You might also have a cracked, broken, or otherwise failing toilet flange. And that could mean that urine is accumulating and reeking from the base of your toilet and that sewer gas fumes are rising and escaping through the flange. Yikes!
Deep clean drains
And if the source of the urine smell is your drain, that should be a simple fix. Clear anything stuck in the drain catcher, even if it's a big, wet, gross clump of hair. Flush the drain with near-boiling water and Dawn Dish Soap. You can also use a ready-made drain declogger product here.
Even the cleanest homeowners occasionally encounter this toilet problem – an obnoxious odour that leaves you asking, “why does my toilet smell?” These toilet smells can come from an unused toilet, bacteria, mold, clogged drain, broken toilet seals, blocked vent pipe or cracked toilet bowls.
Pour a gallon of hot, boiling water down any drains that are rarely used, such as the basement drain or guest bathroom shower. This should help eliminate odors caused by dry traps.
Keep It Natural
Rather than mask foul smells, neutralize them by using natural cleaning supplies made with baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. In between cleanings, leave an open container of baking soda in the bathroom to help absorb unpleasant odors.
Clog drains, dried out water traps, and blocked vents can fill the cleanest bathrooms with unpleasant odors. Clogs: A buildup of hair and other residue in a drain can create a stink even when the drain seems to be working well. Bacteria feed on the waste and emit a foul stench.
From the floor of the bathroom, to the walls concealed by the tiles, the waste and moisture can allow different kinds of microorganisms to thrive. The waste, the stale water and the microorganisms will collectively cause a weird smell.
In winter or dry climates, P-traps can evaporate in less than one month, so be sure to pour water into the drains or toilets every few weeks. If the smell is particularly bothersome, you can also add one cup of vinegar or bleach, which will also remove any insects that can enter the P-trap after it runs dry.
Mix Baking Soda, Peroxide and Dish Detergent
Make a solution of baking soda, peroxide and any dish detergent. The combination of the three is often powerful enough to drive away even the strongest of urine smells. Mix together 8 fluid ounces of peroxide, 3 tablespoons baking soda and a few drops of dish detergent.
Vinegar can be used inside the toilet tank too
According to This Old House, "The inside part of the tank can harbor rust, mold, mildew, and bacteria that can cause unpleasant odors and impair your toilet's functionality and longevity." Here's how to tackle the tank with the power of white vinegar.
If the smell comes from the drain, it could be a result of sediment buildup from daily bathing. These sediments include dead skin cells, soap, shower gel, and hair. This accumulated sediment is called biofilm. Over time, it clogs the drain, leading to bad odors.
A rancid odor coming from your sink drain may just be coming from debris in the P-trap, but if it smells like a sewer, it probably means venting problems in your drain system. When the vents are blocked, flushing a toilet can create sufficient vacuum to suck water out of the trap and allow sewer gases into your home.
A clog in the drain line will create a buildup of organic matter like hair and soap. Bacteria will form on the clog, creating a nasty odor that resembles the smell of sewage. If left untreated, a clog will build on itself, growing larger and larger and producing more noticeable odors.
If you are detecting foul sewer odors inside the house, this means that there is a weak link somewhere in your plumbing system. Possible sources include bathroom sink drains, toilets, kitchen drains, basement drains, old cast iron piping, or even the vent stack that goes out through your roof.
Preparing to Clean the Toilet Tank
"The biggest don't when it comes to toilet tanks is bleach—do not use bleach or products containing bleach inside the tank, as it can corrode the internal parts of your toilet. If you are aiming to remove tough stains from the tank, I also recommend white vinegar diluted with water."