No one enjoys walking into their home and being greeted with the smell of sewer gas. However, when it comes to finding the solution, you’ve come to the right place, Cleanup & Total Restoration.
Before we start fixing the issue, let’s first consider several factors in your home that might be causing this sewer gas smell, and ultimately restore the pleasant scents of your home.
Table of Contents
What Does Sewer Gas Smell Like?
Sewage gas typically emits a strong and unpleasant smell like rotten eggs. It often smells like sulfur and can be poisonous to the body if inhaled for extended periods.
Common Causes of Sewer Gas Smell
Let’s examine some common causes of sewer smell in your house to help you better understand how to resolve it.
Sewer Line Backup
Smells can come from a sewer backup when plumbing lines are not cleaned and maintained correctly.
Cracked Sewer Lines
These are often caused by tree root intrusion, ground breaks, or deterioration, creating a way for sewer gas to spread.
Blocked Vent Pipes
Blocked vent pipes reverse the flow of pipes, pushing sewage into the house instead of going out.
Dry P-traps or S-traps
These traps hold water, which prevents the spread of sewer gas smell. When they dry out, odors escape and saturate the area.
Dry Floor Drains
If your basement floor drain smells like sewage, it is often because the water has dried out. With no water to form a seal, sewer gases rise and spread throughout your home.
Improperly Installed Plumbing Fixtures
Sometimes, sewer gas smell can come from plumbing fixtures that were improperly installed, resulting in sewer gases escaping to open spaces.
How to Get Rid of The Sewer Gas Smell In Your Home
Now that we’ve identified the cause of the sewer gas smell in your house, we can begin to solve the problem by inspecting and maintaining each area.
1. Check Floor Drains and New Plumbing Installations
First, check all floor drains to see where the sewage smell in your house is coming from. Then, consider whether there were any recent plumbing installations and where those are.
2. Repair Damaged Plumbing Connections and Leaks
If you already know you have damage within your plumbing, repair any connections or leaks as soon as possible.
3. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
When you are finished, thoroughly clean the inside of your pipes, using baking soda and vinegar to clear them out.
4. Ventilate Your Home
Unless you enjoy the smell of vinegar mixed with remaining sewer gases, ventilate your entire home and clear the air.
5. Call for Professional Help
If you have followed all these steps and the problem persists, or if you know you cannot solve the issue alone, then it is time to seek professional help.
How Can I Find Where the Sewer Odors Are Coming From?
It’s always best to first check places where sewer odors are most likely to come from, such as the bathroom or kitchen. Look for any signs of dampness or cracks that hint at the source of sewage backup.
A comprehensive sewage cleanup guide can help save you time and money.
Contact CTR For Expert Sewage Restoration Solutions
If you need professional services, contact Cleanup & Total Restoration. We offer 24-hour sewage restoration solutions with licensed and experienced technicians.
Call us or fill out our form to get started.
