Sewage smell in the bathroom: causes and their elimination.

Take a fragrant bath or an invigorating shower, tidy yourself up in the morning or relax before bed - a person begins and ends his day with the bathroom. The bathroom, as a zone of comfort, hygiene and beauty, must perfectly serve its purpose. Cleanliness and order play a vital role here, and the appearance of an unpleasant odor can ruin everything. Let's try to figure out why the bathroom smells like sewage and how to eliminate this smell.

There may be several reasons, from local pipe blockage to problems in the general sewer system of an apartment building. The main thing is not to try to mask the problem with air fresheners, but to decide to get rid of it completely.

Malfunctions in the public sewer system

Problems in the sewer system at home can cause an unpleasant odor not only in the bathroom, but throughout the apartment, as well as in the entrance hall. In this case, it will not be possible to resolve the issue on your own. The utility company or other management company is responsible for the central sewerage system. Therefore, your actions are limited to the following:

1. Submit a request to the responsible organization to identify and eliminate the problem.
2. Wait for it to be completed and monitor the result.

Operating principle of a fan pipe

All liquids in the sewer move by gravity. This means that the only driving force is gravity. If there is no hole in the vertical riser for air to pass through, the liquid will not flow down and will stop. To eliminate this situation, all risers have access to the roof and are open at the top. The outer part located on the roof surface is called an aerator. It ensures the removal of biogas and ventilation of the system. The incoming air does not allow the water to stop under the influence of its own elasticity. In addition, a hole in the top allows sewer gases to escape.

The section of the riser that faces the roof is called the fan pipe. The quality of operation of the entire riser and branches to apartments in a high-rise building or private house largely depends on its condition. If the drain pipe is clogged or blocked, the operation of the system is at risk of blockages that contribute to the accumulation of harmful gases.

Sewer pipe - responsible for ventilation and pressure in the sewer pipe, one of the important elements of the system

The autonomous sewage system of a private house, the main element of which is a septic tank, also requires a drain pipe. During the process of settling and processing wastewater in tanks, a large amount of gases is released, which is removed through aerators on the tanks themselves and on the roof of the house.

Problems with sewerage in the apartment

The cause of an unpleasant odor in the bathroom may be an incorrect connection of the sewer line to the central unit. Sewage, as a non-pressure system, functions due to the inclination of pipes. And if during the construction stage of the house mistakes were made when installing the wiring, the following problems may appear:

• failure of the water seal in the siphons of sinks, showers or bathtubs, which prevents the spread of odor from the sewer;
• burst or leaking pipes.

Important! Only the correct angle of inclination of sewer pipes will ensure normal operation of the sewer system in the apartment. For pipes with a diameter of 50 mm, the minimum slope is 0.025, normal is 0.035. For pipes with a diameter of 110 mm, the minimum slope is 0.012, normal is 0.02. The slope is calculated in centimeters per linear meter of pipe.

How to resolve the issue

Unfortunately, in this case, small means will not get rid of the problem. You can temporarily remove the smell by replacing the water seal or sealing the break. But sooner or later the problem will have to be radically solved. The efforts and resources in this case are estimated at the level of a major overhaul: you will have to tear off part of the tiles and re-install the sewer system.

Features of eliminating odor from a bathroom sink

The procedure for cleaning pipes in the bathroom is similar to flushing the sewer system in the kitchen. The peculiarities of eliminating sewer smell in the bathroom are other root causes of its occurrence. The reasons for the appearance of stench from the sewer in the bathroom can be:

• absence of water blockage with direct drainage;
• small volume of the drain element.

If the drain structure is connected according to all the rules, but the smell is still present, install a non-return air valve on the drain pipe, which will prevent fumes from the sewer from entering the drain.

Problems with the siphon (hydraulic seal)

All sinks, shower cabins, bathtubs and toilets are equipped with a siphon. It works on the principle of a water seal - a water plug that serves as a barrier to the penetration of odors from the sewer. If the siphon fails, a sewer smell may appear in the bathroom.

Causes of siphon malfunction and solutions

Incorrect installation

If the pipe in the sink or bathtub siphon is installed higher than necessary, this may cause the smell from the sewer to go over the water seal and penetrate into the room through the sink opening. It is necessary to place the pipe 2–3 cm below the water level so that the water seal can perform its task.

