My Bathroom Smells Like Sewage: Why is That?

Walking into your bathroom and being hit with a sewage-like smell is far from pleasant. It’s not just embarrassing if you have guests over; it’s also a sign that something might be wrong with your plumbing.

While it’s tempting to light a candle or spray some air freshener, masking the smell won’t fix the underlying issue. That unpleasant odour could be coming from something as simple as a dry drain or as serious as a damaged sewer line. Ignoring the problem could lead to bigger issues down the road, like health risks or costly repairs.

In this blog, we’ll explore the common reasons why your bathroom might smell like sewage, how to identify the source, and what you can do to make your bathroom fresh and odour-free again.

Common Causes of Sewage Smells in Bathrooms

If your bathroom smells like sewage, there’s likely a plumbing issue behind it. Here are some common causes to consider:

• Dry P-traps: A P-trap is the curved pipe under your sink or drain that holds water to block sewer gases. If a drain hasn’t been used for a while, the water can evaporate, letting the smell seep into your bathroom.
• Clogged drains: Hair, soap scum and debris can build up in your drains, creating drain blockages. This leads to stagnant water, which can produce unpleasant odours.
• Broken or worn toilet seals: The wax ring beneath your toilet creates a seal to prevent sewer gases from escaping. If it’s damaged or worn, foul smells may leak out around the base of your toilet.
• Ventilation problems: Your plumbing system relies on vent stacks to direct sewer gases out of your home. If the vents are clogged or damaged, the gases can’t escape and might enter your bathroom instead.
• Sewer line issues: Cracks or leaks in your main sewer line can let odours escape. This is a more serious issue that requires immediate professional attention.

Identifying these common causes is the first step to solving the problem, which will save you from larger, costlier problems later and keep your bathroom smelling fresh.

Health Risks of Ignoring Sewage Smells

If your bathroom smells like sewage, it’s more than just an unpleasant nuisance − it could be a health hazard. Ignoring the issue can expose you and your family to harmful conditions, including:

• Exposure to sewer gases: Sewer gases often contain hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and methane. Prolonged exposure to these gases can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness and, in extreme cases, respiratory issues or loss of consciousness.
• Mould growth: A damaged pipe or leaking seal that’s causing the smell may also lead to moisture buildup. This creates the perfect environment for mould and mildew to thrive, which can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems.
• Bacterial contamination: Sewage odours could signal a backup in your plumbing system, potentially introducing harmful bacteria into your bathroom. This poses a risk of infection, especially for young children or those with weakened immune systems.
• Fire hazard: If the odour is due to methane buildup from a damaged sewer line, it could become a fire or explosion risk in extreme cases, as methane is highly flammable.

Addressing sewage smells promptly is essential not just for your comfort but also for your health and safety. When in doubt, consult a professional plumber to resolve the issue.

How to Identify the Source of the Odour

Pinpointing the cause of that unpleasant sewage smell in your bathroom doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Start by checking the most common culprits. Inspect the drains in your sink, shower, or bathtub − odours often arise from clogs made up of hair, soap scum, and debris.

Shine a flashlight down the drain to see if there’s any visible buildup or stagnant water.

Next, take a closer look at your toilet. Is it wobbling or leaking at the base? This could indicate a broken wax seal that’s allowing sewer gases to escape. If the smell seems stronger near the walls or ceiling, the issue might be with your vent stack, which helps regulate air pressure in your plumbing system. A blocked or broken vent can trap those foul odours.

Don’t forget to check for dry P-traps under sinks or in rarely used drains. Simply pouring water into the drain could solve the problem. If you’ve inspected everything and still can’t identify the source, it may be time to call a professional plumber for a thorough assessment.

DIY Solutions to Get Rid of Sewage Smells

If your bathroom smells like sewage, you might be able to tackle the issue with some simple DIY solutions.

Here are a few steps you can try before calling in a professional:

• Refill dry P-traps: If you have a rarely used sink, shower, or tub, the P-trap might be dry. Pour a bucket of water down the drain to refill it and block sewer gases from escaping.
• Clean your drains: Hair, soap scum and grime can build up in drains and cause bad smells. Use a combination of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water, to clear minor blockages naturally. For tougher clogs, a drain snake or plunger can help.
• Check and reseal toilets: Inspect the base of your toilet for leaks or a wobbly fit. If needed, replace the wax seal to stop odours from escaping.
• Improve ventilation: Make sure your bathroom exhaust fan is working properly to remove odours and excess humidity. Open a window to increase airflow if possible.
• Clear vent pipes: Blockages in your vent stack could trap sewer gases. Use a garden hose to flush out debris or call for assistance if the blockage is too high to reach.

These fixes can often resolve minor problems, leaving your bathroom fresh and odour-free.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Sometimes, no matter how much investigating you do, that sewage smell in your bathroom won’t go away. This is when calling a professional plumber becomes essential.

If you’ve tried DIY fixes like cleaning your drains, refilling dry P-traps, or sealing leaks around your toilet but the odour persists, there’s likely a deeper issue at play.

A professional plumber can diagnose more complex problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye. For instance, a cracked or damaged sewer line could be allowing gases to seep into your home.

Blocked or broken vent stacks, which regulate air pressure in your plumbing, may also require specialised tools to fix. Additionally, if you notice other signs like slow drains, gurgling noises, or water pooling around fixtures, these could indicate a major plumbing issue.

Ignoring persistent sewage smells could lead to long-term damage or health risks from exposure to sewer gases. A plumber has the expertise to pinpoint the source, repair the problem, and ensure your bathroom is safe and odour-free again. Don’t hesitate to call for help when you’re out of DIY options.

Take Action Straight Away

A sewage smell in your bathroom is more than just a bad odour − it’s a warning sign that something might be wrong with your plumbing.

Whether it’s a dry P-trap, a clogged drain, or a more serious issue like a damaged sewer line, identifying and addressing the problem promptly is key to maintaining a safe and comfortable home.

While DIY solutions like cleaning drains or refilling P-traps can solve minor issues, persistent odours may require the expertise of a qualified plumber. Ignoring the smell can lead to bigger problems, including health risks and costly repairs.

Don’t wait for things to get worse − take action as soon as you notice the smell. With the right approach, you can restore your bathroom to a fresh, odour-free space in no time.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.