Sewer odors from bathroom
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Summary: Remedy for bad sewer odor can be quite simple a task that requires utmost attention. The odor can be controlled by the use of some chemical compounds that retard its spread in the air and makes the atmosphere free from the smell.
Question: I have had the problem of sewer odors for the past few months. The smell emanates from one of the three toilets and is not continuous. I have checked the drain lines but there is no trace of clogging and flow of water is also normal. The use of some bacterial additive has also proved nothing and the smell keeps emanating making the environment very filthy. My question is where does the sewer odor come from and how to get rid of this problem?
Answer: The answer to your query extends to a wide range. If you examine the basic cause of the odor, there may be quite a few reasons for that. One thing you need to know and understand is that this kind of foul smell is not area specific i.e. you can expect the sewer odor from anywhere especially where there is defective pipelining or some flaw in the fixtures. There is a purpose behind the shapes given to the pipelines. Although the P shaped fixtures help to catch rings and earrings from traveling down to sewers and septic tanks, they also aid in blocking the sewer gas and vermin to spread in your house.
It is always good to check that there is a small amount of water in the pipes of the sinks and tubs. Reason, it is the water that absorbs the sewer gas thus the smell is restricted to spread. The problem generally arises when the sinks or toilets or the tubs are not used often. When these are left to dry, the water level in the pipe reduces and is nullified and thus the vermin and the sewer gas escapes through the holes. Well you need not worry much until you are sure that the pipelines and fixtures installed in your house is far from defects.
Do get rid of the problem immediately, all you have to do is pour a quart of water into the holes as fast as you can, so it will become moist and trap the smell. If this is the main cause, the step should be sufficient to solve the problem. If not lets examine the case more deeply.
The sinks and tubs are also notorious enough to produce such smell over time. We know that there is always a pipe running from the bottom of the pipe to the top of the P-shaped fixture attached to the wall or floor. Now when air passes through the pipe, a layer of goo containing bacteria, dirt, grime, mold, etc. is formed and develops and spreads slowly. Now you must have understood another reason for such sewer smell.
Now that you have understood the cause, the solution is as simple as it sounds. The bottom of the sink needs to be cleaned and washed off thoroughly. While doing this, you get a chance to check the rubber washers and other plumbing parts, if all these are in place and rust-free.
Other basic reasons for the development of the lime layer and the goo include the overflow part of the tanks. For the city sewer system, the best remedy is to add chlorine bleach and water in an equal proportion. Chlorine makes the situation worse and hazardous when mixed with other cleaning agents. Chlorine is also not advisable for septic tanks. The best of all remedies is to slowly remove the parts and clean manually using a small bottle brush.
If after all of this the odor persists, the problem may be a serious plumbing problem. The toilet seal may be broken. A hidden vent pipe may have cracked. You can always seek the help of a plumbing professional who has the tools, and know-how to often quickly diagnose problems like this.
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