For early civilizations, toilets were nothing more than a pit in the ground. They were smelly and dangerous to public health. Fortunately, modern toilets have evolved to improve function, sanitation, and smell. You do your business, you flush the toilet, and you leave without a trace. Users should not worry about a stench as long as everything is working well. If you detect a foul smell when you flush, or if your toilet smells like sewage, then something has probably gone wrong within the system. This kind of problem is hard to ignore as the toilet odor will attack your senses every time you go inside.
Why Does It Smell When I Flush The Toilet?
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Below, we take a look at some of the common causes:
Water Evaporation
Most people assume that water’s only role during flushing is to help the waste go down. However, it actually has a secondary purpose: to act as a barrier between the sewer gases and the home. That is the reason for the curved design of the toilet bowl. The liquid is a temporary seal that slowly evaporates over time. This isn’t usually a problem since it gets replenished with each flush. But what if you go on a long holiday and leave the house unoccupied? You might return to a smelly toilet because the water has dried up. Flush immediately to see if the stench dissipates.
Pets
Pets will take matters into their own hands when they get hungry or thirsty. If you don’t give them what they need, then they might knock off the garbage bin and feed off the scraps. Some might even go to the toilet and drink straight from the bowl. After all, it is low to the ground and highly accessible. This is problematic as it might make them ill. They can also drink so much water that the bowl becomes nearly dry. Simple solutions include covering the bowl with the toilet seat and providing an alternative such as a pail or dish of water nearby.
Sewer Organisms
Sometimes the problem is not due to sewer gas escaping upwards but bacteria sticking to the surfaces. They are too small to see individually but their colony can multiply and cause discoloration around the bowl. You can also sense them through the smell they give off. It’s awfully similar to sewer gas so people can mistake one for the other. Check the bowl to see if it’s dry. If not, then consider the possibility of bacteria being the culprit. Perhaps it’s time to give the toilet a good scrub. Use thin long brushes that can get into tight spaces. Use bleach or other cleaners that can kill the microorganisms.
Clogged Drain
Drains are vital in indoor spaces that accumulate a lot of water like the toilet and shower. They provide a path for the liquid to follow until it reaches the sewers. However, this system doesn’t work flawlessly all the time. In fact, clogged drains are fairly common due to the presence of hair, oil, soap suds, plastic bits, and other things that could block the way. Water gets trapped which is a problem since bacteria is drawn to moisture. This can soon produce a stench that permeates the home. Sometimes clogs are easy to spot but other times they occur so deep in the pipes that you need a professional to find it. Call a plumber in this situation for fast relief.
Cracked Toilet
Toilets can seem like hardy fixtures that can last for generations. While some might indeed last for a long time, they will inevitably run into problems such as cracks and other forms of damage. This will only get worse over the years. If their structural integrity is compromised, then their carrying capacity will fall. They might simply give way when someone sits on them causing injuries and creating a mess. If the crack appears at the base, then sewer gas can escape. This can also become a breeding ground for bacteria. Getting a replacement toilet is inevitable. This is a complex undertaking so call a professional plumber for the installation.
Broken Wax Seal
The base of the toilet is sealed with wax as an added precaution against liquid and gas leaks. If the seal is somehow broken due to faulty installation or aging, then you could have a smelly problem on your hands. Every flush can let out a rush of sewer gas from the pipes. Have a plumber take can of this as soon as possible.
P-trap Leak
We have already discussed how important water is in stopping the rise of gas from the sewers. Evaporation and thirsty pets are not the only things that can cause dryness. The P-trap at the base of the toilet may develop a leak that prevents it from holding water. This is difficult to access so be sure to call the professionals for an immediate fix.
Call Robinson Plumbing For All Of Your Plumbing Requirements
Contact Robinson Plumbing, one of the most trusted plumbing companies in the Lehigh Valley, for reliable plumbing services. We have lots of plumbing services ranging from toilet repairs and replacements, faucet upgrades, water leak repairs, clogged drain repairs, and more. We always give a wide range of solutions when possible for any plumbing repairs. This allows you to choose the best options for your budget and home.
We proudly offer the most affordable and best plumbing services in the Lehigh Valley area. Our plumbers all have the proper licenses and expertise to ensure your satisfaction. All of our work comes with a guarantee. Contact Robinson Plumbing today and schedule your free estimate.
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