What To Do When Your House Smells Like Sewage

What to do when your house smells like sewage featured image featuring plumber holding nose
Let’s set a scene. You’ve just come home after a long, arduous and rainy day at work only to discover that something smells like sewage. After a little introspection, you realize that this seems to happen all the time. So, what gives? Why does your house have significant sewer odor, and what can you do about it? Let’s break it down.

Why Does Your House Smell Like Sewage?

Sewer smells are, most often, due to escaping sewer gasses. Sewer gasses form when waste and other organic compounds decompose. Usually, escaping sewer gasses can be traced back to the following sewer problems:

  • A cracked or broken sewer line
  • Loose or missing sewer trap plugs
  • Dried-out water barriers

What To Do When Your House Smells Like Sewage

Since there are several potential causes of excessive sewer smells, there are also several different possible solutions. To make things a little easier, we’ll discuss solutions for each reason, one at a time. Otherwise, you may wind up choosing the incorrect solution for your particular sewer smell problem. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Get Rid Of Sewer Smells Caused By A Cracked Or Broken Sewer Line

This is the one sewer smell problem that you really can’t solve on your own. Instead, if you suspect a broken, cracked, or otherwise compromised sewer line on your property, then your best bet is to contact our team of sewer professionals. For one, diagnosing the problem will require sophisticated inspection equipment that the average homeowner doesn’t have access to. Also, repairing a broken or cracked sewer line should always be handled by a licensed professional. Otherwise, you run the risk of contaminating your entire property with sewage.

Fixing Sewer Smells Due To Loose Or Missing Sewer Trap Plugs

The sewer trap is a U-shaped trap designed to trap sewer gasses in your sewer line or septic tank. Typically, water naturally sits at the bottom of the trap and acts as a barrier between sewer gases and your home. Sewer traps all have a cap to seal sewer gasses if the water barrier doesn’t provide enough protection.

Unfortunately, these caps can break, become loose, or go missing entirely. When this happens, sewer gasses can escape, and you’ll be greeted with a foul odor. To fix the problem, you can simply replace or tighten the existing sewer cap, and you can then kiss your sewer smell problem goodbye.

Ridding Your Home Of Sewer Odors Caused By A Dried-Out Water Barrier

If the water barrier in your sewer trap has dried out, then sewer gasses can escape. Usually, dried-out sewer traps occur due to a lack of regular use.

To fix the problem, all you have to do is run some water through the affected fixture. Doing so fills the trap belly with water and helps re-establish the water barrier. However, adding water isn’t a guaranteed solution. If you find that adding water to the trap doesn’t solve your problem, then contact us here at Scott English Plumbing, Inc. instead.

Still Having Issues? Contact Scott English Plumbing, Inc.

If you have tried and failed to find and solve your sewer odor problems, then don’t fret. Here at Scott English Plumbing, Inc., we pride ourselves on being the go-to company for all things regarding sewer smells and sewer repair issues. So, don’t hesitate! Contact us for help eliminating your sewer odor today!