Toilet Smells Like Sewage When Flushed – Complete Review
There’s nothing quite like the sewer smell from toilet. It’s a smell that’s hard to forget and one that’s often associated with dirty bathrooms and public restrooms. While the smell of sewage is certainly unpleasant, it’s also a sign that your toilet isn’t working properly.
What Causes the Smell of Sewage When You Flush the Toilet?
The smell of sewage when you flush the toilet is caused by the wastewater being processed in the sewage system. The wastewater is treated and then released back into the environment, and this is what causes the unpleasant smell. Now, here’s the list of possible causes of sewage smell in stinky toilets.
1. You don’t use it too often
When a toilet is not used often enough, it can start to smell like sewage. This is due to the fact that the water in the toilet bowl can start to stagnate, and this can cause bacteria to grow. The bacteria will release a smell that is similar to sewage.
If you start to notice a sewage smells coming from toilet, there are a few things that you can do to remedy the situation. The first thing that you can do is to make sure that you are flushing the toilet regularly. This will help to keep the water in the toilet bowl moving, and it will help to keep the bacteria at bay.
You can also try to clean the toilet bowl regularly. This can help to get rid of any bacteria that may be causing the smell. You can use a disinfectant cleaner to clean the toilet bowl.
2. Wax ring is broken
If you’re experiencing a sewage smell when you flush your toilet, there’s a good chance your wax ring is broken. The wax ring is a seal that sits between the toilet and the drain pipe, and it can break if the toilet is moved or if there’s too much movement in the floor. When the wax ring is broken, sewer gas can escape and make your bathroom stink.
3. Blockage in the toilet
If you’re experiencing toilet bowl smells each time you flush your toilet, you may have a blockage. When wastewater can’t flow freely through your pipes, it backs up and can cause unpleasant smells.
There are a few things you can do to try to fix the problem yourself. Start by trying to plunge the toilet to clear the blockage. If that doesn’t work, you can use a plumbing snake to clear the clog. If the smell persists after you’ve cleared the blockage, you may need to call a plumber to investigate the cause of the problem.
If you’re having regular problems with a sewage smell, it may be time to consider having your pipes professionally cleaned. A build-up of sludge and grease can cause blockages, so having your pipes cleaned regularly can help to prevent this from happening.
4. Your drainpipe is too small
If you have a small drainpipe, it’s likely that your toilet smells like sewage when flushed. This is because the wastewater isn’t able to flow out quickly enough, and it starts to back up and smell. There are a few things you can do to help prevent this from happening:
Install a toilet plunger and use it every time you flush to help push the wastewater out.
Clean the drainpipe regularly with a plunger or a snake to help remove any build-up that might be blocking the flow of wastewater.
Upgrade your drainpipe to a larger size to help increase the flow of wastewater.
5. Your overall plumbing is bad
If you have poor plumbing, your toilet may smell like sewage when flushed. This is because the sewage system is not able to handle the extra water, and the sewage backs up into the toilet.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent this from happening. First, make sure that you are not flushing anything down the toilet that is not supposed to be flushed. This includes diapers, wipes, and other sanitary items.
You can also try to reduce the amount of water that is used each time you flush the toilet. This can be done by installing a low-flow toilet or by using a water displacement device.
If you are still having problems with your toilet smelling like sewage, you may need to call a plumber to fix the problem.
Alternative Causes Of Sewer Smell
There are a number of reasons why your sewer gas/smell from toilet when not flushed might be happening, and each one will require a different solution. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Improper Ventilation
If your home is not properly ventilated, the sewer gas will build up and escape through any opening it can find, including the toilet. In this case you will have toilet smells even after cleaning. You can improve the ventilation in your home by opening windows and doors, installing exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen, and making sure the roof ventilation is adequate.
2. Broken Sewer Pipe
If your sewer pipe is broken, the wastewater will leak out and cause the smell. You will need to have the broken pipe repaired by a professional.
3. Bad Odors from the Septic Tank
If your home is on a septic system, the bad odors could be coming from the septic tank. This usually indicates that the tank needs to be cleaned or pumped.
4. Roots in the Sewer Pipe
If the sewer pipe is old or damaged, tree roots can grow into it and cause a blockage. You will need to have the pipe repaired or replaced by a professional.
