Why does my bathroom sink smell like sewage? Multiple potential culprits could be to blame when this problem occurs. Licensed plumbers in Greenfield, IN, can help you identify the cause of the problem and recommend the best solution to fix it.
Learn more about the potential causes of this issue and how professionals can help you quickly fix it.
The Sewage Vent Pipe Is Blocked, Causing the Bathroom Sink To Smell Like Sewage
A vent pipe blockage could explain the strange odor you’re smelling from the bathroom sink. If the original construction or a bathroom remodeling job was done incorrectly, the vent pipe might not be functioning properly.
When doing plumbing work in Greenfield, IN, the city’s Building Department manages the plumbing and building codes. The department inspects the work and ensures that all construction complies with local codes. A DIY-er who previously owned your house might not have installed the sewage vent pipe in alignment with the building code.
If you suspect a vent pipe problem, call a licensed plumber immediately to have it fixed.
The P-Trap Under the Sink Is Dry
Why does my bathroom sink smell like sewage, and why did the problem suddenly start? A dry P-trap could be the culprit.
The P-trap is the U-shaped curve in the drain pipe under the sink. The lower part of the U-shape should always have water in it, which prevents sewer gases from flowing backward through the sewer pipes. If the water disappears or is too low, you might experience sewage odors.
If running water down the drain doesn’t refill the P-trap and resolve the issue, you might need a plumber to inspect the P-trap and make any necessary repairs.
You Have Bacterial Buildup in Your Drain in Greenfield, IN
Bathroom sinks and drain pipes can accumulate a significant amount of bacteria through normal use. You need to clean the drain and sink regularly to prevent a buildup that causes a sewage odor in the bathroom.
Running hot water down the sink for at least two minutes should eliminate most bacteria. Clean the sink with a cleaning solution to remove bacterial buildup. If the problem persists, you might need licensed plumbers to use a snake on the drain and remove any bacterial and other buildup.
When checking for bacterial buildup, don’t forget to look for sink overflow hole bacteria, since this area could be the source of the odor. Biofilm accumulation, which is a black slime in the drain pipes, could also explain the odor.
Clogged Drain Lines Could Cause a Bathroom Sink To Have a Sewage Odor
Why does my bathroom sink smell like sewage, and should I worry about a clogged drain line causing the issue? Leaky seals in the drain line could cause wastewater to back up or leak away, while a clog in the line can also cause a backup of wastewater.
Hard water is common in the Greenfield, IN, area, and because the water here has high levels of minerals, it can lead to scale buildup inside the pipes. Scale provides a surface for hair and grime to collect, which can lead to severe clogs and an unpleasant odor from the sink.
A clogged drain probably doesn’t require replacing the plumbing in the bathroom. However, you might need licensed plumbers to inspect the pipes and assess the extent of the issue.
You Might Have Contaminated Water in Greenfield, IN
Contaminated water can cause poor odors that resemble sewage. Greenfield, IN, has occasionally experienced a contaminated water supply due to algae growth. Such issues could explain unwanted odors that resemble sewage, although other causes are more likely.
Private wells in the Greenfield, IN area can also experience contamination. Nitrates, bacteria, and household waste could contaminate well water, causing odors that resemble sewage. Licensed plumbers can test the water and determine the problem.
Let Our Expert Plumbers Figure Out Why Your Bathroom Sink Smells Like Sewage in Greenfield, IN
Why does my bathroom sink smell like sewage, and why does it seem to linger? If you smell these odors over a prolonged period, it’s a sign that you need a plumber to respond immediately. Such long-standing problems rarely alleviate on their own.
Star Heating, Cooling & Plumbing’s licensed plumbers know how to identify the source of poor odors, fix the problem, and prevent it from occurring again.
Call our team today to request an appointment. We serve all neighborhoods in the Greenfield, IN area, including those near Thornwood Nature Preserve, Beckholdt Park, and Greenfield Central High School.