Len the Plumber commercial truck on transparent background.

Why Does it Smell When I Flush the Toilet?

White megaphone icon on a black background.
Click Here for
Special Offers
Save Today !
Posted on: January 22, 2018

Do you find yourself wincing at the smell of your bathroom after you flush the toilet. (No, we’re not talking about the times after eating hot or greasy foods.) Smelling a sewer-esque smell after flushing your toilet can be a warning sign that something needs to be fixed. There are a few things that can cause this smell to escape, so here’s a quick checklist of things to inspect:

foul odors coming from your toilet indicate that something is wrong

1. The Seal is Broken

Inside the base of your toilet, there’s a wax ring that will help seal in water and any odors. When this seal is damaged, air and sewer odors from within the toilet and drain pipe can be pushed out after each flush. If the seal is damaged enough, water can eventually begin to escape — leading to water damage.

  • You can sometimes tell when the seal has been broken if the toilet rocks after taking a seat. If the seal has been compromised, have the wax ring replaced.

2. It’s Not Used Enough

Do you have a toilet in the basement (or in a secondary home) that smells when you do finally flush it after a few weeks/months? If toilets are used infrequently enough, the water in the bowl can evaporate. Without the existence of water in the bowl, odors from the drain pipe can travel out of the toilet.

  • To help prevent these gases and odors from filling the bathroom, keep water in the bowl at all times by flushing it more regularly (another trip down to the basement each week won’t hurt you).

3. Blockages Exist

Between all of the waste and other objects that get flushed down the toilet (even though other objects shouldn’t be flushed), blockages can form in the drain pipe. These blockages can build up over time or be caused by a single instance. When your toilet develops these blockages, you are sometimes able to smell their odors each time the toilet is flushed.

  • It’s important to have these pipes inspected and have any blockages removed before they cause recurring clogs and overflowing toilets.

A toilet doesn’t just smell because of your meal choices, there are other factors that can cause a stinky toilet. For those in need of toilet repairs or the removal of clogged drains, we’ll be happy to help!

What to Expect
From Len The Plumber
Plumbing and HVAC
Experts

We can handle any plumbing or HVAC problem, guaranteed.

Zero
Surprises

You'll get a profile of your plumber before they arrive so you know who's coming, and they'll show up on time (every time).

A Local
Team

We dispatch plumbers from their homes so they can get to you quickly. Your plumber might live right around the corner!

Fully Stocked
Trucks

We provide our plumbers with everything they need to solve your problem on the first trip.

Respectful
Service

Our plumbers are friendly, considerate professionals who will treat your home and family with kindness.