Bathroom Drain Odors Causes & How To Fix Them - Watters Plumbing

Why does my bathroom drain smell bad?

Updated: February 2025

Have you ever walked into your kitchen or bathroom and been hit with an unpleasant drain odor? That foul smell can be more than just annoying—it could be a sign of a bigger plumbing issue.

Your bathroom drains take so much over the course of a day… Toothpaste, soaps, mouthwash, and germs from our hands, the list goes on! You may be facing a nasty bacteria buildup that can occur in the drain pipes due to the wet environment. That can lead to weird odors and smells coming from the drain. If you’ve got an unpleasant smell in your bathroom, your drains may be the culprit. The plumbing experts at Watters Plumbing in Menasha are here to help you better understand bathroom drain odors, so you know where they’re coming from and how to get rid of them!

What is causing odors drain in my bathroom?

Drain odors from clogged drains:

Clogged drains are a common cause of drain odors. Whatever is clogging the drain oftentimes just sits there, growing bacteria which causes the smell. A few common types of clogs that we see in bathrooms around the Fox Cities are:

• Buildup from toilet paper and products that shouldn’t go down your toilet (such as feminine products and baby wipes) that can prevent proper flushing.
• Tree roots that cause underground pipe leaks.
• Hair buildup that causes a blockage in the drain.
• Mineral buildup from sediment over time.

When these clogs aren’t resolved quickly, you may eventually start to notice that funky smell building up near your drain.

Sulfur Smell

A sulfur smell coming from your drain is also common. A sewage-like smell can be coming from the drain or water. Determining the source is easy. Checking other faucets in the house and noticing the similar smell means it is most likely coming from the water supply. If not, then the pipes are likely contaminated or there are venting issues.

Easy Solutions

Luckily, some of these odors can be easily resolved without the need for professional plumbing experts.

• Boiling water poured into the drain is a quick cleanser for minor odors.
• A baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water combo can add extra power for breaking up the buildup in your drain’s pipes.
• Periodically adding baking soda down your drain can keep the sink fresh and odor-free.
• Changing the filters eliminates the bad smells from a contaminated water softener.
• Plunging your toilet can help venting issues that are caused by the waste line.
• Inspect the vent stack and remove any debris or heat up icy vents in the winter.
• Lemon Juice and Baking Soda have a rich source of citric acid that can help eliminate drain odor. Sprinkle baking soda over your drain and pour some lemon juice. The mixture will bubble and eliminate smelly odors from your drain.

It’s Time to Call Watters Plumbing!

You have tried to eliminate the stinky drain odors by yourself and still no luck? These might be the issues that need plumbing assistance!

• Lack of water softener could be causing the sulfur smell due to hard water supply. Contact us for water softener and filtration to eliminate bad tastes and smells!
• Severe bacteria buildup may lead to dismantling the pipes and cleaning them out thoroughly
• Venting issues can be allowing the odors to stay inside instead of traveling through the pipes to the outdoors.

Call your local Fox Valley plumbers at Watters Plumbing if you have already tried the easy solutions above without effectively removing the smell from your drain. We can help locate the plumbing issue!

Appleton & Fox Cities: 920-886-8800 Toll Free: 800-801-8125

Call Watters Plumbing now to handle your leaky repairs. Easy call, fast fix.