Do you walk into your bathroom and immediately smell an unpleasant odour? You're not alone. Many homeowners struggle with smelly bathrooms, and it's important to identify the cause of the smell so you can take steps to get rid of it. In this artic, we'll take a look at some of the most common bathroom smells and what causes them.
Bad Smells from Your Toilet
If you’re noticing unpleasant odours in your bathroom, chances are they’re coming from your toilet. Toilet smells usually occur when urine and waste have collected in the bowl or drain and have begun to decompose. This is especially true if your toilet doesn't get used very often, as the water evaporates and the debris left behind begins to rot and create an unpleasant smell. To combat this, be sure to flush your toilet regularly and use a toilet cleaning brush to help keep the bowl and drain clean. If you’ve tried these solutions and still notice bad odours, it may be time to call a plumber for further assistance.
Musty or mouldy smells
Musty or mouldy smells in your bathroom can be quite unpleasant, but they can also be an indication of something more serious. These odours can be caused by the growth of mould and mildew due to high humidity levels in the room. Poor ventilation and excess moisture can also contribute to this problem. To tackle the smell and get rid of the mould and mildew, you’ll need to address the underlying cause. You can do this by using dehumidifiers to reduce the humidity, using exhaust fans to help remove humidity from the air, using an odour remover and cleaning frequently with a mildew cleaner. If you have a larger issue with mould or mildew, you may need to call in a professional.
Rotten egg smells
One of the most unpleasant odours to come from your bathroom can be a rotten egg smell. This is often caused by hydrogen sulphide, which is produced when bacteria break down organic material in your pipes. Hydrogen sulphide gas is flammable and can corrode metal, so it’s important to address this issue immediately.
The main culprit behind this smell is usually your water heater. If the anode rod inside the water heater is not working correctly or needs to be replaced, then the hydrogen sulphide gas can escape and cause the smell. You may also notice brown staining on fixtures if this is the case. In some cases, the sulphur smell can come from a clogged drain or sewer pipe, or even a septic tank that needs to be emptied.
If you suspect any of these issues are causing the smell, it’s best to call a plumber for help. They can identify and fix any underlying problems that could be causing the smell. Additionally, adding an odour-reducing additive to your water heater can help reduce the smell of hydrogen sulphide gas.
Ammonia smells
If you’ve ever had a strong ammonia smell in your bathroom, it can be quite unpleasant. This type of smell is often due to urine. Urine contains urea, which breaks down into ammonia when it reacts with the bacteria in your bathroom.
If your toilet and drain pipes are sealed properly, urine shouldn't escape into the air and cause this smell. However, if you're noticing an ammonia smell coming from the bathroom, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the sealant. You should get a plumber to check it out as soon as possible.
Another potential cause of ammonia smells in the bathroom could be improper ventilation. If your bathroom isn’t getting enough airflow, it can trap odours from cleaning products and other items inside. Installing an exhaust fan or opening the window can help prevent this.
If you suspect that your ammonia smell is coming from an animal or pet, then you need to clean up after them immediately. Don’t let the smell linger - use an enzyme-based cleaner that will neutralise the smell. A product like Nature's Miracle will help to eliminate any lingering odours.
No one wants a smelly bathroom, and ammonia smells are especially noxious. If you’re experiencing this kind of smell in your bathroom, take the time to identify and address the root cause. That way, you can eliminate the smell for good and keep your bathroom smelling fresh and clean.
