Why Does My Bathroom Smell Like Sewer: 14 Easy Fixes!

Have you ever gone into your bathroom and been welcomed by a stinky smell like sewer? It’s not uncommon, right?

Most of us feel this challenge But don’t worry I’m there for you! Let’s handle this together.

First, let us find out the answer to an ageing question- ‘Why does my bathroom smell like sewer?‘ and how it is happening?

There may be a multitude of reasons from drain stuck to toilet seat issues. Simply ignoring the stinky smell won’t be a viable solution.

So, let’s get to work together! I am pretty sure by the end of this article your bathroom will smell like a spa again, like fresh flowers.

Are you ready to kick that sewer smell? Firstly, 

 

Is Sewage Smell In Bathroom Dangerous?

Yes! Though it sounds surprising sewage smell in the bathroom is dangerous at times. Check why it is so:

1. Bacterial Growth

Sewage smells in your bathroom indicate potential germ or mould growth in pipes. Act promptly to avert health issues.

2. Nauseous Feel

Inhaling sewage odours can induce illness, causing headaches, nausea, and breathing difficulties.

3. Piping Issues

Frequent bathroom odours indicate pipe issues like leaks or blockages. Ignoring them can worsen problems, potentially causing significant home damage.

4. Water Contamination

Sewage smells hint at water contamination, risking raw sewage backup into the plumbing. This can contaminate drinking water and surfaces with harmful pathogens.

5. Toxic Gas Exposure

A sewage smell in the bathroom can expose you to dangerous gases like hydrogen sulfide and methane, which can cause breathing issues and dizziness.

 

What Causes A Sewer Smell In A Bathroom: 10 Reasons!

Do you know sometimes why your bathroom smells like sewer? Let’s explore what are the causes of this weird smell in the bathroom!

1. Cracked or Broken Pipes

Have you ever smelled your bathroom like sewer? If Yes! The main reason may be the cracked or broken pipes.

This situation not only lets stinky smell enter your bathroom but also helps bacteria to grow.

The prime cause can be the usage of still old sewage pipes or tree roots encroaching on your bathroom pipes.

These pipe cracks can affect the quality of water and make your drain block. Regular checking and maintenance are required to avoid these problems.

2. Overflowing Sewage Pipe

Have you ever experienced sewage pipe overflow? A most common issue in the bathroom right?

Dealing with an overflowing sewage pipe is not that easy it’s also disgusting and can be harmful.

If there is too much stuff in the sewage pipe it can overflow causing a stinky smell in the bathroom. This can damage your house and make you sick if you come in contact.

So, if you have noticed any sewage backup like slow drains, strange noises or stinky smells it’s time to get help to avoid a messy situation.

 

3. Improper Plumbing Installation

Incorrect or Inefficient plumbing installation is another main reason for the sewage smell in the bathroom.

This carefree plumbing can leave little gaps in the pipes and the tiling work which can help sewage smell to enter into our bathrooms.

So if you are dealing with foul odors, first check your plumbing gaps and maintain them with regular cleaning.

 

4. Leaking Toilet Seat

Sometimes odd funky smell in the bathroom can also be caused by a leaking toilet seat.

Toilet seat leaking over some time can turn your bathroom unhygienic and hub for bacteria to grow with a foul smell.

You can keep a check on these odours by properly sealing your toilet seat and making the sewer smell cut altogether.

Try scented flush balls to make the water smell good and maintain bathroom hygiene regularly to avoid sewer smell in your bathroom.

 

5. Improper Ventilation

Improper ventilation is one of the main reasons for the sewer smell in the bathroom.

Natural sunlight exposure can act as an effective solution for eliminating various odours in the bathroom.

Insufficient ventilation mainly leads to prolonged drying time, potentially causing a sewer-like smell to develop.

To combat this issue, ensure your bathroom is adequately ventilated and enhance it with natural bathroom plants.

 

6. Tree Roots In Pipes

Though trees are a natural part of our ecosystem, sometimes their roots piggle into your sewage pipes creating a crack or a block.

From the formed cracks sewage can leak and create additional blockage making your bathroom smell like a sewer altogether.

So, it is essential to keep an eye on any tree branches breaking into your sewer pipes and react to clear them off.

 

7. Dumped Organic Waste

Most of us have the habit of dumping organic waste in the bathroom which can trigger sewer-like odors due to the clogging and decomposition.

At times it can even attract the drain worms and roaches inside the bathroom creating a sewer-like smell.

Blockages created by the organic waste can cause more blockages making the water dirty and also exacerbating the plumbing issues by even damaging the toilet walls at times.

