My Toilet Bowl Smells Bad

A smelly toilet bowl may stem from a bacterial problem or a potentially dangerous leakage of sewer gas. Odors that do not respond to disinfectants may require the services of a plumbing professional.

Bacterial Infestation

• Toilet smells can build up when the water that operates the toilet contains a type of bacteria that produces hydrogen sulfide, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. This bacteria can enter the toilet through contaminated wells or during plumbing repairs. Cleansing the toilet with a chlorine-based disinfectant can kill the bacteria.

Plumbing Issues

• A toilet that gives off an odor of raw sewage may have a plumbing problem requiring professional attention. According to website AskTheBuilder.com, blocked vent pipes or cracked drain lines allow sewer gas from decomposed waste matter to leak up through the toilet.

Considerations

• While a dirty toilet may only require simple cleaning, smells caused by sewer system problems may indicate a potentially hazardous situation. Sewer gas not only has toxic properties but can also cause an explosion, according to AskTheBuilder.com. Plumbers can locate the source of the gas leak by running artificial smoke through the pipes.