Bathroom smell
Hi. My bathroom is currently suffering from an eggy/sewedgey smell. I've run the water extensively to work through the p-traps and there has been no change. I've tried to smell the sink plug, shower plug, around the toilet and the fan vent to see if the smell is more present at any of them - but it doesn't seem to be.
This smell seemed to appear the day i ripped out my current kitchen (including sink, washing machine & dishwasher). The new one isn't yet installed but there's no smell in the old kitchen and all the pipes are covered up.
Please help
Advice from 4 local tradespeople
Since the smell appeared right after removing your kitchen, it’s likely that something in the plumbing system changed during the removal. Here are some possible causes and solutions:
Possible Causes & Fixes:
1. Disrupted Venting / Air Admittance Valve Issue
When you removed the kitchen sink and appliances, you might have unknowingly disturbed the venting system.
If your plumbing relies on an air admittance valve (AAV) (usually under the sink), removing or blocking it could cause air pressure issues, leading to sewer gases escaping elsewhere (like your bathroom).
? Fix: If you had an AAV under the sink, check if it’s still working or install a temporary replacement. If you’re unsure, a plumber can assess whether your system needs a vent adjustment.
2. Negative Pressure Sucking Water from Traps
In some homes, the kitchen and bathroom share drainage vents.
If removing the kitchen plumbing affected air pressure, it might be siphoning water from your bathroom traps, allowing sewer gases to rise.
This could happen even if water appears to be in the traps.
? Fix: Try slowly refilling the traps (sink, shower, toilet) and see if the smell disappears. If it improves but returns, you might need a vent adjustment.
3. Open Drain Pipe in the Kitchen
Even though you said all pipes in the kitchen are covered, double-check for any open waste pipes (e.g., where the washing machine or sink was).
If one is slightly open or poorly sealed, sewer gases could be escaping and spreading into other parts of your home.
? Fix: Temporarily seal any unused kitchen waste pipes with a proper cap or tape (not just a rag).
4. Buildup of Bacteria in Pipes
When old plumbing is disturbed, bacteria in pipes (especially kitchen drains) can release hydrogen sulfide (the "eggy" smell).
If grease or food waste was pushed down the system, it could be rotting in the main drain.
? Fix:
Pour a cup of baking soda, followed by white vinegar into the bathroom sink, shower, and any floor drains.
Let it sit for 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
If you have a drain cleaning solution, you can try that too.
Have you check the drains outside could be a blockage and the smell is venting up the soil pipe
I would check the sink and bath traps and clean them out and check the soil pipe from the toilet as there might be a blockage or damage
It sounds to me like there might be a blockage deeper in the pipe work, another issue could be as simple as the waste trap isnt installed correctly and the general sewer smell is bypassing the trap when/after water ran threw it :)
