Plumbing System Odors - Getting Rid of Smells Inside the Home

A home's plumbing system is designed to keep odors from building up inside the home. When you smell persistent odors it could be the sign of plumbing system problems. Here are some things to look for.

Bathroom Plumbing Odors

If you have a foul odor when flushing the toilet, it could be caused by a worn toilet wax ring. The wax ring is designed to seal the toilet against the floor. Whenever water goes down a drain, it pushes the air away. If the wax ring is not fully sealed, it will force the air between the floor and the bottom of the toilet, instead of down the drain pipe. Air is also released out the main vent through the roof of the house. If the roof vent becomes blocked, the air has no place to escape. To eliminate the bathroom odors, reseal the wax ring on the toilet and ensure the main vent is not obstructed.

Basement Plumbing Odors

Traps are designed to seal out foul odors by sealing the drain with water. When the water evaporates, the seal is broken, and odors enter the basement. To eliminate the odors, simply pour a bucket of water down each trap. In addition, sinks, showers, and floor drains that are used infrequently can be refilled with water to prevent smells from entering the house.

Kitchen Plumbing Odors

Foul odors in the kitchen are often caused by a garbage disposal that has a buildup of food debris. To eliminate the odor, turn on the faucet and grind ice cubes and lemon peels in the disposal, followed by a small amount of liquid dish detergent. Finish by rinse the disposal with cold water for 30 seconds.

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