Sewer Gas Smells in My Home

One of the most frequent questions we get asked is, “Why does my house smell like sewer gas?” In fact, we get this call so often that we wanted to put together this quick guide to help homeowners understand why sewer gas smells in their home and what they can do about it (before calling a licensed plumber).

What Causes a Sewer Gas Smell?

A sewer gas smell in the home is never pleasant. But what exactly causes this to happen? There are a number of culprits that could be causing your home to smell like a sewer; one of the most common reasons is a main sewer back-up in your drain system. Cracked drain pipes, such as a toilet flange or old wax ring, is another common cause. Lastly, the third most likely reason is that the drain vent system is blocked or even misconfigured.

How to Identify the Source of Your Sewer Gas Smell?

Now that you know the common causes of a sewer gas smell, how can you narrow down the source in your home? Unfortunately, when it comes to gaseous smells, it’s a matter of process of elimination. One of the first places we recommend most homeowners inspect is the toilet flange. The wax ring around your toilet could simply need to be resealed. We also recommend going around your home and inspecting your p-traps to make sure they haven’t gone dry; if the trap is dry, this will allow sewer gas to infiltrate your home.

How to Prevent Sewer Gas Smells?

The best way to prevent sewer gas smells is to periodically run water through your drains. Even if you own properties that are uninhabited, it’s important to still run water in your sinks and toilets at least once a month. Regularly running water will keep your water traps from drying out.

Have You Tried the Smoke Test Method?

When all else fails, there’s the non-toxic smoke test method. We recommend contacting a licensed plumber for this step, as it is very involved. Neighbors should be notified in advance and plumbers should follow all OSHA safety protocols. Once the smoke has been ingested into the sewer system, thoroughly inspect the home’s roof vent for any smoke. Properly annotate and photograph all fixtures where smoke is observed. When you’ve pinpointed all the problem areas, the final repairs, such as repiping and resealing, can be scheduled.

Help, My House Smells Like a Sewer!

If you are experiencing sewer gas smells in your home, we’re here to help with the industry’s best trained and qualified professionals. Give us a call night or day to schedule your diagnostic appointment. We can be reached via phone or text at 765-769-2066. You can also use the chat box in the bottom right-hand side to reach our team immediately.

(Psst… Save 10% on your winter plumbing costs by signing up for the Hudson Membership Plan!)

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