Why Do Toilets Smell Worse During the Rainy Season?

16 September, 2024

High humidity provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. During this time, damp objects, slow-drying laundry, and bathrooms often emit an unpleasant odor during the rainy season.

**Why do bathrooms tend to smell during the rainy season?**

Initially, the bathroom will only have a mild odor with a limited range. However, if not addressed promptly and thoroughly, the foul smell from the bathroom will permeate the entire house, affecting the daily lives and health of your family.

There are several reasons why bathrooms tend to smell during the rainy season:

– The damp air of the rainy season can cause mold and grime to build up on bathroom walls, resulting in a musty odor.

– Waste in the toilet bowl may be pushed up by rainwater, creating an unpleasant smell.

– The sewer pit may become flooded, and if not addressed promptly, waste from higher areas will flow into the house’s drainage system.

– Improper cleaning methods or lack of regular maintenance can also increase the likelihood of foul odors in the bathroom.

*Why do bathrooms smell during the rainy season? (Illustration: Istock)*

**How to deal with bathroom odors during the rainy season**

To address the issue of bathroom odors, here’s what you need to do:

**Inspect the drainage pipes**

If you notice slow waste disposal or foul smells while using the bathroom, immediately check the drains, pipes, toilet, and sink for any blockages. If you don’t find any issues, you can continue using the facilities, but if there are problems with the pipes or drains, it’s best to call a plumber.

Do not attempt to dismantle complex pipes in the bathroom and pour cleaning chemicals down them, as this may intensify the odor and make it harder to resolve.

When using the bathroom, avoid letting fallen hair wash down the drain. Instead, collect it after shampooing and throw it in the trash. This simple tip can significantly reduce the likelihood of clogged drains.

**Change your daily habits**

The daily habits of your family members play a crucial role in keeping the bathroom clean and odor-free. To prevent bathroom odors during the rainy season, you and your family can adjust your habits as follows:

– Keep the bathroom door open when not in use to allow air circulation and prevent dampness and mold growth.

– Put the toilet lid down after use to prevent bacteria from spreading and coming into contact with other objects in the bathroom or elsewhere in the house.

– Do not throw paper or other objects into the toilet to avoid blockages.

**Use essential oils or toilet bowl fresheners**

One of the most effective ways to combat odors is to use essential oils, fruit peels, scented wax, or convenient toilet bowl fresheners. Simply place these fragrant items on a shelf or in a corner of the bathroom to let the scent permeate the space.

Remember to check them regularly and replace them when necessary to maintain a pleasant aroma in your bathroom.

**Maintain a regular bathroom cleaning routine**

It’s advisable to deep clean your bathroom once a week by thoroughly scrubbing the sink, toilet, mirror, and floor with specialized cleaning chemicals. Maintaining this habit will not only prevent calcium buildup but also keep your bathroom fixtures shiny and clean, reducing the likelihood of unpleasant odors.

This is also an effective way to prevent bathroom odors during the rainy season.

_*According to VTC News*_

Frequently asked questions

The main reason is that the rain washes down dirt, debris, and other substances that have accumulated on the roofs and drains them into the sewer system. This can cause a backup in the pipes, leading to an increase in toilet odors. In addition, the rain can create a more humid environment, which can also contribute to the growth of bacteria and mold, further intensifying the smell.

There are several things you can do to mitigate this issue. First, ensure your roof and gutters are clean and free of debris before the rainy season starts. Second, consider installing a sewer backflow prevention device to stop wastewater from flowing back into your pipes. Third, pour a small amount of bleach into the toilet bowl and let it sit for 10 minutes before flushing to kill any bacteria or mold that may be causing the odor.

Yes, another factor is the change in air pressure that often accompanies rainy weather. This can cause a ‘chimney effect’, where air is pulled up through the plumbing system, bringing with it any unpleasant odors from the sewer.

The ‘chimney effect’ is a natural phenomenon where air currents move upward through a structure due to differences in air pressure and temperature. In the case of plumbing, when it rains, the air outside becomes cooler and denser than the warm air inside your home. This creates a pressure difference that pulls air up through the pipes, sucking out the stale, smelly air from your plumbing system and into your home.