Why Bathroom Smells Like Sewer

There are few things more unpleasant than walking into a bathroom that smells like sewer. The stench can be overpowering and nauseating, and it can make it difficult to use the bathroom. If your bathroom smells like sewer, there are a few things you can do to try to identify and fix the problem.

One of the most common causes of sewer gas smell in bathrooms is a dry P-trap. A P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that is installed under sinks and toilets. It is designed to trap water, which creates a seal that prevents sewer gases from escaping into the bathroom. If the P-trap is dry, sewer gases can easily escape and cause the bathroom to smell bad.

Another potential cause of sewer gas smell in bathrooms is a clogged vent pipe. Vent pipes are installed to allow sewer gases to escape from the plumbing system. If a vent pipe is clogged, sewer gases can build up in the plumbing system and eventually escape into the bathroom. A clogged vent pipe is usually caused by something like a bird's nest, leaves or other debris.

A cracked or broken sewer line can also cause a bathroom to smell like sewer. If the sewer line is cracked or broken, sewer gases can leak out and into the bathroom. A cracked or broken sewer line is a serious problem that should be repaired as soon as possible.

If you have tried all of the above and your bathroom still smells like sewer, there may be a more serious problem with your plumbing system. In this case, it is best to call a plumber for help.

Here are some tips for preventing sewer gas smell in bathrooms:

Run water in sinks and toilets regularly to keep the P-traps filled with water.
Avoid putting hair, grease, or other debris down the drains.
Have your plumbing system inspected by a plumber on a regular basis.
If you have a bathroom that is not used very often, make sure to flush the toilets and run the water in the sinks and showers occasionally to keep the P-traps filled with water.