Hey everyone! I've recently noticed that whenever I use the sink or shower in my upstairs master bathroom, there's a strong sewer smell that comes up. Oddly, the other bathroom on the same floor and the two downstairs bathrooms don't have this issue at all. I did some digging online and found that it might be due to a clogged vent, but before I clamber up to check it out, I wanted to get some advice from those who know. My home sits on a sloped lot with a walkout basement, and the roof is pretty steep, so accessing the vent isn't going to be easy. I even asked a plumber I had work on another issue, but he didn't want to take on the job. From what I understand, if I can get up there, clearing it out should be straightforward with a long drain cleaner. Any thoughts or suggestions?
3 Answers
Have you checked if you’re on city or well water? If you’re on a septic system, it might be time for a pump-out. But if you’re on city water, sometimes hard water can cause some funky smells—especially in certain areas. It could just be the nature of the water you're dealing with. Consider installing a reverse osmosis system for better tasting, smell-free water!
It’s possible that the p-trap might have dried out, which can let sewer gases escape. Check to see if there's water in the p-trap under the sink. If it’s dry, that could definitely cause the smell! You can find info on that here: [link](https://edwardsplumbingllc.com/how-to-eliminate-odors-coming-from-your-dry-p-trap/). But since both sinks and the shower are affected at the same time, it might not be the only cause.
You might have a blockage in your vent pipe, possibly from a nest or debris. I’d recommend calling a roofing company—those guys can help out with vents. They’re better equipped to handle the height safely than a plumber might be, and usually, they’ll charge a fair price.