Lack of water in the siphon

This situation can occur after a long period of non-use of the sink or bathtub. It is enough to run running water for a few minutes and the siphon will fill. And if you plan to leave for a long time, you can pour 100–200 grams of vegetable oil into the sink drain hole. The oily film will prevent the water from evaporating, and an unpleasant odor will not appear in the bathroom.

Siphon clogged

To prevent odor from emerging from the drain hole, you need to periodically disassemble and clean the siphon.

The following available products are suitable for preventing blockages:

• Pour 4 tablespoons of soda into the drain and pour a glass of hot water;
• pour soda into the sink drain with half a glass of vinegar. Close the drain hole with a stopper so that the resulting foam works actively inside;
• Dissolve ½ cup of salt in ½ cup of hot water and pour into the drain. Wait 10 minutes and clean with a plunger.

Advice: it is not recommended to overuse specialized products to remove blockages, since the aggressive chemicals they contain corrode rubber seals at pipe joints.

Water seal failure

The water seal can be torn off due to a large slope of the sewer pipes, their diameter being too small, freezing or foreign objects getting into the drain pipe (ventilation riser). What to do:

• Install a siphon with a vent valve. The valve opens when the water drains and additional air enters the system.
• Clean the drain pipe. A clogged vent drain prevents air movement in the sewer system, and the outlet for unpleasant odors is your sink or bathtub drain. Utility workers must identify the cause of the clogged pipe and fix it as soon as possible.

Siphon defect

Any chipped thread or layering can cause the siphon to malfunction. Before purchasing, you need to check the siphon for defects.

Tip: When choosing a new siphon, choose a more complex device with an angular design that can hold the water seal better than a simple curved pipe design.

plunger

The effect of this plumbing fixture will be the same as that of a cable. But if the method described above is suitable for deep blockages, then a plunger will only remove dirt in the siphon.

For high-quality cleaning, it is necessary to place the plunger cap on the drain. After this, the hot water tap opens. The liquid should fill the sink by 5–10 cm. Next, the tap is closed and the plunger is moved up and down several times, after which it is sharply removed. This creates a strong draft that pulls the blockage out of the siphon. The final step is to thoroughly rinse the sink with hot water.

There is a plunger in almost every household. But, if you suddenly don’t have this useful device, you can use a juice carton. Its upper part is cut off, and the lower part is used as a plunger.

Sewer leakage or insufficient pipe sealing

The cause of the disgusting smell may be a pipe leak due to improper sewer wiring, chips or wear of the pipe.

What to do if the pipe is plastic:

Find the leak: inspect the joints and the entire length of the pipe.

If it leaks at the junction:

• clean the joint from dirt and cement;
• dry;
• wrap with a special winding;
• lubricate with sealant;
• Do not use the sewer for several hours.

If the leak area is along the length of the pipe, the best solution is to replace it. In the case of a plastic pipe, this is quick and inexpensive, and compromises in the form of clamps and gaskets are a temporary solution.

A small hole in a cast iron pipe can be sealed with an aluminum clamp and a piece of rubber. If the damage is severe, the section of pipe needs to be replaced.

Advice: if no leaks are found, to be completely sure and eliminate this cause of the unpleasant odor, it makes sense to reseal all the joints of the sewer pipes. To do this, you need to replace the rubber seals and treat the joints with sanitary silicone.

If there is a musty smell coming from the sink

If your sink smells musty, the siphon may be clogged or the fittings are not tightly connected and moisture is seeping into the holes, causing mold to appear.

To eliminate the smell, first check the drainage system for serviceability. If everything is fine, the next step is to unwind the siphon and check it for any accumulation of food debris. Be sure to wash the siphon components and reinstall it correctly. After installation, pour 1–2 liters of boiling water into the drain to flush the system.

If the smell of mold still remains, clean the drain with chemicals for flushing pipes or improvised substances: soda, vinegar or citric acid.

Insufficient bathroom ventilation

Poor ventilation is the cause of condensation on pipes, mold and unpleasant odors. The bathroom must be equipped with a forced ventilation hole. Decoratively designed holes at the bottom of the bathroom door will serve as an additional source of air and will also help get rid of moisture. Windows with micro-ventilation mode will significantly improve air circulation throughout the apartment. High humidity will be compensated and an unpleasant odor will not arise.

