If you've ever noticed a foul odor in your home that resembles sewage or rotten eggs, you're not alone. Many homeowners experience these unpleasant smells, which can stem from various sources. Whether it’s a plumbing issue, water contamination, or an improperly vented drainage system, identifying the root cause is essential for resolving the problem effectively.
In this guide, we'll explore the common reasons behind sewer gas and rotten egg odors and provide practical solutions to eliminate them permanently.
Why Does My House Smell Like Sewage?
Unpleasant sewer odors in your home can stem from several sources, ranging from plumbing issues to bacterial growth. Identifying and addressing the cause quickly is crucial for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment.
- A blocked or damaged sewer line: As wastewater and sewage flow through sewer pipes, any blockage or damage can lead to leaks or backups, resulting in a distinct sewage smell permeating the house. These odors can also be caused by improperly installed drainage, which can be as simple as stuffing a rag into an open drain pipe and trying to cover it up with a wall instead of using a cap that would securely seal the pipe opening.
- A dry P-trap: Typically, any fixture you use regularly will not trigger this issue. However, floor drains in laundry rooms or basements that seldom see drainage often have a dry P-trap. If a washing machine, laundry tub, sink, or tub/shower in a basement has gone unused for an extended period, the water inside the P-trap can evaporate. This will then allow a foul odor to escape into the air.
- Improperly installed toilets: A toilet flange installed too low (below the finished floor, instead of above) will render the wax ring ineffective because it cannot create compression between the toilet and the flange. In addition, the installer may have compressed the wax too much on one side, allowing just enough room for sewer gas to escape.
- Sulfur bacteria in water heaters: Bacteria in water heaters can react with the anode rod, producing hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like rotten eggs. Flushing your water heater can help eliminate these bacteria. To do this, turn off the power or gas supply, attach a hose to the drain valve, and let the water run until it clears. You may also need to replace the anode rod with an aluminum-zinc alternative to prevent future bacterial growth.
- Improperly installed plumbing vents: Plumbing vent pipes regulate air pressure in your system and direct sewer gases safely outside. If these vents are poorly installed or blocked, sewer odors can be forced back into your home. A professional plumber can assess and correct venting issues to restore proper airflow.
- Overflow drains: Sink overflow drains can trap food particles, mold, and debris, leading to foul odors over time. Regularly cleaning these drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water, can help prevent unpleasant smells.
Additional Considerations
- Vacation homes: If your house has been unoccupied for an extended period, P-traps may dry out, allowing sewer gases to enter your living space. Running water through all drains periodically can help prevent this issue.
- Older plumbing systems: Homes with aging galvanized steel or cast iron pipes may develop cracks, allowing sewer gas to escape undetected. If you suspect a hidden leak, consulting a professional plumber is essential.
- Broken or Damaged Sewer Vents: Sewer vent pipes run from a property's plumbing system to its roof, allowing sewer gases to discharge into the outdoor air. A damaged, blocked, or broken sewer vent pipe can lead to odors inside the property. Debris accumulation, corrosion, or physical damage to the vent are all potential factors that cause this.
- Sewer Line Backup: A sewer line backup occurs when the main sewer line connecting a property to the municipal sewer system is blocked or obstructed. This can lead to sewage and sewer gases flowing back into the property, producing a potent stench. Tree root invasion, debris accumulation, or deteriorating pipes may all cause sewer line backups.
Eight Ways to Prevent a Sewage Smell in Your Home
Unpleasant sewer odors can be prevented with proper maintenance and proactive measures. Here are eight essential tips to keep your home free from sewer gas smells:
- Keep P-traps filled with water so they don’t dry out
Ensure the P-traps under your sinks, showers, and toilets always have water. Dump a bucket of water down the drain to reprime the trap if needed. Eventually, as you put more water in the drain, you will ensure smooth wastewater flow to prevent buildup and clogs and reduce the chances of a sewage smell.
