Sewer Smell in House? What's Causing It and How to Fix It

Sewer Smell in House? What's Causing It and How to Fix It

There are few things more unpleasant and concerning than walking into your home and being greeted by the foul odor of sewer gas. That rotten egg smell is not only disgusting, but it can also be a sign of a serious plumbing problem. If you're dealing with a sewer smell in your house, don't ignore it. In this post, we'll explore the common causes of sewer odors, the potential health risks, and what you can do to fix the problem.

What is Sewer Gas and Is It Dangerous?

Sewer gas is a complex mixture of gases and compounds, the most prominent being hydrogen sulfide, which is responsible for the characteristic rotten egg smell. Other components include ammonia, methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. While low concentrations of sewer gas are not typically life-threatening, prolonged exposure or high concentrations can be hazardous to your health. Symptoms of sewer gas exposure can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. It's especially important to address the issue promptly if you have young children, elderly family members, or anyone with respiratory issues living in the home.

Beyond the immediate symptoms, chronic exposure to low levels of sewer gas can lead to more serious health problems, including respiratory infections, memory problems, and even damage to the nervous system. The hydrogen sulfide in sewer gas is particularly dangerous. At high concentrations, it can overwhelm the olfactory system, meaning you might not be able to smell it anymore, creating a false sense of security. This is why it is crucial to take any sewer smell seriously, no matter how faint it may seem. For more details, see our guide on Sewer Smell in Your House: What Causes It and How to.

Try This First: DIY Checks for Sewer Smell

Before you pick up the phone to call a plumber, there are a few simple things you can check yourself to try and identify the source of the sewer smell. In many cases, the fix is surprisingly easy.

Need a plumber now? Call Budget Heating & Plumbing at 604-343-1985 for same-day plumbing service across the Lower Mainland.

1. Check for Dry P-Traps

The most common cause of a sewer smell in the house is a dry P-trap. A P-trap is the U-shaped section of pipe under your sinks and drains. It's designed to hold a small amount of water, which creates a seal that prevents sewer gas from backing up into your home. If a drain isn't used for a while, the water in the P-trap can evaporate, breaking the seal and allowing sewer gas to escape. This is a frequent issue in guest bathrooms, laundry room floor drains, or any other drain that is not used regularly. You may also find our article on Low Water Pressure in Your Lower Mainland Home: Causes, helpful.

The Fix: Simply pour a few cups of water down any drains that are not used frequently. This will refill the P-trap and restore the water seal. To prevent the P-trap from drying out again in the future, make it a habit to run water in unused drains every couple of weeks. For floor drains that are rarely used, you can add a tablespoon of cooking oil to the water. The oil will float on top of the water and slow down the evaporation process.

2. Inspect the Toilet's Wax Ring Seal

Another common culprit for sewer gas leaks is a faulty wax ring seal on your toilet. The wax ring is a seal between the base of the toilet and the drainpipe on the floor. If this seal is loose, cracked, or has deteriorated over time, it can allow sewer gas to seep into your bathroom. You might also notice water pooling around the base of the toilet if the wax ring is the problem. Learn more in our related guide: Slow Bathroom Drain? Causes and Fixes for BC Homeowners.

The Fix: Replacing a toilet's wax ring is a more involved DIY project, but it is manageable for a handy homeowner. However, if you're not comfortable with this type of plumbing work, it's best to call a professional. An improperly installed wax ring can lead to leaks and water damage. If you do decide to take on this project yourself, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and ensure that the new wax ring is properly seated before reinstalling the toilet.

3. Check the Plumbing Vent Pipe

Your home's plumbing system includes a vent pipe that runs from the drainpipes to the roof. This pipe allows sewer gas to safely escape and also helps to regulate the pressure in your drain lines. If the vent pipe becomes clogged with leaves, bird nests, or other debris, it can cause sewer gas to back up into your house. A sign of a clogged vent pipe is often a gurgling sound coming from your drains. Our article on Sewer Backup in Langley, BC: Causes, Signs, and What to Do covers this topic in depth.