5. Wrong Type of Sewer Pipe
If you have a newer home with PVC sewer pipe, and the smell is only happening when you flush the toilet, the problem could be that the wrong type of pipe was used. PVC sewer pipe is not designed to handle the waste from a toilet, so it can cause a smell. You will need to have the PVC pipe replaced with a type that is designed for toilets.
6. Cracked toilet Bowl
If the toilet bowl is cracked, the wastewater and sewer gas will leak out and cause the smell. You will need to have the toilet bowl replaced.
7. Bad bacteria in the toilet
If the toilet is not cleaned regularly, bad bacteria can grow and cause the smell. You will need to clean the toilet regularly and use a disinfectant to kill the bacteria.
Why Newly Installed Toilet Smells like Sewage
There are a few reasons why a newly installed toilet might smell like sewage. One reason might be that the toilet was not properly installed. Another reason might be that there is a blockage in the sewer line.
If the toilet was not properly installed, then the problem might be with the seal around the toilet. If the seal is not properly installed, then it might allow sewer gas to escape. This gas can cause the toilet to smell like sewage.
If there is a blockage in the sewer line, then the sewage might back up into the toilet, which causes the smell.
If you are experiencing this problem, then you should contact a plumber to investigate the cause of the smell.
How to Eliminate Toilet Sewer Odor?
There are a few things you can do to help eliminate toilet sewer odor in your home. One is to ensure that your toilet is properly ventilated. Another is to make sure that the seal around the toilet is in good condition and that there is no water leakage. You can also pour a cup of baking soda down the toilet each week to help absorb any odors. If the odor is still present, you may need to call a plumber to investigate the source of the smell.
1. Use the toilet more frequently
If toilet stays too long without flushing, sewer gases will come back up. So make sure to flush it every time you use it, especially if it’s been sitting for a while.
2. Ventilation is key
The toilet must have proper ventilation in order to allow sewer gases to escape. If the odor is coming from the toilet, it’s likely that it’s not getting enough ventilation. You can install a vent fan in the bathroom to help with this, or you can open a window when the fan is on.
3. Check the seal
If the seal around the toilet is not in good condition, water can leak out and cause the smell to come back up. You can check the seal yourself by removing the lid of the toilet tank and looking for water on the floor. If you find water, you will need to replace the seal.
4. Pour baking soda down the toilet
Baking soda is a great way to absorb odors. You can pour a cup of baking soda down the toilet each week to help eliminate the smell.
5. Call a plumber
If the odor is still present after trying these tips, you may need to call a plumber to investigate the source of the smell. There may be a problem with the plumbing that needs to be fixed.
Advice On Preventing the Sewer Smell
There are many ways that you can prevent the sewer smell from your toilet. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain
This is a great way to clear out any built-up gunk and help prevent the sewer smell from your toilet.
2. Use a toilet cleaner
There are many different types of toilet cleaners on the market. Pick one that fits your needs and use it according to the instructions.
3. Flush with vinegar
If you don’t have a toilet cleaner handy, you can always use vinegar. Pour a pot of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, flush with hot water.
4. Use a plunger
If the sewer smell is coming from your toilet, it might be because there is something blocking the drain. Try using a plunger to clear the blockage.
5. Check your plumbing
If you’ve tried all of the tips mentioned above and the sewer smell is still coming from your toilet, it might be time to call a plumber. There might be a problem with your plumbing that needs to be fixed.
FAQ
Why does my toilet smell like sewage when I flush it?
A sewage smell in your toilet can be caused by a number of issues, including a clog in the drainage system, a problem with the septic tank, or a broken pipe.
How can I fix a sewage smell in my toilet?
If your toilet smells like sewage when you flush it, you may need to call a plumber to investigate and fix the problem.
What should I do if my toilet smells like sewage all the time?
If your toilet smells like sewage all the time, it may be a sign that there is a more serious problem with your drainage system or septic tank. You should call a plumber to investigate and fix the problem.
What can I do to prevent my toilet from smelling like sewage?
You can prevent your toilet from smelling like sewage by keeping the drainage system clear of clogs, maintaining the septic tank, and repairing any broken pipes.
Conclusion
It is always unpleasant when your toilet smells like sewage, especially when it is flushed. This unpleasant smell can be caused by a number of things, but thankfully, there are some tips and ideas that can help prevent it. By following these tips, you can help keep your toilet smelling fresh and clean.
Gerald Carpenter
My name is Gerald Carpenter and I am a professional plumber in the third generation. My father was a plumber, my grandfather was a plumber. I wish I had records on my other ancestors.
