Sewer smell in the house can be a very unpleasant and embarrassing problem. Not only does it leave a bad odor in the air, but it can also be a sign of a serious plumbing issue. If you’re experiencing sewer smell in your home, it’s important to take action quickly to remedy the problem and prevent it from happening again in the future. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some common causes of sewer smell in the house, as well as some effective remedies to get rid of the odor and prevent it from recurring.
One of the most common causes of sewer smell in the house is a blocked drain. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including the buildup of grease and debris in the pipes, roots growing into the pipes, and broken or cracked pipes. When a drain is blocked, the water and waste that is supposed to flow through the pipes can’t get through, which can lead to a buildup of sewage and other materials in the pipes. This can cause the sewer smell to infiltrate your home, as well as other problems like slow draining sinks and toilets that won’t flush.
To remedy a blocked drain, it’s important to first locate the source of the blockage. This can often be done by inspecting the pipes under your sinks and in your basement or crawl space. If you’re unable to locate the source of the blockage, you may need to call in a professional plumber to help. Once the blockage is located, you can try to clear it using a plunger or a plumbing snake. If these methods don’t work, you may need to call in a professional plumber to remove the blockage using specialized tools and equipment.
Another common cause of sewer smell in the house is a dry trap. Traps are designed to prevent sewer gases from flowing back into your home by creating a seal of water in the pipes. If the water in the trap evaporates, the seal is broken and the sewer gases can flow back into your home. To remedy a dry trap, you’ll need to pour water down the affected drain to refill the trap and create a new seal.
If the sewer smell is coming from your toilet, it may be caused by a problem with the wax ring that seals the toilet to the floor. This can happen if the wax ring has become dislodged or damaged, allowing sewer gases to escape into your home. To remedy this problem, you’ll need to remove the toilet and replace the wax ring. This is a job that is best left to a professional plumber, as it can be difficult and messy to do on your own.
Another potential cause of sewer smell in the house is a vent pipe that is blocked or damaged. Vent pipes are designed to allow fresh air into the plumbing system to balance the pressure and prevent sewer gases from flowing back into your home. If a vent pipe is blocked or damaged, the pressure in the plumbing system can become imbalanced, causing the sewer gases to flow back into your home. To remedy this problem, you’ll need to have the vent pipe inspected and repaired or replaced by a professional plumber.
In addition to these specific remedies, there are also a few general steps you can take to prevent sewer smell from occurring in your home. One of the most important things you can do is to keep your drains clean and clear of debris. This can be done by regularly pouring boiling water down your drains, using a plumbing snake to clear out any blockages, and using a natural drain cleaner like baking soda and vinegar.
Another important step you can take is to have your plumbing system inspected and serviced regularly. This will help to identify any potential problems before they become serious, and can help to prevent sewer smell and other problems from occurring in the first place.
