Let’s face it. Our bathrooms can get pretty smelly. We’re not talking about the occasional cookout aftermath, either. Those smells are temporary (we hope). Sometimes, the call is coming from inside the house—or in the case of bathroom odors, from inside the plumbing. There are multiple reasons for a less-than-fresh bathroom—some of them beyond our control—but homeowners need not fret. Read on to learn more about why bathroom odors crop up and how you can fix it on your own or with the help of a reliable plumber.
If you’re searching for “plumbers near me” in Cedar Hill, TX, give us a call at (469) 518-4211 or visit us online. Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating offers 24/7 emergency plumbing and HVAC services with financing options available.
How to Keep Your Bathroom From Smelling Bad
Our bathrooms provide solitude, privacy and—for some of us—the only alone-time we’ll get all day long. Few things can destroy that spa-like feel quite like persistent bathroom odors. Let’s look at a few common causes for bad bathroom odors and the 8 easiest ways to keep yours smelling good as new.
1. Increase Ventilation
Bathroom smells can linger for days without proper air ventilation. The nature of a bathroom also makes it a prime locale for mold and mildew growth, which create odors of their own. Avoid these issues by leaving a bathroom window cracked open or installing an exhaust fan and running it often. If you are unable to do either of these things, you can opt for a small, portable fan that plugs into your bathroom outlet.
2. Eradicate Mold and Mildew
Even with great ventilation, mold and mildew can show up in areas like shower walls, on the ceiling or underneath the sink. There are plenty of products on the market specifically designed to kill mold and mildew, but they can have strong smells of their own that lead to headaches and other health risks. Keep it natural by spraying vinegar on the affected areas. Let it do its thing for an hour, then rinse with hot water and dry the area thoroughly with a towel.
3. P-Trap Solutions
The “P” or “U” shaped section of plumbing commonly found under sinks, in showers and other plumbing fixtures serves an important function (and it’s not to spell out pee-yew!). This shape holds just enough water in it to create a barrier that blocks sewer gases/odors from traveling back up through your plumbing and into your home. If the fixture in question is rarely used, the p-trap can dry out. With nothing there to block sewer gases and odors, they’re free to enter your home without a warrant. This one is easy. Simply cycle water through your fixtures on a regular basis, even if you don’t use them very often.
4. DIY Air Fresheners
Many air fresheners on the market contain toxic chemicals you don’t want to have around your family and pets. Luckily, you can make your own natural air freshener by combining 3/4 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol and 4–6 drops of your favorite essential oils in a small spray bottle (roughly 8 ounces).
5. Burn a Scented Candle
To ensure your bathroom smells like a spa by the time guests arrive, light a scented candle an hour ahead of time. Of course, always be mindful of an open flame and avoid placing it near fire hazards like towels or a shower curtain.
6. Fix a Breached Sewer Line
If you notice sewage smells emanating from your drains or loitering around the outside of your home, a broken sewer line might be to blame. Anything from severe clogs to tree roots can damage sewer lines. Keep an eye or ear out for gurgling drains, pest infestations and frequent clogs, as these could all indicate serious sewer line issues. Sadly, even the most prudent DIY-er can’t tackle this one at home. You’ll need to contact a pro plumber right away to schedule drain and sewer services.
7. Bust Biofilm Build-Up
Runoff from bath and shower products like soaps, oils and shampoos—not to mention dirt, sweat, grime and bacteria—can accumulate in bathroom drains over time. The result is called biofilm, and it comes with a nasty smell. To rid your life of biofilm build-up, simply clean out the drain with a natural cleaner, then pour 5–7 quarts of hot, but not boiling, water down the drain. Follow this with a cup of white vinegar and half a cup of baking soda. Let this biofilm-busting mixture do its thing for about two hours, then run hot water for at least 30 seconds.
8. Hang Eucalyptus in Your Bathroom
Eucalyptus leaves have a scent that’s comparable to pine or mint. This native Australian tree carries oils in its leaves. While these oils can be extracted, eucalyptus leaves carry high concentrations and therefore smell wonderful even in their natural state. By keeping or hanging eucalyptus leaves in your bathroom, you’ll benefit from gorgeous natural decor, as well as a low-budget, natural way to keep your bathroom smelling dreamy and fresh.
Work With the Best Plumbers in Cedar Hill, TX
If temporary fixes to bathroom odors won’t do the trick, have a professional plumber evaluate the issue. Persistent smells can indicate plumbing problems you don’t want to neglect. Problems like hidden mold or a broken toilet collar will only worsen over time, leading to expensive and completely avoidable plumbing issues down the line. A licensed professional can diagnose and fix the problem right away, leaving your bathroom smelling fresh and clean.
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating brings over 50 years of industry knowledge and experience to the table. As your local Dallas plumber, we’re proud to offer financing options for costly endeavors and those unexpected repairs. Our customers always receive a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our workmanship. To schedule an appointment with our fully trained, licensed and insured experts, contact us online or call (972) 885-6373 today.