A guide to common plumbing odors

Sanitary smells are unpleasant to say the least. Whether they come from the sink, toilet, shower, or garbage disposal, these smells can stop you. Fortunately, many common bathroom odors are easy to fix. Below are common problems and tips to help you say goodbye to bad smells in your home.

Sewer gas smell in the bathroom

Problem: The smell of sewer gas can turn your head when you least expect it and turn your bathroom into a smelly mess. The smell, which is similar to rotten eggs or gasoline, can be caused by small problems like cracks or leaks that allow the gases to escape into the air. Damage to a toilet wax ring and base, or bacterial growth in the drains are two of the most common causes of the odor of sewage gas in the bathroom.

Fix: Replace the wax ring or reseal the toilet floor. Do not use chemical drain cleaners, enzyme-based cleaners, or baking soda and vinegar for bacteria to grow. Another option is hydro spray, a powerful jet of water that cleans the pipes at high pressure.

Sink smells like rotten eggs

Damon Bromagem is vice president of residential sales and services for Chas Roberts A / C and Plumbing.

Problem: If the bad smells are coming from your sink, the first thing to do is to check the sink overflow. This is a hole that is either under or across from the faucet. It tends to build up bacteria, soap scum, and hair that can clog and create bad smells.

Fix: To clean the overflow of your sink, you can clean the hole with a small bottle brush and wipe off any debris. Or you can mix a solution of half chlorine bleach and half water to remove dirt with ease.

If the sink in question is seldom used, run some water down the drain and see if the odor subsides. During normal use, the P-trap will hold water under the sink to prevent sewage gas odors from entering your home. However, if the sink has not been used for a long time, the water dries out and the smells can penetrate unhindered.

Garbage disposal smells

Problem: The first thing that needs to be addressed is the splash guard for disposal. This is the black rubber part that you see if you look directly into the disposal. The bottom of the splash guard is a food waste and bacteria magnet that creates bad smells.

Fix: To clean the splash guard, take a clean cloth and turn the splash guard over. Scrub away any dirt you find, then rinse it off with hot water.

To prevent your garbage disposal from stinking all over your kitchen, grab fresh lemon, lime, or orange peel and throw it away when you turn it on.

Another option would be to pour ¼ cup of baking soda down the drain and then let it sit for about 10 minutes. Follow him with a cup of vinegar. Make sure the drain hole is covered to prevent bubbles from coming out. Let the mixture bubble and work for a few minutes. Then turn on the water and run the disposal to clean up leftover food.

Water smells like sulfur

Problem: Water that smells of sulfur is not necessarily dangerous, but it can negatively affect the taste. If the sulfur smell is only coming from the hot side of the faucet, your water heater may be to blame. If the odor is coming from both sides of the faucet, the problem could be with your plumbing or the source of your water.

Fix: Water filtration can improve the smell, taste, and color of your tap water.

Finally

It is impossible to ignore the smell of plumbing. Instead of masking the smells with scented sprays and candles, there are often simple solutions, but if the smell persists, give a plumber a call. Chas Roberts A / C & Plumbing is a family business that has been in the valley for over 75 years. www.chasroberts.com.

Damon Bromagem is vice president of residential sales and services for Chas Roberts A / C and Plumbing. He brings more than 15 years of industry and management experience to the company.

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