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Sweetaskforhelp · Sep 5, 2013, 11:02 PM

Recently I have a smell in the bathroom and I have to shut the bathroom door to avoid it coming out. I can't describe exactly the smell, like unused damp wood. The bathroom is not often used. I wear out dealing with it, how can I do? Thanks!

parttime · Sep 6, 2013, 02:45 AM

Hi Sweet and welcome, you say the bathroom is seldom used, the traps my be drying out and allowing the smell. Pour a couple cups of water in each drain and see if that helps. Good luck

Sweetaskforhelp · Sep 7, 2013, 10:02 PM

Originally Posted by parttime

hi Sweet and welcome, you say the bathroom is seldom used, the traps my be drying out and allowing the smell. Pour a couple cups of water in each drain and see if that helps. good luck

Hi parttime, thanks very much! I tried the water and closed all the sink, it seems a little helpful. So does that mean the smell is coming from the sewer? And how to remove it thoroughly? Thanks!

parttime · Sep 8, 2013, 01:30 AM

Originally Posted by ;

I tried the water and closed all the sink, it seems a little helpful. so does that mean the smell is coming from the sewer? and how to remove it thoroughly?

Hi again sweet, The smell very well could be sewer gas if the traps are drying out. So check for any small leaks under the sinks, a small drip can drain the trap in no time allowing sewer gas to enter or wet the bottom of the cabinet causing the smell, wrapping the pipes with toilet paper will show a small leak. Another thing is to fill the tub full and then drain, does the toilet bubble?

Sweetaskforhelp · Sep 8, 2013, 06:39 PM

Originally Posted by parttime

Hi again sweet, The smell very well could be sewer gas if the traps are drying out. So check for any small leaks under the sinks, a small drip can drain the trap in no time allowing sewer gas to enter or wet the bottom of the cabinet causing the smell, wrapping the pipes with toilet paper will show a small leak. Another thing is to fill the tub full and then drain, does the toilet bubble?

Thanks again! All I can see now are the tub sink, but I can't see under the tub, and I don't know if there is trap under the tub? And the commode sink and the pipes, trap under the commode and toilet, the toilet doesn't bubble. I'll try first to fill the tub full and then drain to see if it helps. I've checked the commode, there should be no problem with the pipes. So maybe it's with the tub. Can I stop the smell by totally shut the sink?

Sweetaskforhelp · Sep 8, 2013, 06:45 PM

And also I have a shower in the bathroom too? Will it be possible from there? And how I can do with it? Thanks very much!

ma0641 · Sep 8, 2013, 07:22 PM

Toilet is self trapping, any toilet smell could be a wax ring. Just keep the tub drain and unused drains filled with water and a very small amount of mineral oil will keep them from drying out.

parttime · Sep 9, 2013, 02:01 AM

Hi again sweet,

I'll try first to fill the tub full and then drain to see if it helps.

the purpose in doing this is to watch and listen to see if the toilet bubbles maybe indicating a vent problem. Ok?

And also I have a shower in the bathroom too?

If your saying the shower is separate from the tub, did you put a couple of cups of water down the drain also? And do that on occasion to keep the traps full.

Sweetaskforhelp · Sep 16, 2013, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by parttime

Hi again sweet, the purpose in doing this is to watch and listen to see if the toilet bubbles maybe indicating a vent problem. Ok?

if your saying the shower is separate from the tub, did you put a couple of cups of water down the drain also? and do that on occassion to keep the traps full.

Thanks! I tried but it seems not from the trap. It smells like old and damp wood, I'm confused about it. The bathroom has no windows, and when I closed the door for a night, it will be a strong smell in the morning. So annoying.

parttime · Sep 16, 2013, 02:46 PM

I'm sorry Sweet but I'm at a loss, you may just have to run the exhaust fan to keep the odor away. Maybe some of the experts will come up with something. Good luck

massplumber2008 · Sep 16, 2013, 03:08 PM

Hey guys! I think you hit the nail on the head. I think Sweet just needs to run the sink and tub for 30 seconds and then close the door and check the odor in the morning. The smell should be significantly reduced and if so, should be gone by the 2nd day... ;)

Afterwards, Sweet, you just need to run water in the tub and sink once a month (at a minimum) to keep the odor/issue from coming back.

Mark