How to Get Rid of a Smelly Bathroom? Tips from Logan Plumbers

There’s nothing worse than walking into a bathroom and being hit with an unpleasant smell. While air fresheners might temporarily mask the issue, they won’t fix the root cause.

The good news is that many common bathroom odours can be fixed with a bit of DIY, while others might need the expertise of a professional plumber.

As plumbers in Logan, we’ve helped countless residents tackle bathroom smells. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common causes of smelly bathrooms and how you can fix them.

Common types of bathroom smells & what they mean

Each type of bathroom odour can point to a different issue with your plumbing or bathroom maintenance.

It might not be the most pleasant thing to investigate, but before reaching for the air freshener, take a moment to check where the smell is coming from.

Identifying the source can help you fix the problem faster and keep your bathroom fresh.

Sewage or rotten egg smell

A strong sewage or rotten egg smell usually means there’s an issue with your plumbing. It can be caused by a dry P-trap, which allows sewer gases to escape through the drain, or a blocked pipe trapping waste.

Musty or damp smell

A musty, damp scent often indicates mould and mildew growth, which thrive in humid environments. If the smell lingers even after cleaning, it might be a sign of a hidden leak behind walls or under floors.

Issues like leaky showers can also contribute to excess moisture buildup, leading to persistent odours.

Stale or stagnant water smell

A stale or stagnant water smell can develop when drains haven’t been used for a while, causing the water in the pipes to sit and develop an unpleasant odour.

Urine smell

If your bathroom smells like urine even after cleaning, it could be due to buildup around the toilet base, uncleaned grout, or lingering moisture in hard-to-reach spots.

Mouldy or earthy smell

A mouldy or earthy smell is often linked to damp walls, floors, or cabinets where moisture is trapped. This can be caused by hidden pipe leaks, poor ventilation, or water pooling in areas that don’t dry out properly.

If left untreated, this can lead to mould growth, which not only smells bad but can also impact indoor air quality and health.

Common causes of bathroom odours and how to fix them

Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons your bathroom might smell bad and how to fix each one.

1. Blocked drains

Over time, hair, soap scum, toothpaste, and debris build up inside pipes, leading to slow drainage and bad smells caused by bacteria and trapped waste.

How to fix blocked drains:

• Pour boiling water down the drain to break down minor grease and soap buildup
• Use a baking soda and vinegar solution to help clear clogs naturally
• Try a plunger to dislodge any blockages
• For more severe blocked drain issues, like persistent clogs or slow drainage, call a professional blocked drain plumber

2. Dry or dirty P-Traps

The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe under sinks, showers, and tubs. It holds water to block sewer gases from coming up through the drain. If it dries out or gets clogged, bad smells can escape into your bathroom.

How to fix dry or dirty P-Traps:

• Run water down unused drains (like in guest bathrooms) every week to keep the trap filled.
• Pour a bit of vinegar or disinfectant down the drain to remove bacteria buildup.
• If the smell doesn’t go away, there could be a deeper plumbing issue.

3. Mould & mildew growth

Excess moisture in the bathroom leads to the growth of mould and mildew, which produce a damp, musty smell. Poor ventilation, leaks, and constantly wet surfaces make the problem worse.

How to remove and prevent mould growth:

• Improve airflow by using an exhaust fan or opening a window after showers.
• Wipe down wet surfaces regularly and clean with vinegar or a mould cleaner.
• If mould keeps coming back, check for hidden leaks behind walls or under the sink.

4. Toilet seal issues

The wax ring at the toilet’s base forms a seal between the toilet and the drain pipe. If it’s worn out or damaged, sewer gases can escape, creating a foul smell in your bathroom.

How to fix toilet seal:

• Check for wobbling, leaks, or water damage around the toilet base.
• If the wax seal is broken, it needs to be replaced—this is best done by a professional plumber.

Check out other common toilet problems to help diagnose and fix toilet plumbing problems before they worsen.

5. Hidden leaks

Leaking pipes behind walls, under the floor, or inside cabinets can create damp, musty, or even sewage-like smells. These leaks can go unnoticed for a long time but cause significant water damage and odours.

How to fix hidden leaks:

• Look for damp patches, mould growth, or peeling paint.
• A leak detection plumber can use advanced equipment, such as a thermal camera, to find and fix it before it causes more damage.

Still having a smelly bathroom? Call your local plumber in Logan

If you’ve tried everything and your bathroom still smells bad, it might be time to bring in a professional like Adept Plumbing & Gas.

Some odours are caused by deeper plumbing issues like blocked sewer lines, damaged pipes, or hidden leaks—problems that DIY solutions just can’t fix.

Don’t let a smelly bathroom ruin your day. Get in touch with us for fast, professional solutions. Call us now at 07 3520 7195 or submit an enquiry, and our local plumbing team will get back to you as soon as possible.