Categories
disaster recovery water damage water restoration

How to Get Rid of Sewage Odors in the Bathroom

24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL SERVICES

A sewage smell in your bathroom usually happens because solids have clogged your pipes, and the water is unable to move freely, causing it to be stagnant. You can sometimes resolve the sewage smell in your bathroom by using vinegar and baking soda, as well as a heavy duty drain cleaner. However, if that does not work, you should consult a plumber to help you unclog your drains.

Understanding How Bathroom Plumbing Works

Bathroom Plumbing

If you look under your sink, there is a U-shaped pipe. This pipe goes from your sink drain to a wastewater pipe in the wall called the P-trap. One end of this pipe goes to the sewer or septic system, while the other goes all the way to the roof to let the fresh air in and allow the smelly sewer gases outside. The P-Trap is U-shaped intentionally so that it can collect a small amount of water after each use of the sink, which allows it to be a barrier against sewage odors. If your plumbing system works as it should, the water stays in the P-trap after you turn off the sink, or empty the tub of flush your toilet.

That little amount of water will help block gases from the sewage system. Usually, these gases will flow past the bathroom and out to the vent pipe in your roof. If these gases are not vented properly, they can be dangerous for your health as they contain methane, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. If you’ve been exposed to these gases, you may experience headaches, nausea, and drowsiness. Therefore, if you have a sewage smell in your bathroom, make sure to have it corrected quickly to avoid further issues or possible harm to your health.

Odor Coming from Clogged Drains

If there are odors in your bathroom, it may likely be because the drain is clogged. This happens because whatever is causing the clog may cause bacteria growth and odors. A few common types of clogs that are seen in the bathroom include:

  • Toilet paper buildup, feminine products, baby wipes, and other items not meant to go in the toilet can prevent proper flushing
  • Tree roots causing underground pipe leaks
  • Buildup of hair causing the drain to be blocked
  • Buildup of mineral sediment over time

If these clogs are not resolved quickly, you may notice a bad odor coming from your drain.

Clogged Drains

Sulfur Odor in Your Drain

Sulfur odors coming from your drain are common. When this happens, it is best to check other faucets in the house to see if they have a similar smell, as the issue may be coming from your water supply. If not, you may have contaminated pipes or venting issues.

Quick & Easy Fixes for Sewage Smell in the Bathroom

If your bathroom has not been used recently, the water in the P-Trap will evaporate which removes the barrier between the bathroom and the gases in the sewer system. All you would need to do is run some water to allow the P-Trap to get filled again. If this does not work, you can use some pink RV water-safe antifreeze. If this does not work, then make sure to check for leaks around the P-Trap.

Another reason for the bad odor from your sink may be a clog in the drain as the clog itself may have an odor. Usually, you can resolve this with a plunger, however, if that doesn’t work, you may have to hire a plumber who will use a drain snake or a hydro-jetter to remove the clog.

Some other easy solutions you can try to resolve the bad odor coming from your drain include:

  • Pour boiling water down your drain to quickly clean it and remove odors
  • Use baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water to break any buildup in your drain’s pipes
  • Add baking soda periodically to your drain to keep it fresh
  • Change filters to eliminate bad smells from a contaminated water softener
  • Plunge your toilet to prevent venting issues coming from the waste line
  • Inspect the vent stack to get rid of any debris or heat up icy vents in the winter
  • Use lemon juice and baking soda to help eliminate drain odor

Call the Professionals

Sewage Cleanup Professionals

If your P-Trap has water, there are no leaks, and the drain and pipes are free of clogs, you should call a plumber as you may be dealing with a toilet issue. If you notice that your toilet bowl is not filling up properly, you may have a broken seal. If there is no caulk around the base of the toilet, water and urine can seep under and water will get stuck in crevices where it can cause bacteria with a bad odor to form. The easy solution is to add a bead of caulk around the bottom. It may be helpful to caulk the bolt holes as well to trap the odor. If you notice that your toilet bowl is loose, there may be damage to the wax ring of the toilet. This can cause water leaks and sewage smell. If this is the case and your toilet is loose or wobbly, it will need to reset with a new toilet ring.

Even when the bad sewage odors are in the bathroom, they may be coming from somewhere else. This may be due to a blocked roof vent that is not allowing fresh air to come into your bathroom. A few signs of a blocked vent include slow draining and bubbling or gurgling noises when trying to drain. You may have an issue with an improperly installed, cut, or cracked pipe, which can also cause gases to be released into your home. A cracked pipe may be more difficult to find as it may be hiding somewhere in your walls. However, a plumber can easily find it using a smoke machine and figure out the cause of your leak.

You may be able to do some plumbing fixes yourself such as cleaning your drains or replacing the toilet wax ring. However, if you are not handy and don’t have the proper skill level, you should hire a professional to ensure it is done properly.

