How To Fart Underwater

Peter Letts   Feb 17, 2025

Why Do Farts Smell Worse in the Bath: A Scuba Divers Guide to Farting Underwater

Introduction to Underwater Farts

For scuba divers, understanding why farts smell worse underwater—especially in a confined space like a wetsuit or dive mask—is more than just a funny curiosity. When you release gas beneath the surface, the surrounding water and gas create a unique environment where smelly gases can become concentrated, intensifying the odour. The pressure underwater affects how gas escapes from your body, and the enclosed nature of your diving equipment traps these gases close to your nose, making the smell seem much stronger than in open air. Plus, factors like what you eat and how your gut bacteria break down food play a big role in how potent your underwater flatulence can be. So, whether you’re exploring a coral reef or relaxing on a dive boat, knowing the science behind underwater farts can save you from some awkward moments beneath the waves!

9 Interesting Facts about Underwater Farts

1. Farts Underwater are SilentIf you’ve ever tried to fart underwater, you know that they are silent. This is because the water pressure prevents the gas from escaping.

2. Farts Underwater are SmellyHowever, just because they are silent doesn’t mean they don’t smell. In fact, farts underwater can be even smellier than farts in air!

3. Farts Underwater Displace WaterWhen you fart underwater, you create a bubble of gas that displaces the water around it. This can cause a small explosion if the bubble is large enough.

4. Farts Underwater can be used to Propel YourselfIf you’re a good swimmer, you can use your fart bubbles to propel yourself through the water. Just make sure you don’t let anyone know what you’re up to!

5. Farts Underwater can be used to Make BubblesYou can also use your fart bubbles to make larger bubbles in the water. Just blow into the water and watch the bubbles form!

6. Farts Underwater are Heavier than Air FartsBecause of the extra pressure from the water, farts underwater are actually heavier than air farts. So, if you want your fart to travel further, do it underwater!

7. Farts Underwater can be used to Clean Your PoolIf you have a pool, you can use your fart bubbles to clean it! The bubbles will help to dislodge any dirt or debris that is stuck to the sides of the pool.

8. Farts Underwater can be used to Power a submarineYes, it’s true! In World War II, German submarines were powered by a process called “catalytic decomposition of methane.” This process involved using methane gas (which is produced by farting) to power the engines. So, in a way, the German war effort was supported by farts!

9. Farting is Good for Your Health! Believe it or not, farting is actually good for your health! When you fart, your body gets rid of excess gas and toxins that would otherwise build up and cause health problems. Farting can also relieve bloating, a common digestive issue. So let ‘er rip!

The Science of Flatulence

Flatulence is a fascinating process involving your digestive tract, certain foods, and gas production. When food breaks down in the small intestine, it releases gases, including sulfur, which can make farts smell like rotten eggs. In a confined space, such as a shower, these gases get trapped, making the smell worse. Our noses are highly sensitive to odors, and the smell of farts can be particularly potent in enclosed spaces. For example, eating sulfur-rich foods like vegetables can create a stronger reaction, making your farts smell worse. Gut bacteria play a crucial role in breaking down food and producing gases, which can significantly affect the smell of your farts.

What happens if you fart while scuba diving?

The deeper you dive, the harder it gets to release one. It will be extremely hard to fart when you dive below 7.5 meters. The closer you get to 10 Meters in depth it will become impossible to fart. Simply the deeper you go, the water pressure increases will slowly make it more difficult to release one until it is impossible to do so.

A great reference on this subject is Andrew Thompson’s book “Can Holding in a Fart Kill You”, which has more than 200 fun facts-from baffling and bizarre to enlightening.

Farting underwater is a strange phenomenon that scientists have studied for decades. It turns out that when you release gas, the bubbles are trapped in a pocket of air and collect along the streams created by your exhaling breath to create a soundless bubblegeous moment. Bowel movements and digestive health can significantly influence gas production and the ability to fart underwater, as conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and abnormal bowel habits can lead to increased gas.

One fascinating fact is that farting for turtles is most likely to occur in water. Water allows them to relax, and they feel more at ease urinating, defecating, and letting one rip! You will likely see bubbles rise from their behind.

