Many of us have experienced a foul odor coming from our homes at least once. Often, this smell results from sewer gases emanating from your home’s plumbing system.
Understanding how these odors start and what you can do to prevent them is essential for any homeowner—especially those bothered by the smells. Let’s look at what causes sewer odors inside the house and how you can reduce or eliminate them.
Dry Pipes
Most plumbing systems require water to remain active and functioning. If insufficient water is in your home’s pipes, sewer gases can escape through your drains and vents, creating an unpleasant odor. Check all nearby faucets and ensure they are fully on to prevent this from happening.
If none appear to be working correctly, it could indicate that repairs are needed elsewhere in your plumbing system. In addition, make sure your toilets are flushing properly so that all waste is removed from the drainpipes as intended.
Sewer Line Blockage
Another common cause of sewer odors inside the house is a blockage in the main sewer line outside your home. This blockage can occur when roots from trees growing near the house penetrate pipes or when debris accumulates within them.
If you suspect a blockage may be causing odors in your home, contact a professional plumber immediately to assess the situation and recommend potential solutions. Odor is one of the main signs you should replace your sewer lines.
Improperly Installed Vents
In addition to dry pipes and clogged lines, improper venting may also increase sewer odors inside the house. Vents allow air pressure between drains and sewers to equalize while simultaneously allowing hazardous gases produced by sewage systems to escape safely away from buildings. These features prevent the gases from traveling back into buildings through drains or other openings throughout the property. All vents on your property must function correctly so that toxic fumes do not enter your residence—or worse yet, accumulate within its walls!
Sewer odors can often make a living in one’s home unpleasant—not to mention embarrassing if guests come over! Fortunately, most sulfur-smelling sewage gas enters buildings because of three primary sources: dry pipes, blocked lines, or improperly installed vents.
By understanding why these sewer odors occur at home and taking proactive steps toward preventing them, you should be able to keep indoor air clean and free of offensive odors.
