Why does my bathroom smell like sewage?

There are many reasons your bathroom might smell like sewage, but the most common is a lack of water in your P-trap. When the water in that U-shaped pipe evaporates, there is nothing to stop gases from the municipal sewer line from entering your home. Other common causes include a broken toilet seal or a blocked roof vent.

How do you get rid of a sewer smell?

To get rid of a sewer smell caused by a lack of water in your P-trap, you can run water into the sink or shower for a few minutes to restore the seal. If the smell persists, it usually indicates a deeper mechanical issue like a leak, a clog, or a broken seal that requires professional diagnosis and repair. We use tools like smoke testing and camera inspections to find the exact source.

Is a sewage smell in a bathroom dangerous?

Sewage releases toxic hydrogen sulfide gas that can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and dizziness. While it is unlikely that a standard household odor will release enough gas to be immediately life-threatening, long-term exposure is not healthy. Furthermore, sewer gas contains methane, which can be flammable in high concentrations. It is always best to address the odor immediately.

Why does my shower water smell like sewer gas?

If you notice a "rotten egg" smell, especially when the water is running, it is likely due to bacterial growth in your drains or water heater. When hair, soap scum, and organic waste accumulate in pipes, bacteria grow and produce gases such as sulfur. In some cases, it can also indicate high sulfur content in the water, which may require a filtration solution.

How do I fix a clogged drain?

While minor clogs can sometimes be moved with a plunger, persistent clogs that cause odors require professional intervention. We recommend avoiding chemical cleaners and instead opting for professional drain snaking or hydro-jetting. These methods remove the entire blockage rather than just poking a hole in it, ensuring the smell and the backup do not return.

Why does the smell get worse in the summer or after it rains?

In the summer, higher temperatures can accelerate the decomposition of organic matter in the drains, making odors more pungent. After heavy rain, the city's sewer system can experience increased pressure, which may push gases through vulnerable points in your home's plumbing if your venting is not functioning perfectly.

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Testimonials from our clients

Excellent

Dr.Pipe Drain and Plumbing4.9

Based on 131 reviews

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Danny D

1 month ago

Did excellent job when clearing my bathroom sink even cleaned

Response from the owner:Thank you Danny for your business. Sincerely, Max and Elvis

Lisa Wilson

1 month ago

Elvis put a cap on our leaking laundry tub primer line. He explained alternatives and related maintenance. Dr. Pipe and staff are always professional and patiently present alternatives.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Lisa Wilson, for sharing your review. It's very precious for us to hear feedback from our clients. Contact us any time if you need plumbing service. Sincerely, Dr. Pipe.

Joseph Amalraj

1 month ago

Excellent job done by Elvis in fixing bidet ; it was complicated as the pipe ends were of different sizes.

Response from the owner:Hi Joseph. Thank you for your business. Sincerely, Max and Elvis

Shelly Candel

2 months ago

Omg. Fantastic service. Outstanding quality of work.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business, Shelly Candel. Let us know if you need more plumbing services. Sincerely, Dr. Pipe.

vito santacroce

2 months ago

We had a shut off valve replacement done, due to the old one leaking. Elvis came out and was so professional. He wasted no time in getting the job done quickly. Thank you to Ron and Dr.pipe for having these professionals working for you. Great Job!!

Response from the owner:Thank you, Vito Santacroce, for your business and review. Call us any time if you need plumbing service. Sincerely, Dr. Pipe.

Mika

3 months ago

Very happy with the work that I done today to fix some issues that were causing a nuisance. Elvis did an amazing job. He was prompt, thorough, kind and explained his process in detail which I appreciate very much as a first time home owner who doesn't know a whole lot about plumbing/home repairs. Would highly recommend and I'm keeping the contact information saved in case of future needs (I hope that won't be the case) Thanks Elvis!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Mika, for such a great review. It was a pleasure for us to read it! Thanks for the recommendations as well.

Will Wong

3 months ago

Had a clog in the pipe under my kitchen sink. Elvis was very nice and informative in explaining the situation on what the issue was and how to further prevent it in the future. The service to fix the problem was quick and not a big mess. Highly recommended.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your positive review. Let us know if we can help you. Sincerely, Dr. Pipe.

G Smart

4 months ago

I am beyond happy with the toilet replacement service done by Elvis! He was very nice, explained everything. It's an old house, so not 100% standard and required some elbow grease. He put in a great effort, not just with the replacement, but cleaning the area, and dealing with some tricky parts. The price was also very fair. I would definitely recommend or call again. Thank you, Elvis!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for the good review. Let us know if you need more plumbing work. Sincerely, Max and Elvis

Cheryl Wallach

4 months ago

Elvis was great! He came the same day and fixed everything so quickly. Highly recommend

Response from the owner:Hi Cheryl. Thank you for your business. Always pleasure to work for you. Sincerely, Max and Elvis

Kobra

5 months ago

Can’t say enough good things about this company. Professional, courteous, and really good at what they do. Most importantly, they do professional work for a reasonable rate, unlike most plumbers in town. Add these guys to your Rolodex and forget the rest.

Response from the owner:Kobra, thank you for sharing your positive review! It's very important for us to read such great words. It was a pleasure to help you. Always yours, Dr. Pipe.

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