 

8. Water Heater Decay

​Almost all our home bathrooms have water heaters installed right? What if I say there is also a chance of a sewer smell from it?

Yes! Though it is rare, but not a completely avoidable problem. After periodic usage, the anode rod inside the water heater gets worn off.

There is a potential risk of hydrogen sulfide gas releasing from it making a sense of foul smell.

It is recommended to replace the anode rod to ensure an odourless and safe water heating process.

 

9. Backflow From Sewer

This is the most neglected reason for the bathroom sewer smell is the backflow from the sewer pipe.

This can happen at times due to the blockage of the sewer system with waste or any pipe dust.

This can get backflow to the washroom drain and create a sense of bad odour with a hub for bacteria and drainworms to grow.

 

10. Sump Pump Issues

Sump pump issues are caused mainly by malfunction or unnoticed failures. When this happens water gets clogged and becomes stagnant with accumulation.

This accumulated water emits an unpleasant odour similar to the sewage smell.

You need to keep a check on the sump pump regularly to avoid unnecessary water and sewage smell issues.

Suggested Read: 7 Helpful Tips on How to Keep Your Bathroom Neat and Tidy.

 

How To Remove Sewer Smell From Bathroom: 14 Hacks

Are you thinking about how to remove the sewer smell from your bathroom? Don’t worry you are in the right place!

I’ve covered simple and easy 13 tricks to kick that foul odour. Say goodbye to that stinky smell and say hello to a pleasant bathroom.

1. Keep Toilet Lid Closed:

Closing the toilet lid will not take too much time right? This not only stops bad smells and bacteria from coming out but it keeps the bathroom clean and safe.

Sometimes closing the lid will help you to prevent things from falling in if you have little kids or pets.

So don’t forget to shut the lid after completion of usage. It keeps the bathroom tidier for everyone.

 

2. Use Lemon Peel Deodorize

Whenever your bathroom smells like sewage the first thing you need to look for is natural remedies.

For this, you can use lemon peels with a decent citrus flavour. Place them in a tray and spray warm mist on them to slowly enhance the smell.

Put them in different places all over your bathroom as they start drying they’ll release a nice citrus smell.

 

3. Thorough Clean-Up

Start cleaning by paying more attention to areas around the toilet, sink, and drains where smells can stick around.

Use your favourite cleaning products and scrub to remove stains or dirt. It may take some time and effort, but trust me, your bathroom will feel really clean.

So, grab your cleaning stuff, and let’s make the bathroom shine and clean!

 

4. Unused Drain Sealing

Have you ever noticed funky smells coming from drains in unused sinks or showers? we’ve all been there, right? But fear not!

Simply try to find out and seal off those drains with a trusty stopper or plug which reduces those funky odours.

This can also keep a check on roaches and insects entering your bathroom.

 

5. Maintain Proper Ventilation

Are you maintaining proper ventilation in the bathroom it is not just about removing weird smells it’s also about getting a healthy environment.

By using exhaust fans in the bathroom regularly you can get rid of odours, moisture, and stale air creating bad odours.

So, don’t try to underestimate the power of proper ventilation. It’s a very simple yet effective technique to curd your bathroom sewage smell.

 

6. P-Trap Maintenance

Remember about the P-trap under your bathroom sink it is very important for keeping your bathroom smelling fresh!

Make sure to check regularly and clean the bend in the pipe that holds water, which blocks sewer gases from entering your house.

Regular maintenance helps P-Trap work properly and keeps your bathroom odour-free.

 

7. Use Drain Strainer

Think once if you’re washing dishes, and suddenly, there is a clog. No worries! there is a simple trick for you here.

With a simple drain strainer, you can keep your drains clear and clogged.

It catches food scraps and hair before they cause trouble, saving you from messy backups and expensive plumber visits.

Just pop it in your sink or shower drain! No more worries about nasty clogs ruining your day.

 

8. Hot Water flush For Bathroom Sewage Smell

Just try to pour some hot water down the drains and sink. The heat works like magic, clearing all that dirt and funky odours.

Give a trial for a few minutes to do its thing, then flush it away. It works like a mini spa treatment for your bathroom!

It’s a super way to keep everything tidy until you do a big clean-up. So, don’t forget to try it next time you are cleaning your bathroom!

 

9. Use Air-Purifying Plants

Using bathroom plants can not only make your bathroom more appealing but can also keep a check on the bathroom sewage smell.

Take some plants like spider plants or aloe vera in your bathroom, and they’ll clean the air naturally, leaving them smelling nice.

It’s like having a mini garden in your bathroom! Give it a try and see how much fresher your bathroom can be.

