Sewer Smells
Sewer gas smells in your home can be more dangerous than most realize. These gasses can include Hydrogen Sulfide, Methane, and Ammonia. Breathing in these gasses can lead to dizziness, headaches, memory loss, and poisoning. In large amounts, these gasses can be explosive, and set your home afire.
These smells normally originate from drains and septic systems when air is allowed to flow from the sewer pipes out of drains. Normally this problem can be solved quickly by a professional plumber, and fixed on the same day. Don't risk the dangers associated with these gasses, and get a specialist to diagnose your problem.
Potential Causes
Although these smells can originate from a wide variety of places in your plumbing system, here are some of the more common culprits:
- P-traps or S-traps can let these smells into your home if there isn't any water in the elbow
- Loose connections along vent pipes or sewer lines
- Missing clean out plugs will get the gasses out into your property
- Bad wax rings on toilets can get the gasses seep out from under your toilet
- Sewer or septic pipe leaks
P-Traps & S-Traps
P-traps and S-traps are parts of drains that keep smells from the sewers from being able to escape through your drains.
By holding some standing water in the bottom of the looped section, the water can block sewer gasses from being able to enter your home.
If you're noticing a smell coming from a drain, try running some water down the drain (not much is necessary, a half gallon will do), and see if the smell goes away.
If the smell dissipates, it was likely just that your P-Trap had no water in it (which blocks the gasses from coming up through the drain).
If the smell stays, this signals other issues. Reach out to us, and we'll be on our way to fix it ASAP.
When to Call a Professional
While some minor sewer smell issues might be resolved by adding water to dry P-traps, persistent odors typically indicate a more serious problem that requires professional attention. Consider calling a plumber if:
- Sewer smells persist after running water down all drains
- You notice the smell coming from multiple locations
- The smell is accompanied by slow drains or gurgling sounds
- You've recently had plumbing work done
- The smell is particularly strong near toilets or floor drains
Conclusion
Sewer smells in your home should never be ignored. They can indicate serious plumbing issues and pose health risks to you and your family. A professional plumber can quickly diagnose the source of the smell and implement the appropriate solution before more serious damage occurs.
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Call us at 844 PLUMB-ALL