As long as you are above 10 metres, It is possible to fart underwater, but there are consequences for doing so. Remember, your fart will be twice as big from ten meters when it hits the surface. So you think it’s a good idea to fart underwater? You can do that, but there are consequences you need to think about.

Why do farts smell worse in the shower?

If you thought only you experienced the strong smell of passing gas in a steamy shower, think again! It’s not like taking a hot shower unleashes magical powers that make flatulence more pungent. Instead, this is due to being trapped in a small and enclosed space where your farts don’t really have anywhere else to go. The steam in the shower increases the sensitivity of the nostrils to odours, making smells more noticeable. Additionally, the scent of shampoo can become more pronounced in the steamy environment of a shower. What makes matters worse is that when we are naked, there aren’t any clothes or fabrics for our odoriferous air particles to stick onto or be contained within.

Minimizing Fart Smell

To minimize fart smell, start by identifying the underlying cause. If certain foods are the culprits, try avoiding or reducing their consumption. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help reduce gas production. Staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and managing stress are essential for regulating digestion and reducing smelly farts. Over-the-counter medications or supplements may sometimes be necessary, but always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatments. By addressing the root cause and making lifestyle changes, you can reduce the occurrence of smelly farts and maintain good digestive health.
 

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors can significantly affect the smell of farts. For example, the heat and moisture of a shower can make farts smell worse, as can the confined space of a bath. Certain foods can lead to bad-smelling gas, and what you eat can influence the smell of your farts. Foul-smelling gas can be a result of dietary choices or health issues. The nose is highly sensitive to odors, making fart smells more noticeable. An average person passes gas multiple times daily, and factors like diet and digestive health can affect gas production. It's important to talk to a healthcare professional about digestive health issues. Yogurt can influence gas production, especially for those who are lactose intolerant. The type of clothing you wear also plays a role; some fabrics can trap gases and make them smell worse. Even the use of perfume or deodorant can mask the smell of farts but won’t eliminate the underlying cause. It’s essential to consider these factors when trying to minimize fart smell, especially in enclosed spaces. By understanding the science of flatulence and taking steps to reduce the smell, you can avoid the embarrassment and discomfort of passing gas in public.

Health Implications

Smelly farts can sometimes indicate underlying health issues, ranging from minor digestive problems to more serious conditions like colon cancer. If you experience persistent or severe smelly farts, it’s essential to consult a doctor. They can help determine the cause and provide treatment options. In some cases, smelly farts can be a symptom of infections, digestive disorders, or other health issues. Addressing these problems is crucial to prevent further complications. Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good hygiene practices can help minimize the occurrence of smelly farts and keep your digestive system in check.

PADI Distinctive Specialty Course

If you are particularly interested in this subject, we can organise a PADI Distinctive Specialty in Underwater Fartology. Constipation can lead to the buildup of gas and smelly farts due to the accumulation of stool in the colon. Additionally, diarrhea can be a symptom of digestive tract infections caused by bacterial overgrowth, resulting in smelly gas.

 

Frequently Asked Questions
 

Why Do Farts Smell Worse in the Bath?

Farting underwater, especially in the bath, can seem more potent due to the heat and humidity, which enhance our sense of smell and the speed at which odour molecules travel. Similarly, the scent of soap becomes more pronounced in the steamy environment of a bath, making all odors, including farts, more noticeable.

 

Can You Fart While Scuba Diving?

Yes, it is possible to fart while scuba diving. The pressure underwater does not prevent the release of gas from the body. Certain foods break down in the digestive system, producing gas that can be released while scuba diving.

 

What Happens When You Fart in Water?

When you fart in water, the gas forms bubbles that rise to the surface. This is a natural process and can happen to any diver. The presence of feces in the colon can lead to increased gas production and smelly farts due to bacterial activity.

 

Is Farting Underwater Dangerous?

Farting underwater is not typically dangerous unless it distracts you or your dive buddy, which could potentially lead to unsafe situations. The smell of farts can be more noticeable underwater due to the confined space, making the odor more concentrated and harder to escape.