Periodically it is necessary to check the adequacy of the draft of the ventilation hole using the attached piece of paper: if the draft is good, the sheet is held on the grille. Otherwise, feel free to contact the Housing Office with a request to check the ventilation.

Installation of a home sink

The sink bowl is connected using an outlet and a 20 cm tube with a siphon.

Barrel-shaped siphon

A siphon is a curved pipe located under the sink bowl. This element is necessary in the design so that the water in it does not allow the smell from the sewer to rise up. The water seal creates a seal for odor from the riser, preventing it from entering the room.

A water seal is a water lock.

There are self-flushing (corrugated) and barrel-shaped (or flask) siphons. The latter have a removable element that can be removed and cleaned without disconnecting the siphon from the sink.

You may be interested in information on how to assemble a siphon

The water is drained through the pipe, but the last part of it always remains in the siphon elbow, which is shaped like an English S, to protect the fresh air in your home. Regardless of the siphon design, there is always water inside. The slightest violation of this principle will lead to the spread of stench in your home.

The water lock does not allow the smell to rise to the top

In what cases should you call a specialist?

Special situations require the intervention of a specialist. A professional, having experience and a special tool, will be able to fix the problem at a professional level.

It is necessary to contact specialists if:

• It is not possible to clean the ventilation shaft on your own;
• it is difficult to replace an old, unusable sewer pipe;
• Incorrect installation of a plumbing fixture needs to be corrected;
• install forced ventilation in the bathroom;
• remove hard-to-reach blockage at the distal end of the pipe.

The cost of the service depends on the specifics of the problem, the volume and complexity of the work, and the price list of a particular workshop. Calling a specialist can cost the owner from 500 to 5000 rubles.

Why is sewer smell dangerous?

Air from the sewer, entering an apartment or house, in addition to the disgusting smell, has a negative impact on the health of the people who inhale it. It is not for nothing that a person feels an aversion to certain aromas; this happens in cases where the substances emitting these odors can cause harm.

In this case, these are substances such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and methane. The strongest-smelling ones are ammonia and hydrogen sulfide; methane has no odor at all, but this does not make it any less harmful. If you breathe these gases constantly, the consequences will not be long in coming. The respiratory and nervous systems are primarily affected. A feeling of anxiety, a nervous breakdown, or in rare cases, fainting may occur for no reason.

TOP 3 special preparations for cleaning pipes

A large number of drugs are produced for sewer care . They have a complex effect - they remove blockages, disinfect and remove a specific unpleasant odor.

Domestos gel for removing blockages

The product is intended for cleaning pipes. The gel is suitable for cleaning sinks, showers and bathtubs. The drug eliminates unpleasant odors and disinfects. Contains chlorine and nonionic surfactants.

Application:

• pour 0.25 liters of product into the drain directly from the package;
• leave for 15 minutes;
• rinse with plenty of hot water.

The average price is about 300 rubles per bottle.

Tiret Professional

Tiret Professional gel is designed to restore the permeability of metal and plastic pipes and eliminate odor. The product has an antibacterial effect. Contains nonionic surfactants and chlorine. Manufacturer - Russian Federation.

Application:

1. Pour ½ bottle into the drain.
2. Leave for 5-15 minutes.
3. Rinse with plenty of water.

The average price is 420 rubles.

Mr.Muscle pellets

The drug is available in granular form. The main purpose of the product is to clean pipes and eliminate odors. Contains soda.

Application:

• pour the contents of the bag directly into the drain hole;
• pour in 1 glass of warm water;
• leave for half an hour;
• drain with plenty of water.

Each bag contains 70 grams of powder, which is enough to treat one drain hole. The average price is 90 rubles per sachet.

How often do you call a plumber?

• The wife fixes everything. 35%, 1348 votes
  1348 votes 35%

  1348 votes – 35% of all votes

• My husband fixes everything. 30%, 1174 votes

  1174 votes 30%

  1174 votes – 30% of all votes

• Everything fixes itself. 20%, 771 votes

  771 votes 20%

  771 votes – 20% of all votes

• From 1 year or more. 10%, 407 votes

  407 votes 10%

  407 votes – 10% of all votes

• Once a year. 5%, 187 votes

  187 votes 5%

  187 votes – 5% of all votes

Total votes: 3887

Votes: 3797

January 17, 2018

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Watching the car wash

In some cases, you can deal with the bad smell from the sewer on your own. Let's figure out when you can do without calling a specialist from technical services.