The Fix: From the ground, you can sometimes visually inspect the vent pipe on your roof for obvious blockages. However, clearing a clogged vent pipe can be a dangerous job that requires getting on the roof. For safety reasons, we strongly recommend calling a professional plumber to handle this task. A professional will have the proper safety equipment and tools to clear the vent pipe without damaging your roof.

4. Clean Your Drains

Sometimes, a sewer-like smell can be caused by a buildup of organic matter in your drains. Hair, soap scum, and other debris can accumulate in your pipes and start to decompose, creating a foul odor. While this is not technically sewer gas, it can be just as unpleasant. For related information, read Boiler Leaking Water: Causes, Risks, and What to Do.

The Fix: You can try cleaning your drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture fizz and bubble for about 30 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water. For more stubborn clogs, you may need to use a drain snake or a commercially available drain cleaner. However, be careful with chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes if used improperly.

When to Call a Professional Plumber Immediately

While some causes of sewer smell can be resolved with a simple DIY fix, there are certain situations where you should call a professional plumber without delay. These include:

• A strong, persistent sewer smell: If the odor is overwhelming and doesn't go away, it could indicate a more serious problem like a cracked sewer line.
• The smell is coming from multiple drains: This is another sign of a potential main sewer line issue.
• You notice the smell after heavy rain: This could mean that your sewer line is cracked and is being inundated with rainwater.
• You hear gurgling sounds from your drains: As mentioned earlier, this can be a sign of a blocked vent pipe, but it can also indicate a clog in your main sewer line.
• You see signs of water damage: If you notice water stains on your walls or ceilings, it could be a sign of a leaking drainpipe or a cracked sewer line.

For any of these situations, or if you've tried the DIY fixes and the smell persists, it's time to call in the experts. A professional plumber has the tools and expertise to diagnose the problem accurately and safely. At Budget Heating & Plumbing Services, we offer same-day and emergency service for plumbing issues throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. Don't hesitate to call us at 604-343-1985 for a prompt and reliable solution.

How Professionals Diagnose and Fix Sewer Line Problems

When you call a professional plumber to investigate a sewer smell, they will use a variety of tools and techniques to pinpoint the source of the problem. One of the most effective tools is a sewer camera. This is a small, waterproof camera that is attached to a flexible cable. The plumber will insert the camera into your sewer line and use it to visually inspect the inside of your pipes. This allows them to identify cracks, clogs, and other problems without having to dig up your yard.

Once the problem has been identified, the plumber will recommend the best course of action. For minor clogs, they may use a hydro-jetting machine, which uses high-pressure water to blast away debris. For more serious problems, such as a cracked or collapsed sewer line, they may need to excavate the pipe and replace the damaged section. In some cases, they may be able to use trenchless sewer repair methods, which are less invasive and can save you time and money.

Preventing Future Sewer Smells

Once you've resolved the immediate problem, there are a few things you can do to prevent sewer smells from returning in the future:

• Be mindful of what you put down your drains: Avoid pouring grease, oil, and other fatty substances down your drains, as they can solidify and cause clogs. You should also avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet.
• Schedule regular drain cleaning: Having your drains professionally cleaned on a regular basis can help to prevent clogs and keep your pipes flowing freely.
• Have your sewer line inspected: If you have an older home, it's a good idea to have your sewer line inspected every few years to check for signs of damage or deterioration.

Your Trusted Local Plumbers

Dealing with a sewer smell in your house can be stressful, but you don't have to handle it alone. The experienced team at Budget Heating & Plumbing Services is here to help. We've been serving the Lower Mainland for years, and we're committed to providing our customers with honest, reliable, and affordable plumbing solutions. Whether you need a simple drain cleaning or a more complex sewer line repair, we have the skills and equipment to get the job done right. For more information about our plumbing services, please visit our plumbing services page and our drainage services page.

Don't let a sewer smell ruin your day. Contact Budget Heating & Plumbing at 604-343-1985 to schedule an appointment or to request a free quote. We're here to help you breathe easy in your home again.

---

Need a Plumber?

Budget Heating and Plumbing provides professional plumbing services across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. Same-day service available for urgent issues.

Schedule Your Service - Same Day Available