Have you experienced a bad sewage smell from your drains? HydroForce Cleaning and Restoration can help you remove the bad odors and get your drains working properly again. We remove odors quickly and efficiently with our hi-tech equipment and proper methods to make sure your home smells fresh. Make sure to call us for all your sewage cleanup and odor removal needs. We know experiencing a sewage backup can be stressful, that is why we are here to help. We will remove all the sewage and clean, disinfect, and restore your property back to its original state. For more information, call us at 630-835-0862.

Categories
water damage water restoration

Why is There a Sewage Odor Coming from My Kitchen Sink?

24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL SERVICES

Why is There a Sewage Odor Coming from My Kitchen Sink?

The kitchen sink works hard for our households. It is where dishes are washed, various food particles go through the drain, and where the garbage disposal is located. Not many people pay much attention to their kitchen sink unless there is an issue. However, when there is blockage, the kitchen sink may produce a bad odor.

There are various reasons why a kitchen sink may have a bad odor. We will review the different reasons why this may occur and what you can do for regular maintenance to prevent odors coming from your sink.

Why does my kitchen sink have a bad odor?

If you notice your kitchen sink has a bad odor, it could be due to any of these common reasons:

Leftover food in your garbage disposal:

When leftover food gets stuck in your garbage disposal or drains, it can create a bad odor. Certain foods have a stronger odor than others and can also cause sink issues. Rice, grease/fat, coffee grounds, bones, and even potato peels can clog up your pipes.

 A dry P-trap:

If you notice a sewage odor, you may have an empty sink trap. A P-trap is a curved part of the pipe under your sink. Usually, it holds water by which a seal is created, and it prevents any gases from getting into the kitchen. The P-trap should always have water in it. You might also have an issue with the drainpipe or your vent. This issue may include pipe damage or an obstruction that is in your vent.

Clogged or cracked vent:

For your plumbing system to work, it needs to have the proper ventilation. If there is no vent, there can be issues with pressure and flow of water and sewage. If there is an issue with your vent or it is damaged or has a clog, you can experience a sewage odor in your home. Usually, your vent is on the roof, so your plumber can check for bird nests, leaves, or other debris that may have accumulated there. They can also check for cracking or damage.

Clogged or cracked vent

Mainline clog:

Usually, sewage backs up into the bathtub when the toilet is flushed. A mainline clog also usually shows up in the bathtub first before it backs up into the kitchen sink. However, at times it will go straight to your sink. This is an emergency due to the possible health hazards sewage water may contain, and you should call an experienced plumber to help.

Drain clog:

If there is food or grease stuck in your drain, you can experience a bad odor in your kitchen. If you notice other signs of a clog such as a sink that drains too slowly or gurgling pipes, you should have your drains cleaned by a professional.

Sulfate in the water:

If you notice a rotten egg smell, you may have a water issue. Sometimes the bacteria in the water heater can create an odor in your water. Also, sulfate may naturally occur if you have well water. When it is just a small amount it is not an issue, however, if it is a lot, you can start having bad-tasting water and health issues.

How can I stop my sink from smelling like a sewer?

stop sink from smelling like a sewer

Foul odors coming from the kitchen sink are annoying and can make it unpleasant to be in your kitchen. While these steps may not resolve the underlying cause of the odor, they can help reduce the bad smell in your kitchen:

  • Vinegar and baking soda: Pour one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar down the drain and let it set for 20 minutes. Then wash it down with hot water.
  • Ice cubes and coarse salt: If there may be food stuck in the disposal, you can remove it by putting some ice cubes and rock salt down the drain and turning on the disposal. Make sure to run cold water afterwards.
  • Lemon slices: Cut up small slices of lemon and put them down the drain and into the garbage disposal while running water. Turn on the garbage disposal until it grinds up the lemon and keep the water running for another 30 seconds after turning off the disposal.
  • Bio-enzyme drain cleaner: Bio-enzyme cleaners use natural enzymes to break down food particles that may be causing an odor.
  • Run water for one minute: If the trapped water in the drain dries up, this could cause a sewage smell. Try running water down the drain for at least one minute and check back after 30 minutes to ensure that the smell is gone.
  • Check sink trap: Check the sink trap and pipes under your sink for signs of leaks or damage. It is best to call a plumber if you notice a problem.

Call Our Professionals at Hydroforce Cleaning and Restoration for Help

equipment to remove odor from kitchen sink

If you are experiencing a sewage backup issue, our professionals at Hydroforce Cleaning and Restoration can help. We offer sewage cleanup and water damage restoration to residential and commercial customers and our technicians are highly trained to handle all types of sewage cleanup situations. Call us today for sewage cleanup emergencies at 630-835-0862.