Why Does My Home Smell Like a Sewer?
A persistent sewer smell in your home is a frustrating inconvenience, but it can also be a red flag that something’s wrong with your plumbing system. Fortunately, sewer gas in the house is a fairly common issue and usually has a clear cause with a straightforward solution. From minor maintenance to more complex plumbing services, the team at Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical is here to help you identify the source and find the right plumbing odor fix.
Common Causes of Sewer Smells in Your Home
If your home smells like a sewer, there’s almost always a plumbing or drainage issue to blame. The problem usually comes down to one of these common issues:
Dry P-Trap
A P-trap is the U-shaped pipe under sinks and other drains. It holds a small amount of water that acts as a barrier, blocking sewer gases from entering your living space. If a fixture isn’t used for a while, the water in the trap can evaporate, allowing odors to come through. If you’re dealing with a sewer smell in your home, try running water down rarely used sinks, tubs, or floor drains to refill the P-trap and restore the seal.
Clogged Sewer Line
If your main sewer line is blocked, it can cause waste and gases to back up into your home. Grease buildup, tree root intrusion, and improperly flushed items are common causes of a blocked sewer line. This type of blockage can lead to persistent odors and slow drains throughout your home. If you suspect this may be the case, it’s best to schedule a professional drain cleaning and sewer inspection to locate and remove the blockage.
Broken or Leaking Pipes
Cracked, corroded, or misaligned pipes can allow sewer gases to seep into your home. These leaks often occur behind walls or under floors, making them hard to detect. Aging plumbing, shifting soil, and general wear and tear can all cause this type of damage. A plumbing inspection can identify leaks and determine whether sewer line repair or pipe replacement is needed.
Plumbing Venting Issues
Your plumbing system includes vent pipes that allow sewer gases to exit safely above your home, usually through the roof. If these vents become clogged with leaves, debris, or even bird nests, sewer gas can be forced back into your home. Cracks or improper installation can also lead to venting issues. If you suspect a problem, a licensed plumber can inspect the vent system and check that everything is functioning properly.
Full Septic Tank
If your home uses a septic system, a full or malfunctioning tank can cause odors to travel back through your drains. When the system is overloaded or not draining properly, gases build up and have nowhere to go. Regular septic maintenance is key to avoiding this issue.
Call Today for Drain & Sewer Services
Sewer smells in your home are unsettling, but they’re not unsolvable. With the right diagnosis and repair, your home can be fresh and odor-free once more. Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical offers expert drain cleaning, plumbing inspection, and sewer line repair services to fix these problems quickly and effectively. If you’re noticing sewer gas in the house, don’t wait—schedule service today and let our experienced team take care of it.
Contact our team now to schedule your plumbing inspection in Lancaster and get rid of that sewer smell for good!
