A stinky toilet is the last thing you want in your house. After all, it is embarrassing and outright disgusting. Suppose that you invite guests over and they ask to use the toilet. They come back complaining that the toilet smells like sewage. Wouldn’t you be embarrassed? Of course, you will. The sewage-like smell is typical even if you spend a considerable amount of time cleaning products on the toilet. That is because the odor is not due to a lack of cleaning but something else entirely.
Why Does My Toilet Smell Like Poop? – Top Reasons
There are several reasons why my toilet smells like poop, and we will go through them in detail.
Reason 1: Unused Toilet
Suppose that you have a guest toilet that is only used when guests come over. In that case, water in the bowl will evaporate and allow various gases to escape. The gases will stink up the toilet, resulting in a poop-like smell.
Reason 2: Clogged Drain
Another reason why does my toilet smell like sewage is a clogged drain. If you keep flushing products that are not meant for the drain, you will eventually clog the drain. When a drain is clogged, the waste is not going into the sewers. Resultantly, the whole washroom will stink of poop.
Reason 3: Crack in the Toilet
If the water level is lower than it should be, it might indicate a crack in the bowl. When this happens, sewer gases can escape, resulting in a bad odor.
Reason 4: Bacteria
Even if you clean your toilet frequently, bacteria can grow in areas like the pipes and the water tank. The bacteria will stink up the bathroom and harm your health in the long term. Therefore, getting rid of it must be your top priority.
Reason 5: Broken Seal
The base of the toilet is kept in its place with the help of a sea. It also prevents water from escaping into the washroom. When the seal is compromised, the water will escape and cause a poop-like smell.
Reason 6: Mould Build-up
Why does my toilet smell like sewage even though I clean it regularly? The answer is mold which can build up under the rim, a place many people forget to clean.
How to Get Rid of the Toilet Smell?
There are several things that you can try to ensure that your toilet smells clean.
Solution to Reason 1
If your toilet stinks because you don’t use it regularly, just flush it a couple of times. It will get clean water back into the bowl and prevent the sewer gases from escaping.
Solution to Reason 2
If it is a minor clog, you can clear it with a plunger. We recommend wearing gloves while using the plunger. Give it 10-15 firm thrusts and flush again. If the flush works like before, it means that the clog is clear. If it does not, it indicates a severe clog. For this, you will need a drain snake. It is a device with a long pipe and blades at the end. You insert it into the toilet and turn it on. The blades will cut through the clog and open the drain. If it does not work, you will need to call a professional plumbing service. Before finalising their services, make sure to compare quotes from at least 4 plumbers. After that, negotiate for discounts. Lastly, make sure that you check their reviews.
Solution to Reason 3
If there is a crack above the waterline, it is easy to fix. All you need to do is apply silicone plumbing epoxy to the crack and let it dry. Before doing so, turn off the water and make sure that the bowl is dry. Otherwise, the silicone will not stick. Once you apply the silicone, even it out and let it dry out. After that, you can use the toilet just like before. If the crack is below the waterline, you might have to replace the bathroom altogether. However, talk to a plumber before doing so as they can give you better advice after an inspection.
Solution to Reason 4
Open the water tank’s lid and add bleach. Let it mix for a while, and then flush. It will clear the smell.
Solution to Reason 5
Ask your plumber to replace the seal as it is something that you should not do yourself.
Solution to Reason 6
Use a brush to clean the parts under the rim. You may use bleach or vinegar for the best results.
FAQs
Why does my toilet smell bad even after cleaning it regularly?
Persistent bad odors in your toilet, despite regular cleaning, can be caused by several factors. The most common reasons include a dirty toilet bowl, a clogged or malfunctioning sewer line, or a damaged wax ring seal beneath the toilet. Additionally, inadequate bathroom ventilation can also trap odors.
What causes sewer-like smells in my bathroom when I flush the toilet?
A sewer-like smell when flushing the toilet may indicate a sewer line problem. It could be due to a blocked or damaged sewer pipe, allowing gases to escape into your bathroom. In such cases, it’s essential to contact a plumber to inspect and repair the sewer line.
Why does my toilet smell like urine, even though it’s clean?
If your toilet smells like urine, it may be due to urine residue accumulating in hard-to-reach areas around the toilet, such as under the rim and around the base. During regular cleaning, make sure you thoroughly clean these hidden spots to prevent the odor from lingering.
How can I prevent my toilet from developing unpleasant odors?
To prevent unpleasant odors in your toilet:
- Clean the toilet regularly and thoroughly, focusing on hard-to-reach areas.
- Use toilet bowl fresheners or drop-in tablets to maintain a fresh scent.
- Ensure proper ventilation in the bathroom to prevent odors from lingering.
- Fix any leaks or issues with the toilet promptly to prevent water damage and odor buildup.
Can a dry P-trap cause my toilet to smell bad?
Yes, a dry P-trap can cause foul smells to emanate from your toilet. The P-trap is a U-shaped bend in the plumbing that traps water, preventing sewer gases from entering your bathroom. If the P-trap dries out due to infrequent use, it loses its sealing effect, allowing odors to enter your bathroom. To remedy this, run water in the sink or tub periodically to replenish the water in the P-trap and maintain the seal.
Conclusion
Toilet smells can arise from various sources, including inadequate cleaning, sewer line issues, damaged seals, and mold growth. The best way to get rid of these odors is by regularly cleaning, ventilating, and maintaining your equipment. If persistent smells persist or are accompanied by other problems, seeking the assistance of a professional plumber is recommended to ensure a fresh and odor-free bathroom environment.
