While it is completely normal to have temporary foul odors in the bathroom from time to time, a persistent bad sewage smell is a red flag.

You can almost always identify a sewer gas smell as a distinct odor that needs to be taken care of. But first, you need to figure out where the smell’s coming from.

Identify the Source

There could be several factors that are causing a raw sewer smell in your bathroom; you need to check and rule out each one. The first thought that will probably go through your mind when you notice the smell is whether you’ve cleaned everything properly. But soon, you will realize that the smell doesn’t go away no matter how much you clean and scrub.

The next thing you need to check is the P-traps. These are everywhere—under the sinks, showers, and tubs, and even toilets have built-in ones. The P-trap keeps sewer gases out. It does this by collecting some water after every use, preventing gas from escaping into your house. When the P-trap dries out, it fails to fulfill its purpose. Hence the sewage smell.

Additionally, you need to check for cracks and holes in vents or even a broken pipe. Also, check if all the toilets are tightly fixed. Loose toilets may allow sewer gases to escape. And sometimes, even clogs in the sink or the toilet can be the source of the foul odor.

Some Easy Fixes

Once you’ve identified a source, the rest is pretty straightforward. If the sewer smell is caused by a clog, take care of it first. You can use a plunger or drain snake. Or any number of enzyme cleaners and kitchen concoctions to get rid of the clog and eliminate the smell.

If the smell is caused by a dried-out P-trap, simply run some water to allow it to fill up again—this is usually the case in guest bathrooms—those that haven’t been in use for a while. If that doesn’t help to get rid of the smell, look for a leak around the P-trap and get that fixed.

In case of loosely fitted toilets or cracked or leaking pipes, get them fixed to eliminate the sewage smells.

Additionally, ensure that your bathroom has good ventilation. Set a bowl of some vinegar or baking soda or activated carbon out, as they will absorb any odors. Using scented candles, scented reed diffusers, and natural mild fragrances are all great ways to keep the bathroom smelling fresh and pleasant.

Call the Pros

At times, you’ll find that no matter what you try, the smell simply doesn’t go away. Or perhaps the problem seems resolved for a bit only to return with much greater intensity. This is when you know it’s time to call in the experts.

If you’ve looked into all the potential sources of the smell but haven’t got it figured out, there’s probably a bigger underlying problem lurking out of sight. Hire a professional plumber to come and make a diagnosis for you.

Pro Serve Plumbing offers plumbing services in Fort Worth, TX; we’re available to take care of all your plumbing emergencies. Get in touch with us today and find out more about our residential plumbing services.