Download restroom odors sources and causes

MAINTENANCE
RESTROOM ODORS SOURCES AND CAUSES
This document lists some of the most typical sources of restroom odors. Understanding the
different sources of odors can simplify the process of diagnosing and eliminating the causes
odors.
FLOOR DRAINS (TRAPS)
Floor drains contain a P-trap design that prevents escape of sewer gases. The trap
liquid seal can be lost due to:
A. Evaporation.
B. Significant pressure change creating negative or positive pressure beyond
the trap capacity.
C. A faulty regulator (self-priming) valve. Traps without a self-priming system
must have water added periodically to them to offset evaporation.
FLOOR SANITATION
Build-up of bacteria growth on floor tile grout from urine and other sources can
result in odors.
Floors, especially under urinals, should be thoroughly and regularly cleaned using
commercial cleaning products specifically designed for this task.
Use of blown-air hand dryers causes water and air to interact with bacteria
cultures on restroom floors.
BATHROOM PARTITIONS
Painted metal toilet partitions with a paper core can absorb moisture and cause
odors.
TOILETS
• Dirty fixtures.
• Clogged trap and/or drain line.
• Loose or missing hold-down anchors.
• Faulty drain connection behind the
• Negative air pressure can drain toilet
bowls, letting in sewer gases.
• Degradation of the wax ring/rubber
gasket can allow the escape of both
liquids and sewer gases.
wall.
SINKS
• Clogged trap and/or drain line.
• Loose connection on the drain side of the p-trap letting in sewer gases.
• Loss of trap seal – typically due to negative pressure caused by inadequate
venting.
PLUMBING VENT PROBLEMS
Venting systems that do not operate properly can apply an excessive or positive
pressure, which affects sinks, toilets, urinals and floor drains. The result can be
compromised traps which can let in sewer gases.
Falcon Customer Support 1.866.975.0174 (toll free)
OPENINGS IN WALLS
Odors from faulty drains and vents behind walls can travel and then enter
rooms via wall openings.
FLUSH URINALS
• Leaks at wall connection.
• Clogged trap and/or drain line.
• Flooded bathroom due to clogged urinal trap/drain line.
• Loss of trap seal – typically due to negative pressure caused by inadequate venting.
• Venting into the room caused by over-pressurized systems due to inadequate venting.
• An undersized flush valve will not provide enough water to fully remove urine from
the bowl after each use, which is a common problem when facilities try to save water by
putting water-saving valves on old fixtures designed for a higher volume flush.
WATERLESS URINALS
• Improper cleaning.
• Cartridge lifespan is over.
• Cartridge is not properly “clocked” into (12 o’clock) position in the housing, which
can allow the escape of sewer gases as there is not enough pressure on the gasket.
• Loss of trap sealant due to cartridge not primed properly, sealant flushed due to
bucket dumps or venting problems caused by negative (back) pressure.
• Leaks at wall connection due to improper fit-up of connector or gasket, or in housing
(frequently removing stuck cartridges can apply a torque that over time can disturb
seal around the rim).
• For non-Falcon Waterfree® urinals, sealant or enzyme/odor barrier needs to be
replenished repeatedly due to normal use, or press-fit cartridges not properly installed
may allow sewer gases to escape.
TRASH
• Odors can result from a variety of items deposited in restroom trash receptacles.
ROOM VENTING
• Inadequate venting of enclosed spaces allows odors and stale air to linger,
creating an ever-present odor.
HVAC SYSTEM IMPACT
Make sure that the building A/C system is not pressurizing the restroom and holding
in odors. Most restrooms have an air return vent that pulls air from the restroom,
keeping the room in a slight vacuum and odor-free. The A/C system should be
balanced to draw slightly more air out of the room than is introduced.
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Falcon Customer Support 1.866.975.0174 (toll free)