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Read More...A stinky bathroom is usually a bathroom that was recently used. Turn on the ventilator or open a window and the smell should go away. If you shut off the ventilator and close the window only to witness the odors return, then it is time to do some investigating. You should not have to hold your nose while you shower or get ready for the day. In this article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Blair County, we will go over a couple of reasons why your bathroom or shower may be reeking. We will also review how to address these causes. If you need a plumber’s assistance, then feel free to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing any time.
Biofilm Buildup
Biofilm is a thin layer of bacteria or other microorganisms. Biofilm can grow on many different surfaces from the surface of your teeth to the surfaces in your bathroom and even within the shower drains. Though biofilm is a thin layer that can be hard to spot, its effects can be foul odors hard to ignore. Fortunately, you do not have to see the biofilm to get rid of it.
Open your doors and windows for ventilation and put on protective gear including gloves, goggles, and a mask. Mix one cup of bleach into a gallon of water and pour this solution into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on surfaces you suspect have biofilm on them and allow it to set in. Scrub rough surfaces with a stiff brush before rinsing the surfaces with clean water and allowing them to air dry.
You can also pour this solution into your shower drain and bathroom sinks to tackle biofilm that may be building up in the drains. You can also pour one cup of baking soda down these drains and follow it with a cup of white vinegar. Once the fizzing dies down, you can flush with hot water.
Faulty or Damaged P-Trap
The P-trap is a U-shaped plumbing fixture found in the drains. The P-trap holds a small amount of water and the purpose of this part of the plumbing is to trap sewer gases and prevent them from rising back up into the living space.
If you have not used the respective drain in a while, it is possible for the water in the P-trap to evaporate and allow gases to escape. Luckily, running some water into the drain will refill the P-trap and make the smell go away.
If filling the P-trap with water does not help, however, then the P-trap might be leaking water. In this case, you will need to have that P-trap repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Otherwise, the smell will continue and you will risk water damage in your home.
Foul odors are going to be the least of your problems if you have damaged plumbing. Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to arrange a plumbing repair before small issues spiral into big problems. We are always ready to help.