While every bathroom can smell bad now and again, any foul odours should clear after a little time. However, sometimes you may notice that a bad odour lingers for longer. This can be particularly unpleasant when you have to visit the bathroom and can cause embarrassment if you have a guest who is visiting your home. Below is a brief guide to 4 common causes of persistent bad smells in a bathroom.

A Leaking U-bend

The U-bend contains water, which forms a barrier between your home and sewer. If the U-bend on your toilet is leaking, it may not be able to hold a sufficient amount of water needed in order to form an airtight seal. You should carefully inspect the area underneath and behind your toilet for signs of leakage. If you detect any, call a plumber who will be able to carry out the necessary repairs.

A Blocked Vent

In order for a toilet to properly flush, air must be able to enter the toilet as the waste water exits. If this does not occur, a vacuum can form. This vacuum can cause water to be sucked from the toilet's U-bend, eliminating the barrier between the atmosphere in your home and gas from the sewer. If you suspect a blocked vent is causing a foul smell in your bathroom, you should contact a plumbing service.

Unused Bathroom Fixtures

If you have a toilet, bidet or shower which hasn't been used for some time, the foul smell could be the result of evaporation. While some water may remain, if the level has dropped below a certain level, the liquid seal between the drain and your home may be broken. If you suspect this might be the case, you should turn on the shower or flush the bidet or toilet in order to replenish the water in the U-bend.

A Clogged U-bend

Over time, debris can build up in the U-bend causing it to become clogged up. If the odour is of rotting material, this is a sign that organic matter may be clogging the U-bend. You can attempt to use home drain cleaning products to clear the blockage. If this doesn't work, you should contact a professional plumbing service.

No one should have to put up with bad smells in their bathroom. Beat bad smells by contacting a plumber like Bunbury Plumbing and Gas as they will be able to assess and fix the problem.