What Is Causing That Sewer Smell?

You have probably encountered a bad smell in your home, but you didn’t know where it was coming from. Bad smells usually indicate something is wrong. Typically, you may notice sewer odors coming from bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms but are unaware of the actual issue.

Sewer smells coming from these areas can be a sign of a more significant plumbing issue. While it may come from the sewer itself, it can also indicate anything from a broken vent pipe to a dried-out P-trap.

It’s important to stay on top of these sewer odors because they can indicate a deeper plumbing issue and pose a risk to your health and safety. Sewer gases contain methane, which is highly flammable and can lead to nausea, vomiting, headaches, and other major side effects.
It can be challenging to pinpoint the cause of any sewer smell you find in your home. However, there are areas of your home you can check to try to identify the specific cause. The possible sources can be anywhere from your kitchen drains to your toilet and bathroom sink drain.

Common Sources of Sewer Odors

Here are some of the most common plumbing issues that lead to sewer odors inside your home.

Clogged Vents

If you suspect that the vents in your home may be clogged, you should contact a professional plumber. Your local plumber will be able to inspect your vent pipes and ensure that everything is in order.

Lack of Proper Vent Pipes or Drain Traps

Sometimes, fixtures will lack the proper vent pipes that release sewer gases. As DIY plumbers may leave this step out, you should ensure that you have the proper vent pipes or drain traps to avoid any sewer gases leaking into your home.

Broken Sewer Lateral Pipe

Older pipes are prone to cracking, so broken sewer pipes or vents may be the possible source of any sewer odors. If you think this may be the source of your issue, call a professional to visit your home for an inspection.

Dry Trap

Dry traps will usually occur in drains that aren’t frequently used, such as a basement drain. If you have any rarely used drains in your home and have noticed a sewer odor, make sure to check all the drains around your house.

Broken Seal Around Toilet

If you smell a sewer odor coming from your toilet, check for any air leaks that may be coming from your toilet’s wax ring. Ensure that this ring is sealed tightly to the floor.

When Should You Call a Plumber?

Sometimes, you can solve the sewage smell with a simple DIY fix. However, if you’re unsure about what to do or are facing a more complex issue, you should contact a professional plumbing company. Professional plumbers will be able to easily diagnose the problem and provide a solution, removing the stress and guesswork out of your sewage odor.

Professional and Reliable Plumbing Services Since 1985

At The Plumbing Source, our team has been providing quality plumbing services to the Northeast Ohio community since 1985. We specialize in offering fast and dependable services with fair and competitive pricing. Every member of our team is professionally trained to provide the highest quality services.

Our company is licensed, bonded, and insured, so you can be confident in our work. Using state-of-the- art equipment, we prioritize customer satisfaction with every service, ensuring we have met and exceeded your expectations.

If you’re looking for professional plumbing services in Northeast Ohio and surrounding areas, contact our team at (877) 768-7239 to schedule a service today!