How to Find the Source of Bathroom Odors

Manuel Enrique LopezBlogging

what to Do in the Restroom Odor Scent

Lingering odors in your bathroom can come from a number of places, so you’ll need to invest a little time find the source. It’s better to resolve the odor earlier instead of later. If the smell comes from a sewer pipe leak, the inhalation of sewer gas can result in a host of illnesses. Long term exposure to sewage system gases can cause nausea, dizziness, and in the case of hydrogen sulfide poisoning, even death.

The first thing to try is to pour liquid drain cleaner into the sink and shower drain to remove any type of buildup that may have accumulated over time and caused the odor. Follow the directions, making sure that you wait the suggested time before you turn on the water to clear the pipes. This step may have to be repeated if the water does not drain normally. If the source of the odor was a buildup in the pipes, the odor should be gone within a day or two.

Look for standing water on the floor or cabinet base below the U-shaped pipeline (the P-trap) under the sink. Run your hand along the length of the pipe to discover any kind of dampness.Normally, a tiny amount of water gathers inside the P-trap, even when it’s not in use. This keeps sewer gases from coming upthrough the drain opening. If the water in the P-trap leaks out and leaves the interior of the pipeline dry, those gases will enter the bathroom.

If your drains are clear and the P-trap is not leaking, you’ll probably have to contact a plumber. The wax ring at the baseof the toilet may need repairing.To check for this, observe how much water remains in the bowl between uses. If there isn’t sufficient water for a flush, you may have a leaky seal. The sewer gaseswould then come up and cause the odor in the bathroom. Additionally, blocked or improperly installed vent pipes may also be the culprits. These pipes allow any sewer gases to escape your home. In order to repair them, it would requirespecialtools and a trip to the roof. If the vent pipes are the problem, locating the leak and fixing it is a job ideal best left to an expert.