 

10. Regular Garbage Disposal Maintenance

Keep an eye on your garbage disposal running smoothly with regular maintenance. In bathrooms, the drain works quietly but needs a lot of care.

Cleaning with dish soap and ice cubes weekly, along with avoiding hard items and grease, will keep it happy and odour-free.

This can also save you from dealing with backups and repairs. Keep in mind that drain is important, so treat it well.

 

11. Install a Sewer Gas Detector

Installation of sewer gas detectors helps you protect your house and family from the dangers caused by sewer gas leaks.

Early identification of sewer gas can reduce health problems and costly repairs, giving you peace of mind and ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

 

12. Use Scented Candle

Who doesn’t love scented candles? They not only glow, but they also work wonders for removing foul odours.

Whether you’re a fan of warm vanilla or crisp linen scents, lighting up a candle instantly transforms your bathroom space into a haven of good vibes.

 

13. Drain Odour Eliminator

Though your bathroom drain smells like a sewer, don’t worry straight away. You can tackle this by preparing home made drain odor eliminator.

It is just a small bottle with vinegar, baking soda and camphor mix which you need to pour into your drain having magic to remove odor.

Say goodbye to those funky bathroom sewer smells with this simple yet effective bathroom hack.

 

14. Regular Septic Tank Maintenance

Septic tanks are a very important part of house maintenance. With a little care and maintenance, your septic tank will work smoothly for years.

Just remember to watch what you flush, schedule regular pumping, and conserve water.

By following this you can reduce costly backups and sewage smell from the bathroom.

 

Toilet Drain Smells Like Sewage: When To Call Plumber?

Though the sewage smell in the bathroom is a recurring issue, most of the time it can be dealt with the above 14 hacks.

But when you need the plumber’s attention is the main question here? Don’t worry I’ll let you know when the expert help is needed.

Check the below list and address the list swiftly!

1. Check for clogs

Always keep a check on deep clogs, and keep an eye on whether the water is flowing correctly to not.

If there is a hindrance to flow remove any blocked things like waste, hair and any grease there.

Try to add some hot water, if not cleared use tweezers or a drain shake, still the issue persists you need a plumber visit.

 

2. Check The Ventilation

If your bathroom feels frowzy or smells weird, it’s time for you to check the ventilation.

First, check by seeing whether the bathroom exhaust fan is working properly or not. It should clear moisture after your shower.

But if you’re still feeling damp, even with the exhaust on, it could mean there’s a problem with your ventilation.

In that case, call a plumber. They’ll try to figure out what’s wrong and fix it, so your bathroom stays nice and fresh!

 

3. Check The Wax Ring

Are you noticing water around your toilet base or a musty smell, If you are comfortable It’s time for you to check the wax ring.

Just Turn off the water, remove the toilet cap, and check the wax ring for damage.

Clean the area, replace the ring if it’s worn or damaged, and reinstall the toilet securely.

Test for leaks by reconnecting the water supply and flushing. If still the same, call a plumber!

 

4. Check With Sewer Line

If your bathroom smells like sewer despite checking everything, inspect the big sewer line, responsible for carrying waste away from your house.

Sewer line problems may cause serious problems, so it’s best to get professional help to check it out.

So, leave your hesitation! Give a ring to your plumber to smell your bathroom fresh again in no time.

Suggested Read:  Select 5 Benefits of Using Wall Organizers in Your Bathroom!

 

Frequently Asked Questions On Sewer Smell In Bathroom

1. Why My Upstairs Bathroom Smells Like Sewage?

Your upstairs bathroom may smell like sewage due to a drain blockage or plumbing problem, causing sewer gas to escape.

2. Why Does My Bathroom Smells Like Sewer Even After Cleaning?

Even after cleaning  still detect a sewer-like smell in your bathroom, it could be due to issues like a blocked vent pipe or damaged wax ring seal under the toilet

3. How To Remove Sewer Smell From Bathroom With Baking Soda?

To remove the sewer smell effectively simple trick is to pour a cup of baking soda down the drains, along with vinegar and hot water, then flushing with hot water and repeat this until the smell reduces.

4. Why does my bathroom smell but no blockage?

Regular cleaning, maintenance, and plumber checks can find out the problem of bathroom odours, whether from dry drain traps, damaged vents, or bacterial growth.

 

Suggested Reads:

• 6 Creative Ways to Tackle Makeup Clutter in Your Bathroom
• 3 Simple Bathroom Organization Products That Will Transform Your Space
• 4 Rental Bathroom Hacks: How to Transform Your Space Without Permanent Changes.