How do you get the smell out of bathroom drains?

Author: Ellie Koepp  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Boiling water poured into the drain is a quick cleanser for minor odors. A baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water combo can add extra power for breaking up the buildup in your drain's pipes. Periodically adding baking soda down your drain can keep the sink fresh and odor-free.

How to get rid of smelly drains in bathroom?

One approach is to first pour a cup of baking soda and then a cup of white vinegar down the drain. After letting the mixture set for 15 to 20 minutes, run hot water into the drain to clear it. Utilizing a solution of one part water and one part chlorine bleach is another option.

Why is there a strange smell coming from my bathroom drain?

Problem #1: Biofilm from a clogged or dirty drain

If so, that smell is the buildup of bacteria and decomposing debris inside your drain called “biofilm.” And that bacteria emits a sticky, glue-like substance that allows them to stick to almost any surface.

How do I stop my bathroom from smelling like sewer?

Clean the Drains: Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drains, followed by hot water. This can help eliminate any organic material causing the smell. Check for Leaks: Inspect all plumbing fixtures for leaks, which can lead to mold growth and odors. If you find any leaks, they should be repaired promptly.

How to fix a smelly sewer drain?

How to Fix Stinky Drains for Good
  1. Run the disposal for 20 seconds every time you dispose of food down the kitchen sink.
  2. Pour a gallon of near-boiling water down the drain once a week.
  3. Occasionally run the water in rarely used sinks to keep the P-trap full of water. Adding mineral oil slows evaporation.

How to clean a smelly drain in shower or sink

Why should you never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

Baking soda is abrasive, which, when used in large quantities, will cause the drain more damage. Additionally, the acidic nature of vinegar can eat away rubber and metal, damaging the plumbing. As these products break down the pipe and connectors in the plumbing in your home, it will cause more clogs over time.

What kills sewer odor?

You can also add a mixture of baking soda and vinegar along with hot water to help get rid of the odor. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain followed by one cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 to 15 mins and flush with hot water. After this you should have an odorless clean drain!

Why does my bathroom smell like sewer but no leak?

A sewer gas smell in the bathroom can be caused by:

evaporation of water in the P-trap piping. broken seal around the toilet in the wax ring or the caulk. A burst pipe. tree's roots have grown into or have caused damage to your sewer pipes.

How do I get rid of a strong smell in my bathroom?

Baking Soda
  1. Pour fresh baking soda into a small bowl, decorative tub, or a wide-mouth jar.
  2. Leave it sitting in your bathroom out in the open without a lid or cover.
  3. Change the baking soda out frequently for best results—at least once a month.
  4. More frequent changes may be necessary for particularly stubborn smells.

Will caulking a toilet stop sewer smell?

In addition, urine and water can get under your toilet and cause further damage. Apply caulking to form a protective coating around your toilet base and combat bad odors.

Why does my drain smell but not clogged?

Even in cases where the drain isn't obstructed, these odours frequently result from the following factors: Bacterial growth: Inside your drain, there are bacteria that feed on organic matter. Static water can build up in the P-trap, the U-shaped pipe beneath the drain, when the bathroom fixture doesn't run for a while.

How to find where sewer smell is coming from?

Consider everything that ends up in your drains, especially if you use a lot of products and have a lot of family members using your drains. Other causes of sewer gas odors in your home include a dry P-trap, a loose toilet, or a clogged drain. Another cause of sewer gas could be blocked or clogged vent pipes.

Why does my bathroom stink even after I clean it?

4. Leaky or Damaged Pipes. Cracks or leaks in pipes can release sewer gases into the bathroom. If there's a hidden leak under the floor or behind the walls, the smell may worsen over time as gases escape through the damaged areas.

Will bleach clean a stinky drain?

To use bleach to kill odor-causing bacteria, first, fill your sink with hot water. Then, add about one cup of regular household bleach to the sink. After you've added the bleach, allow the sink to drain. Repeat the process until the drain smells more like bleach than anything else.

Can I leave Mr. Muscle drain Gel overnight?

Using innovative drain unblocking technology, Mr Muscle's new biodegradable formula delivers the power to unclog bathroom drains in just 5 hours. Use it at night, let it work its magic and wake up to freely flowing drains.

How to clean bathroom drains?

Cream of Tartar and Boiling Water

Simply mix ¼ cup of salt, ¼ cup of baking soda, and 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar together. Pour the mixture into the bathroom sink drain. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then pour more boiling hot water through the drain.

How to stop a bathroom drain from smelling?

If you have a push-and-pull drain, unscrew it by rotating it counterclockwise. Also, keep some boiled water handy ( five to ten quarts) and gently pour it down the drain. The water will moisten the clog, and once that is done, pour a cup of distilled white vinegar into the smelly drain.

How to tell if a P-trap is dry?

Identifying a Dry P-Trap

Here are the signs to look out for: Persistent sewer gas odours near sinks or floor drains. Drains that gurgle or make unusual sounds. Infrequently used fixtures, such as guest bathrooms or utility sinks, are familiar places for dry P-traps.

How to stop sewer smell in bathroom?

How to Get Rid of Sewer Smell in Bathroom?
  1. Ensure Proper Ventilation.
  2. Clean Your Sink and Toilet Thoroughly.
  3. Refill the Water Trap in Your Sink.
  4. Inspect and Repair Damaged Pipes.
  5. Clear Blockages in the Sewer Line.
  6. Use Natural Remedies and DIY Solutions.
  7. Long-Term Solutions and Prevention.

How do I find the source of a bathroom smell?

What Makes a Bathroom Smell?
  1. Sewer Gas Leaks. If the smell of rotten eggs lingers in your bathroom, you might be dealing with a sewer gas leak. ...
  2. Clogged Drains. ...
  3. Leaky Pipes. ...
  4. Dry P-Trap. ...
  5. Poor Ventilation. ...
  6. Fix Leaks. ...
  7. Clear Clogs. ...
  8. Improve Ventilation.

How to get rid of poop smell in bathroom fast?

Fragrant hand lotion: Apply it liberally to your hands then wave your hands in the air. Some people go so far as to squirt a bit of lotion into the commode. Hair spray: The heavier the fragrance, the better when it comes to this emergency air freshener. Again, a puff in the air and one in the toilet works wonders.

How to stop sewer smell from vent pipe?

How to Stop Sewer Smell From Vent Pipe?
  1. Identifying the Source of Sewer Gas Smell.
  2. Repair or Replace Damaged Plumbing Connections.
  3. Check Floor Drains and New Plumbing to Remove Odor.
  4. Clean and Deodorize Drains.
  5. Using Odor Absorbers for Sewer Gas Smell.
  6. Ventilate Your Home.
  7. Call a Professional Help for Sewer Gas Smell.

How do you fix a smelly P-trap?

To eliminate odors coming from a dry p-trap, pour half a gallon of water into the trap to restore the barrier. It will prevent the odors from seeping through the drain. Another helpful method is to add a cup of white vinegar bleach to get rid of larvae and slow down the evaporation.

Will sewer smell go away on its own?

However, sometimes a smell will not go away, no matter how many times you clean your bathroom. A sewer gas smell from your toilet can indicate a serious plumbing issue. Many potential factors can cause a bathroom to smell like a sewer.

Will lime clean up sewage?

If the sewage spill is minor:

Liberally sprinkle garden lime until the affected area is covered in white dust. If sewage is thicker in certain areas, mix in lime with a rake or a spade. Let lime-covered areas stand for 24 hours.

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