathrooms can quickly cause moisture build-up. Installing an exhaust fan can quickly help remove hot air and moisture.

If you notice a bad smell in your Ballina home, our Sidney & Richardson plumbing team can help. Call us today on (02) 6686 2555.