My Toilet Tank Smells

A smelly toilet tank can make going to the bathroom an unpleasant experience and can potentially cause harm to those living in the home. A properly functioning and regularly cleaned toilet should produce a neutral or non-offensive smell from both the tank and bowl. A stinky tank may mean something is wrong with your system or that you need to clean your toilet more regularly. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to combat this problem, so you can have a more pleasant experience in the bathroom.

Toilet tanks that are not working properly, or are poorly maintained or cleaned, can become foul odor-producing nightmares. Bacteria such as mold or mildew can build up in the toilet tank, producing a noxious musty smell that can actually be dangerous to people living in the house. The toilet tank can also accumulate waste matter, which causes an even more unpleasant aroma. One common cause of toilet tank odors is a worn wax ring, according to Hammerzone.com. This piece seals the area between the toilet and the drain and often becomes corroded over time. This is likely the case if the odor is particularly pungent and like that of a sewer.

A temporary solution to your smelly toilet-tank problem is to thoroughly clean and sterilize the tank using bleach or other cleaning products. Scrub the toilet and tank inside and out to remove any built-up grime and bacteria. Install air fresheners and spray pleasant-smelling fragrances to help combat the odor.

Permanent solutions have more to do with the functionality and structure of the toilet than with cleanliness. All the air freshener and cleaning products in the world won't do much good in the long run if your toilet's not working correctly. Hammerzone.com recommends replacing the wax ring at the base of the toilet if this piece is worn down. If it is, you'll likely notice small to moderate leaks coming out of the base of the toilet when flushed.

Unless you're a particularly skilled handyman, you'll need to call a plumber to fix a toilet tank that smells. Most plumbers are familiar with a wide range of standard toilet types and should be able to figure out exactly what the problem is, making repairs as needed.