When you enter your bathroom and wonder why does my bathroom sink smell like sewer? And get frustrated? Then you are not alone. It is one of those stinky problems that many people face daily.
Don’t worry, we are here to help you to find out why your sink stinks like a sewer and the things you can do to remove that foul odor very easily.
What causes the smelly Bathroom Sink?
That stinky smell is usually a sign that sewer gas like hydrogen sulfide is gaining access into your home through the house lines. Gross, right? It is not only bad smelling, but also a signal that your plumbing system is not working properly. Such exposure to sewer gases may cause different health issues like nausea, dizziness and discomfort. Now, how does it occur? Let’s find the causes behind this problem below
Dry P-Trap
The dried P-trap could be the reason behind the smell of the sewer. It is the U shape bent at the bottom of your sink usually meant to contain some water, which serves as sort of a seal to prevent sewer gases. When sink is not used for some time, these gases come out as smell due to the lack of water seal and cause your sink to smell like sewer.
The Overflow Hole Gunk
Do you recognize that small hole up towards the brim of your sink? It is the spot where the bacteria and soap scum accumulate and cause a sewer smell in the bathroom sink.
Vent Problems in the Plumbing
Your plumbing involves vents that release sewer gases outside of your house. When one of these vents gets clogged up by leaves or nest of birds it creates pressure which blows the smells back inside and hence your bathroom sinks bad.
Leakages or Broken Seals
Sometimes your old, damaged pipes may contain small cracks which cause gas release. You may not notice it, but your nose will surely.
Problem with toilet Seals
The wax seal under the toilet is the one that attaches the toilet to the sewer line and prevents gas leakages into the bathroom. Remember the damaged wax ring gives a way to sewer odor in bathroom.
Issues in the Sewer Line
In severe cases, when sewer lines get blocked or breaks may lead to a backup that causes the sewer smell in the entire bathroom.
Easy Steps to Follow Before Calling a Plumber
- Run the water: Sometimes the P-trap gets dry after not using it for a long time and can be refilled by running water through the sink,
- Clean the overflow hole: Take a bottle brush and a drop of cleaner and scrub inside the hole, but not too hard. Make sure to do these cleaning regularly.
- Use baking soda and vinegar: Put half a cup of baking soda in the toilet after which you can pour half a cup of vinegar. Allow it to fizz for 10 minutes, afterward, wash down with hot water.
- Do visual checkups: Use flashlights to check the pipes under the sink to see whether there are signs of visible leaks such as puddles or wet areas, corrosion, or the odor of fungus.
When to Call a Pro
Despite following all possible steps and your sink smells like sewer constantly then go and call on a plumber. Constant sewer smell in the bathroom might indicate something more serious such as a clogged drain or leaking pipe, broken up vent, or even clogged main sewer line. Do not try to ignore it because sewer gases may be hazardous, particularly in the case of methane accumulation.
If the smell won’t go away or you’re dealing with leaks or sewer issues, don’t wait contact our trusted team for fast and reliable emergency plumbing in Eagle Rock and surrounding areas. We’re here 24/7 to help.
Final Thoughts
Everyone can understand that having an odor like sewer gives the bathroom a bad smell, and you may be asking, why does my bathroom sink smell like sewer? Well, the most likely causes and solutions to that question are now revealed. It can be a dry P-trap, the problem in the venting, or simply a clog in the drain, but the important thing is a timely detection and understanding that when you should do it yourself or ask for help. A fresh smelling bathroom is not a big deal. In some simple, easy habits, you can also become able to wave the stink away and breathe easily once again.