First, let's watch the washing machine in action. You should pass a large volume of the hottest water possible; if it flows well, does not stagnate, but the smell does not become weaker, try flushing the drains with home remedies (recipes are given below in the article) or products containing aggressive chemical compounds.

If the problem is deposits and fat that have begun to emit a putrid odor, then you can deal with it.

If cleaning the pipes did not help, then we will carefully examine the siphon and the pipes underneath it. All parts of the sewer system must be dry; if there is a leak somewhere, it must be repaired.

The pipes must be intact, without chips, all connections must be free of wet marks. There is a mess - fum or plumbing sealant will come to the rescue.

Plumbing sealants that are suitable for the kitchen:

• acrylic;
• silicone;
• silicone-acrylic.

The most popular are silicone sealants , they are optimal for the kitchen - they have excellent bonding properties, withstand temperature changes, and retain moisture well. The disadvantages include the cost of the product.

Acrylic sealants are durable and more affordable, but due to their lack of elasticity, seams can become depressurized over time. Therefore, it is better to choose another option, or to vigilantly monitor the condition of all sewerage elements.

Silicone-acrylic sealants , as the name implies, combine the best qualities of the above sealants.

If we open the tap and observe, we will notice that the water is slowly draining, standing in the sink, and we have a blockage.

Prevention

You can not only get rid of unpleasant smell from the sink, but also prevent it if you strictly follow simple rules:

• Clean the sewer pipes not only when an odor appears from the sink, but also regularly (monthly). Salt and soda should be used once a week. This sequence of processing allows you to maintain the relative cleanliness of plumbing fixtures.
• Never flush leftover food and tea leaves down the kitchen drain. They are the ones who clog the siphon.
• When going on vacation or a long business trip, you should take care of the condition of the plumbing by pouring oil (vegetable or machine) into the siphon. Volume – small glass. This will help avoid evaporation of moisture and drying out of pipes, which gives off a sewer “aroma.” When you return, you just need to rinse the drain with warm water and detergent.
• If it is necessary to replace pipes or a siphon, you should entrust the work to a specialist.
• Choosing new plumbing fixtures should also be done by a professional. You need to focus on ease of use and quality. It would be better if the siphon is removable. This does not require complete dismantling of the pipes for cleaning.

Cleaning the siphon yourself

This “disaster” does not necessarily require the presence of a plumber, since it is possible to eliminate the smell of sewerage in the bathroom, if the culprit is a siphon, without the help of a specialist. Cleaning is done in two ways. In the first case, disassembling it is not necessary, in the second it is necessary.

Cleaning the siphon at the “accident site”

The work consists of several stages.

1. Place a bucket under the siphon, then unscrew the sump, in which all the garbage accumulates.
2. The area with the water seal is washed under running water, thoroughly cleaned of debris, and the walls are treated with a sponge and a special product.
3. The element is put back in place and tightened tightly.

More often than not, this relatively simple operation is enough for the smell to disappear without a trace, but in some cases the elementary method does not help. Then you cannot do without drastic measures.

Option with system analysis

First, repeat the same steps as in the previous case.

1. After the water is drained from the water seal, they work on the pipe that connects the siphon to the sink (cabin).
2. To do this, unscrew the nut and dismantle the element. Both parts are thoroughly cleaned, then rinsed with hot water, wiped, and put back.

If the operation was completed successfully and all contaminants were removed, the bad smell will disappear without a trace. And regular prevention will help you forget about this problem forever.

Nothing helps: what to do?

Not in all cases, an unpleasant odor can be eliminated with homemade or special remedies. For some reasons, it will be necessary to carry out plumbing work.

Such circumstances include:

• incorrect installation;
• dried out gaskets;
• physical damage to the sewer drain system;
• airing of the entire riser.

The solution to the issue in this case is to repair the drain system, replace individual parts or the entire assembly.

To determine the source of improper sewerage operation, the best solution is to call a plumber . If the riser becomes airy, contact the company responsible for maintaining public communications.