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January 7, 2008
Something Smells in the Bathroom
Often we have questions that strike a nerve with people across the country, producing a lot of passionate responses from our readers. A little while back my articles on "critters we find in our toilets" produced hundreds of responses from our readers who wanted to share their experiences of unwanted bathroom guests with us. This was a very funny subject, and we all got some good laughs from the stories we selected for the articles.
Another column has generated a similar response from our readers, but this time the subject is not as funny. It also underlines the potential shortage of fresh clean water we may face if we all don't start conserving this precious resource. The question that started all this was about smelly shower water. I explained to the reader that before you can address this problem, you need to figure out if the odors are coming from the drain lines or the water lines.
Overwhelmingly the responses came in to tell me that they had similar problems and it turned out to be the house water system, not the drains, that created the foul odors. They wanted to share what they found in their own house and hopefully it could help others. Before I get into some of the great information that came in, please note that it's a good idea to have your water tested on a regular basis and if you smell, see or suspect anything wrong with your water, have it tested right away before you continue to use it for drinking and bathing. Also, keep in mind that the following information is from our readers. Every home is different and problems need to be addressed by a licensed plumber in your area.
Okay, now that we have that clear, let's get back to the cloudy, smelly shower water. Overwhelmingly, the readers agree that the main cause for their smelly water has been from water systems that contain high amounts of sulfur. Testing confirmed that, and to top it off they said that their plumbers also found that in many cases the sulfur in the water was reacting with galvanized water lines and/or magnesium anode rods in the water heater. This reaction seemed to intensify the sulfur odor, which sometimes can create a "rotten egg" smell.
Professional water treating companies can install water-softening systems and carbon filters that can greatly help the quality of your water. Plumbers can change the old water lines, anode rod or water heater. Well companies can also address and treat wells for better water quality.
Ether way this is a job for the pros, but because of all the letters and information you all sent, a smelly water problem may now be a lot easier to pinpoint and fix. That good news will be a breath of fresh air for many homeowners!
Ed Del Grande was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at
eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.
Posted by Ed Del Grande at January 7, 2008 3:44 PM
Comments
Okay, but what might explain foul-smelling water at a single location in the house? We had an original late-50s toilet in a half bath that flushed poorly and always smelled, even though it was kept clean and flushed. We replaced the toilet with a brand new Kolher toilet and put in a fresh wax ring and bolts. The new toilet flushes fine, but after a few months have passed, is beginning to exhibit the same foul smell.
Posted by: David Wolfe at January 8, 2008 9:25 PM
I had a problem with a strong odor from my extra bathroom, it smelled like septic, I found the problem was from the bathtub that had not been used for months, the drain trap had dried up
allowing septic gas's to enter the house, all I did was pour a couple of gallons of water down the drain filling the trap, problem fixed.
Posted by: Ron at January 16, 2008 8:31 PM
my house smells when it rains alot, the odor comes up through the drains in tub & sink, i had septic tank pumped out 3 yr ago. still smells when rains alot. do u ever replace septic drain lines. if u do, is it a do it yourseslf job. i am tired of smelling the toxic gas in my house. i close the tub & sink drains in house & smell is still there. i live in ga. my front yard does not drain so great when it does rain alot or even if it rains 4 several days in a row the front yard is still saturated. could this possibly causing the drain lines not to pull h20 out of tank when it rains. can u please give me some answers.
Posted by: kim silva at January 21, 2008 7:08 PM
