Fixing Bad Smells in Your Toilet: Proven Solutions for a Fresher Bathroom
Few things are more off-putting than a bad smell drifting from your bathroom. If your bathroom has an unpleasant odour that just won’t go away, it could be a sign of a deeper issue within your drainage system. As drainage experts, we’ve encountered and resolved countless cases of toilet odours, and we’re here to help you do the same.
Let’s explore the common causes and the best solutions to ensure your bathroom remains fresh and inviting.
Unused Toilets
The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe designed to hold water; this prevents sewer gases from rising into your bathroom. If your toilet or drain is rarely used, the water in the trap can evaporate, allowing odours to escape.
How Do I Fix This?
Regularly flush the toilet or run water in the drain to maintain the water seal and prevent the pipes from drying out. If the P trap has been cracked or has started leaking, it should be repaired or replaced by a professional plumber.
Blocked or Clogged Drains
It’s very common that over time, waste buildup, hair, soap scum, and other debris can cause blockages throughout your drainage system. These blockages often lead to stagnant water and very unpleasant smells. If you do suspect there is a blockage affecting your toilet, you should be cautious when flushing, or you could end up with an overflow that floods your home.
How to identify a blocked drain?
Sewer-Like or Rotten Egg Smell – A persistent foul odour stemming from your bathroom is the main indicator that there is a blockage.
Slow Drainage: If the water is starting to drain slowly from the sink, shower or your bath, it may indicate that there is a blockage somewhere within your drainage system.
Gurgling Noises: When you flush the toilet or water goes down the drain, you may hear some unusual sounds coming from the drain, this is likely to be air bubbles that are being caused by a blockage.
Backflow: Water coming back up the drain when flushing the toilet or using the sink may indicate a serious blockage within the system.
Standing Water: If water pools around the drain instead of flowing away quickly, there's likely a clog.
A professional drainage company will easily be able to identify a blockage within your drainage system. We are able to conduct a CCTV drain survey, which we can use to assess the condition of your drains and highlight blockages and potential repair opportunities.
How Do I Fix This?
A professional toilet unblocking service can remove stubborn blockages and eliminate lingering odours. Regular maintenance can also help prevent future clogs.
Bacteria Growth
Unfortunately, damp environments encourage the growth of bacteria and mold, which makes your toilet the ideal breeding ground. Although this can produce a strong smell, it’s one of the easiest causes to fix and prevent moving forward.
How Do I Fix This?
Regularly cleaning your toilet with disinfectants can help keep the system clean, preventing bacteria from having the chance to build up. If you find that mould and bacteria are persistent despite regular maintenance, it may indicate that there is an excess of moisture being caused by a leak. In these circumstances, we would recommend you seek a professional inspection from an expert drainage company, as they will be able to easily detect the source of the leak and complete the necessary repairs.
Leaking Seals
The wax ring at the base of your toilet creates a seal to prevent leaks and sewer gas from escaping. If damaged, it can lead to unpleasant smells and potential water damage. Water may be leaking at such a slow rate that you don’t initially notice it unless you’re monitoring it closely. These seals can naturally degrade over time, or they may have been improperly installed previously.
How Do I Fix This?
Replacing and repairing seals should be handled by a professional plumbed to ensure a proper, airtight seal. This will ensure you won’t run into the same issue again in the near future.
Preventive Measures for a Fresh Bathroom
Regular Cleaning: Use effective cleaning solutions to eliminate bacteria and prevent buildup.
Proper Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow to reduce moisture and odours.
Scheduled Drain Maintenance: Periodic professional inspections can detect and address potential issues before they become serious problems.
Use Drain Covers: Prevent hair and debris from entering the drainage system to reduce the risk of clogs.
When to Call a Drainage Expert
If bad smells persist despite regular cleaning and maintenance, it’s time to call a professional drainage company such as Drain Doctor. Persistent odours could indicate a serious underlying issue, such as a sewer line problem or hidden leaks. Our expert team can perform thorough inspections, pinpoint the root cause, and provide long-lasting solutions to restore freshness to your bathroom.
Contact us today for professional drainage solutions and enjoy a fresher, odour-free bathroom.