Why Do I Have A Sewer Gas Smell In My Home?

Have you ever gone into your bathroom and noticed a strong, unpleasant odor? It’s likely that the smell is coming from your sewer line.

Sewer gas smells are common in homes, but they can be quite alarming when first experienced–not to mention embarrassing if you have guests!

Sewer gas smells don’t just stink; they can also be dangerous for those who breathe them in on a regular basis. While most people won’t experience serious health issues due to short-term exposure, long-term inhalation of sewers’ gasses can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and respiratory problems, among other symptoms.

In this article, we’ll explore why sewer gas odors occur and what you can do to identify them in your home.

Thankfully, an experienced and reliable plumber can fix this issue for you. Contact JMK Plumbing today so we can help you with your sewer gas smell.

What Causes a Sewer Gas Smell?

The cause of a sewer gas smell in your home can vary. It could be coming from a plumbing issue, an animal or insect infestation, or even an old appliance. Additionally, it’s possible that the odor is actually something else entirely and not related to sewage at all.

In any case, identifying the source of the smell will help you determine how best to address it.

To do this, you’ll need to investigate what might be causing the problem:

• Check for holes near pipes where animals may have entered
• Look for signs of mold or mildew buildup
• Check appliances like water heaters and toilets for leaks
• Inspect areas with poor ventilation such as laundry rooms and basements

How to Identify a Sewer Gas Smell

It is important to identify the source of the sewer gas smell in order to prevent it from recurring and causing further health issues. To do so, you’ll need to pay attention to the location of the smell, its intensity, and other common signs associated with sewer gas buildup.

The most obvious sign of sewer gas smell is an intense odor coming from drains or toilets. This smell will usually be stronger when water is running through the pipes and may even linger after use has been discontinued. You may also notice discoloration on walls or floors near plumbing fixtures—such as yellowish-brown stains—which could indicate excessive moisture caused by leaking sewage lines or blocked vents.

Additionally, a sulfuric stench can sometimes be detected outside your home near outdoor drainage systems like downspouts and catch basins.

If you need help identifying where the sewer gas odor is coming from in your house, a plumber from JMK Plumbing can assist you.

Common Sources of Sewer Gas Smell

The sources of sewer gas smell can vary, depending on the individual situation. It could be coming from a variety of places inside and outside the home.

Inside, it’s likely to be caused by an issue with your plumbing system such as a clog or leak in the pipes that leads to the accumulation of sewage gasses. Outside, you may have improper venting of your sewage systems which allows the odors to enter through windows and doors.

Another common source is something called “dry traps”. These occur when water has evaporated out of drains due to lack of use, allowing smelly air into your home. To prevent this from happening, make sure all sink and shower drains are used regularly so that there is always some water present in them.

These are just some potential causes for a sewer gas smell in your home. A plumber with experience with these issues can help you identify the sources of the smell.

Testing for Sewer Gas Smell

You can test for the sewer gas smell in several ways:

1. A visual inspection of any pipes, drains or vents that may be connected directly to your drainage system.
2. Utilizing smoke pellets to check any hidden areas for leaks.
3. Using special equipment such as infrared cameras or thermal imaging devices to detect air pressure changes which indicate an escape of gasses from your drain line.
4. Using chemical detectors to measure levels of hydrogen sulfide or other noxious gasses present in the area.

This may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry. You are not alone. A plumber from JMK Plumbing can help you test for the odor.

What to Do About a Sewer Gas Smell

The smell of sewer gas in your home can be a major annoyance. So what should you do if you have a sewer gas smell in your house? Rely on the professionals.

A reliable and experienced plumber can help you identify the smell and find the source for it. Additionally, they can help you test for the smell. Most importantly, a plumber can help you eliminate the odor and ensure that the smell doesn’t come back.

So if you’re dealing with an unwanted stench of sewer gas in your house, contact the JMK Plumbing team. You can rely on us to resolve your plumbing problems, including a sewer gas smell in your house.

Contact us today so we can get started on your plumbing issue.