For some of us, a trip to the bathroom is the only alone time we get. As much as we’d like our bathroom to be our sanctuary from the world, bad smells can really put a damper on your zen moment. That’s why your favorite Grand Prairie plumbing experts are here to discuss stinky bathrooms and how to fix them.
If you’re in search of a Grand Prairie plumbing company you can depend on, look no further! Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating is here to help 24/7. Call 469-557-2703 or visit us online to schedule an appointment today.
Continue reading for more information on how to fix a smelly bathroom.
What Causes Bad Bathroom Smells?
There are many potential causes for bad bathroom odors. This means that getting to the bottom of the problem may require some troubleshooting. Let’s look at six common reasons why your bathroom may smell bad:
1. A Breached Sewer Line
From invasive tree roots to major clogs, many things can damage your sewer line. If you notice the smell of sewage coming from your drains or around the outside of your home, you may be dealing with a broken sewer line. Unfortunately, this isn’t a repair that you can DIY. You’ll need to call a professional right away for drain and sewer services.
Aside from the smell, signs of a breached sewer line include:
- Frequent toilet clogs.
- Pest infestations.
- Gurgling sounds coming from drains.
This isn’t a problem that you want to let fester. Call a professional right away to get things under control.
2. Biofilm Buildup
Biofilm buildup may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but the reality is far less exciting. If you notice bad odors coming from your shower drain then explore the ways to get rid of shower drain smell. This includes runoff from bath and shower products like shampoo, soap and oils. This buildup attracts natural bacteria, which in turn causes bad odors.
To bust that biofilm, simply clean the drain with a natural cleaner, then pour 5–7 quarts of hot (not boiling) water down the drain. Follow up with a cup of white vinegar and a half cup of baking soda. Allow this to sit for up to two hours, then run hot water down the drain.
3. P-Trap Drying Out
The p-trap is the section of plumbing underneath sinks, showers and other plumbing fixtures that is shaped like a “p” or “u.” It might seem like a silly shape for this section of plumbing, but it serves an important purpose. The p-trap holds just enough water to create a barrier between your home and sewer gas/odors.
Toilets and sinks that don’t see much use run the risk of their p-traps drying out. Without water to block them, sewer gases and odors can rise through your pipes and into your home. The fix is simple—cycle water through your fixtures on a regular basis, even if you don’t use them all that often.
4. The Floor Waste Drain
Some bathrooms have a floor waste drain installed, usually as part of a wet room design. This is typically a chrome grate that sits in the middle of the tiled floor. The floor waste drain should have a water seal at the bottom to prevent sewer gases and odors from backing up into your bathroom (much like the p-trap mentioned above). If the floor waste drain is dry, it can cause bad odors. You can check for a water seal by shining a flashlight into the drain. If it’s dry, try cycling water to reinstate the water seal.
5. Push Plugs and Waste Water Traps
Some sinks are equipped with push plugs, also known as pop-up sink stoppers. Over time, these plugs accumulate contaminants like soap scum, hair and toothpaste. This build-up congeals and hardens over time, causing stopper problems and slow drainage. The same build-up can accumulate in the sink’s waste water trap. If left unchecked, this can cause sulphur-like odors.
The fix for this issue is to clean or replace the push plug and waste water trap. Drain-cleaning products or natural solutions, such as vinegar and baking soda, can help dissolve the organic matter causing the smell.
6. Toilet Waste Collar
The rubber seal on your toilet’s pan collar fitting, which connects the waste pan to the waste pipe, can deteriorate and lead to extremely unpleasant odors. Over time, the seal can dry out or become loose with age. This is a common occurrence that comes with the general wear and tear of using a toilet on a daily basis.
The fix for this problem is to call a professional for plumbing repair
. Either the toilet pan will need to be removed and the collar seal replaced, or the toilet will need to be resealed.
7. Poor Ventilation
Lastly, poor ventilation will cause odors to linger in your bathroom, even after you’ve fixed the underlying cause. Be sure that you have adequate ventilation in your bathroom or consult an HVAC professional for ways to improve airflow. You can also open windows and bathroom doors after taking a shower. This allows moisture to evaporate and prevents mold and mildew growth—both factors that can lead to musty odors in your home. Reclaim your bathroom sanctuary by wiping down shower walls and frequently cleaning areas like your sink, sink stoppers and toilet.
Work with a Grand Prairie Plumbing Company
Whether you’re ready to skip the troubleshooting or you’re still at a loss as to the cause of your stinky scenario, it’s time to call a professional. Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating specializes in Grand Prairie plumbing services with a team of fully trained, licensed and insured experts.
Our plumbing professionals bring over 50 years of industry knowledge and experience to the table—you can’t go wrong with Dial One Johnson. We’re proud to offer financing for costly endeavors and unexpected repairs. Not to mention that our customers always receive a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
To schedule an appointment with the Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating team, contact us online or call 972-885-6373 today.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.