- Use a drain seal to block odors
Oatey® Drain Seal uses a one-way valve to block odors, insects, and rodents from entering your home. Specifically designed for infrequently used drains, where problems often develop, the product is compatible with drains or pipes with a two-inch or three-inch outlet. That makes it suitable for basements, laundry rooms, or shower drains.
The installation process is tool-free and easy, but it is crucial to select the correct size for your pipe. For example, if you have a two-inch line, be sure to use a two-inch drain seal to ensure a proper fit and effective sealing.
- Use drain strainers to catch debris
Install drain strainers in sinks, showers, and floor drains to catch and prevent debris from entering the pipes. This helps to prevent clogs and keeps sewer odors from escaping into your home.
- Use pipe plugs to identify leaks
Cherne® Gripper® Plugs are essential for detecting sewer gas leaks during DWV (drain, waste, and vent) and stack testing. Their secure, end-of-pipe fit and inside-of-pipe design allow for flexible positioning, making them ideal for pinpointing odor sources. By inserting a plug and filling the pipe with smoke, plumbers can easily identify where smoke escapes, revealing potential leaks.
Additionally, the Hercules Megabubble Leak Detector is an excellent tool for detecting even the smallest leaks by creating visible bubbles when gas or air escapes.
The Cherne® Clean Seal, which inflates to create a tight seal in a cleanout fitting, is another effective solution for isolating leaks and preventing sewer gases from escaping.
- Maintain your plumbing system
Regularly inspect and maintain your plumbing system to identify leaks, damaged pipes, or blockages early on. Promptly repair any issues to prevent sewage leaks and unpleasant odors.
- Properly vent your plumbing system and home
A well-ventilated plumbing system safely releases sewer gases. Regularly inspect vent pipes to ensure they are not blocked by debris or animals. If traditional venting is not an option due to structural limitations, Air Admittance Valves (AAVs) can serve as an alternative solution. For installation guidance, refer to our project guide.
Additionally, proper home ventilation is essential for reducing sewer gas smells. Open doors and windows, use exhaust fans, and consider installing a ventilation system with a carbon filter to help eliminate lingering odors and improve indoor air quality.
- Dispose of waste properly
Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items such as wipes, feminine hygiene products, and excessive toilet paper, as these can cause blockages and sewage backups, leading to foul odors.
- Schedule regular sewer-line inspections
Have a professional plumber inspect your sewer lines periodically to detect and address any hidden damage or blockages before they become significant.
How to Remove the Sewer Gas Smell from Your Home
Once the source of the odor is identified, taking appropriate steps to eliminate it is essential:
- Identifying the Source: Begin by inspecting areas where sewer gas odors are commonly found, such as drains, toilets, and plumbing fixtures. Look for signs of leaks, damage, or blockages.
- Repair or Replace Damaged Plumbing: If leaks or damages are found in your plumbing system, promptly repair or replace the affected components. Tighten loose connections, replace broken seals, and fix any cracks in pipes or fixtures.
- Clean and Deodorize Drains: Over time, drains can accumulate debris, grease, and other organic matter, leading to foul odors. Regularly clean your drains using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or a cleaning solution recommended by a professional. Flush the drains with hot water to help remove any residual odor-causing substances.
- Ventilate Your Home: Adequate ventilation can reduce the concentration of sewer gas in your home. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate and decrease the odor. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms to vent any lingering smells.
- Use Odor Absorbers: Several commercial odor absorbers are available that can help neutralize sewer gas smells. Charcoal-based odor absorbers or baking soda can be placed near the source of the odor or in affected rooms to absorb and neutralize the smell.
- Seek Professional Help: If you're unable to identify or eliminate the source of the sewer gas smell on your own, it's advisable to call a professional plumber or a sewer and gas odor specialist. They have the expertise and equipment to detect and resolve complex issues related to sewer gas odors.
Sewer gas odors are unpleasant and can pose health risks. If you notice persistent sewer gas smells in your home, it is crucial to identify the source and address it quickly. For complex plumbing issues, contacting a professional plumber can ensure a thorough and effective resolution.
Maintaining your plumbing system and addressing potential issues early can keep your home free from sewer odors so that you can enjoy a fresh, healthy living environment.