Why Does My Bathroom Smell Like Sewage?

bathroom

You may have walked into your bathroom and smelled an unusual odor. If that odor smells like sewage, you should take action as soon as you can. Of course, the sewer smell is unpleasant and annoying, but it could also be a safety hazard if left unresolved. You might notice headaches or experience other serious health issues. Various problems might cause this sort of odor, so let’s examine the possibilities.

A Buildup in Your Sink’s Overflow

If your sink has an overflow mechanism and the overflow builds up grime, it could cause this annoying odor. The sink should have a hole to relieve it if the basin is overfilled. A buildup of dirt, debris and scum in the overflow hole can contribute to this sort of sewage smell. You can clean the overflow hole with a bottle brush to correct this problem.

The Shower Drain

The products you use to shower can form a biofilm. If you have noticed a pink or orange coating, it could be the reason why the shower drain makes your bathroom smell like sewage. Since the biofilm is largely composed of bacteria, you can get rid of the smell by cleaning it. Do that by taking the cover off the drain, dipping it in hot water and disinfecting both the drain and the cover.

Improperly Installed Vent Pipe

An improperly installed or cut vent pipe can cause your bathroom to smell like a sewer. The vent pipe eliminates gas odors from your bathroom so that you don’t smell them. However, if the vents are installed in the wrong place, they fail to eliminate foul odors from the area. If the sewer smell is originating from the wall, it could be due to vent pipe issues. Also, vent pipes develop cracks that allow sewer odor to spill out. It would be best to hire a professional for a thorough inspection.

If your basic efforts fail to fix the annoying sewer odor in your bathroom, it’s advisable to turn to professional plumbers. In the Charlottesville area, you can count on us at Beck Cohen. We will inspect your bathroom and plumbing system for clogs and other issues. We can also handle electrical assignments, generators, duct sealing, indoor air quality concerns, and a complete range of heating and cooling installation, repair, and maintenance services. Call Beck Cohen today to learn more about sewer odors in your bathroom and how to solve the problem.