The Plumbing Could Be the Cause of Your Bathroom's Musty Smell

You're brushing your teeth when you notice a musty odor in the bathroom. Yikes, maybe it's time to jump in the shower! The shower doesn't eliminate the smell, so you apply a generous amount of your favorite fragrance. Unfortunately, the unpleasant aroma still lingers in the air. If this scenario sounds familiar, maybe the musty smell comes from plumbing fixtures or pipes, not your armpits.

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It's not uncommon to have a mold smell in the bathroom. Your sink or shower odor may come from dirt and debris, but moldy plumbing could also be the culprit. Find out how to pinpoint the culprit if your bathroom smells musty.

How Can Plumbing Cause a Musty Smell in the Bathroom?

Your plumbing system provides a welcoming environment for microorganisms, including mold and mildew. Fungi flourish in damp, dark areas, such as the pipes that lead to your toilet or shower. This hidden fungal growth can emit an earthy or musty smell from plumbing.

Stinky microorganisms can hide in any part of your bathroom's plumbing but are often found in P-traps or vent stacks. Despite the name, a P-trap is typically a U-shaped pipe segment located under a tub or sink. Your P-trap serves as a barrier between your home and smelly sewer gases. Clogs or other plumbing problems can leave stagnant water in your P-trap, causing mold and bacteria growth.

Vent stacks support the flow of water and waste through your plumbing system. These vents help regulate air pressure and push waste away from your home, but plumbing problems, such as clogs and leaks, can cause mold growth.

Think of it like drinking a thick milkshake through a straw. Occasionally, milkshake particles get stuck in the straw, but you can gently blow them back into your cup. You may struggle if your milkshake has chunks of cookie dough or brownies blocking the straw, similar to how a vent stack can get clogged.

How Do You Get Rid of a Musty Smell From Plumbing?

Removing mold growth is not always enough to fix an odor in the bathroom. You can resolve a musty smell from plumbing by targeting the root cause of the mold. Otherwise, the mold and its signature musty smell will return.

Remember, P-traps and vent stacks can hide mold, but they aren't the only culprits. Fixing the plumbing problems below may help eliminate a mold smell in the bathroom:

• Removing clogs and debris buildup from pipes or drains

• Repairing cracks or gaps in your bathroom plumbing

• Sealing leaks in pipes or plumbing fixtures

• Replacing severely cracked or corroded pipes

Many of these repairs require assistance from a licensed plumber, but you may be able to remove visible mold from your bathroom walls or plumbing fixtures. Spray the mold with white vinegar, let sit for 30 minutes and then scrub. Some people prefer a baking soda paste, which is typically made with half a cup of baking soda and a few teaspoons of water. This mixture should sit on the mold for about 10 minutes before you remove it with a brush.

Make sure your bathroom is properly ventilated when you attempt mold removal. Otherwise, you may experience headaches, dizziness or respiratory problems. If you have a severe mold allergy or your bathroom lacks ventilation, consider requesting professional help.

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How Can You Prevent a Mold Smell in the Bathroom?

Controlling moisture can help prevent a mold smell in the bathroom. Run the exhaust fan when you bathe, and consider getting a dehumidifier. You can also open a window or door in your bathroom so humidity can escape.

Clean your bathroom regularly to make it less appealing to mold and other smelly microorganisms. Wipe plumbing fixtures, walls and flooring with a disinfectant spray. Don't leave sweaty clothes or damp towels in the bathroom, as these encourage mold growth.

Consider scheduling regular plumbing inspections or maintenance appointments with a trusted plumber. Your plumber can check for hidden leaks, cracks and clogs that could lead to mold growth. Addressing plumbing problems early helps prevent them from getting worse.

Your plumber can also suggest prevention tips for bathroom mold, such as only flushing toilet paper down the toilet. This helps prevent mold-attracting clogs from forming. Your plumber may also advise against using heavy oils in the shower.