Yeah, it’s wild how a bathroom can smell like a YMCA locker room even when you’re scrubbing everything down. I totally get what you mean about the vent stack—had a squirrel nest up there once and it was a nightmare. Sometimes it’s just a combo of little things, like you said. Don’t beat yourself up if you haven’t found the source yet... these things can be sneaky. Just keep an eye out for moisture and don’t go too heavy on the chemicals—sometimes less is more.
Don’t beat yourself up if you haven’t found the source yet... these things can be sneaky.
Totally agree—sometimes it’s just a process of elimination. I’ve had tenants swear it was mold, but it turned out to be a slow leak behind the toilet. You’re on the right track by not overdoing the chemicals. Sometimes a little patience and a flashlight go further than bleach.
Honestly, that pool smell always makes me think of over-chlorinated water, but in a bathroom? Kinda weird. Have you checked if your toilet tank is leaking or if the wax ring is shot? Sometimes the smell creeps up from there and it’s not always obvious. Also, any chance you’ve got one of those automatic toilet cleaners? Those things can make the whole room smell like a YMCA locker room. Just throwing ideas out there... sometimes it’s the simplest stuff.
Have you checked if your toilet tank is leaking or if the wax ring is shot?
Totally agree, a bad wax ring can let sewer gases sneak in, and you might not even notice water on the floor. A couple more things to check:
- If you’ve got a chlorine tablet in the tank, that’ll definitely give off that pool vibe.
- Sometimes, older plumbing or plastic supply lines can react with chlorinated water and make the smell worse.
- Check your bathroom exhaust fan—if it’s not venting properly, odors just linger.
Had a similar issue and it turned out to be a combo of an old toilet flapper and those blue drop-in tablets. Swapped both and the smell disappeared.
If you’ve got a chlorine tablet in the tank, that’ll definitely give off that pool vibe.
Honestly, those tablets are sneaky. People think they’re helping, but half the time they just eat away at the flapper and make things worse. I’d also double-check under the toilet for any dampness—sometimes it’s not obvious, but if the wax ring’s gone, you might catch a whiff of sewer gas even without leaks. Had a buddy who swore it was the fan, but nope... just a crusty old wax ring.