I'm living in a small bungalow with a cistern for water and a septic system, and I'm dealing with this annoying wet or stagnant smell in my bathroom. It's definitely not sewage, but it's really bothering me. I recently re-caulked the tub and did some renovations like adding insulation and new siding, and I found some old water damage above the foundation from poor yard grading, which has since been fixed. I haven't noticed any mold or active moisture in the bathroom, but I'm wondering if it could be a leaky toilet seal since the toilet's been moved around a bit. Any advice?
4 Answers
If you have a floor drain, shine a light down there. There should be water in the S-bend trap to prevent sewer gases from coming up. If it's dry, make sure to top it up with water regularly to keep that barrier!
Starting with the toilet is a good move! Pull it up, check for damage, and reseat it if needed. It’s a straightforward fix that might save you time. Since it sounds like you’re in a slab house, it might be tricky to inspect the floor from below, so definitely prioritize the toilet first before exploring more complicated issues.
Exactly, sometimes the simplest fix is the best!
You might want to check if there's a vent stack nearby. Proper ventilation in your plumbing is crucial, and it could be that moisture isn't escaping properly. Also, see if there's a bathroom fan or a window to help with ventilation and moisture control. It could also be coming from your sinks, so give those a look too!
Definitely check the toilet first, but also consider that the cistern needs regular cleaning and inspection. What kind of treatment system do you have in place for the water? A chlorinator or UV filter might help too!
Yeah, I'll definitely start with that! Thanks for the tip!