Is There a Sewer Smell in Your Home? Here Is What to Do

January 25 2023

Is There a Sewer Smell in Your Home? Here Is What to Do

A sewer smell in your house can be a frustrating and unpleasant experience. There are a few potential causes of this issue, and several steps you can take to address it. Take a look at some recommendations by Septic Blue on how to handle sewer smell.

Septic Tank Malfunction

One common cause of a sewer smell in your house is a full or malfunctioning septic tank. The septic tank is responsible for storing and processing wastewater from your home. If it becomes full or is not functioning properly, it can lead to a sewer smell inside your house. In this case, it is important to have your septic tank pumped by a septic company. Septic tank pumping is the process of removing the accumulated sludge and scum from the tank. This will help to alleviate the sewer smell and ensure that your septic system is functioning properly.

Clogged Sewer Line

Another potential cause of a sewer smell in your house is a clogged or broken sewer line. The sewer line is responsible for transporting wastewater from your home to the municipal sewer system or your septic tank. If the line becomes clogged or broken, it can lead to a sewer smell inside your house. In this case, it is important to contact a septic company to diagnose and repair the issue. They may use a camera to inspect the inside of your sewer line and identify the problem, then use hydro jetting or other methods to clear the blockage or repair the broken pipe.

Dry P-Trap

A third potential cause of a sewer smell in your house is a dry P-trap. A P-trap is a device that is installed in your plumbing to prevent sewer gas from entering your home. It is designed to hold a small amount of water to create a barrier that the gas cannot pass through. If the P-trap dries out, the barrier is removed and the gas can enter your home, causing a sewer smell. In this case, simply running water down the drain or flushing the toilet can often refill the P-trap and solve the problem.

What You Can Do

In addition to addressing the specific cause of the sewer smell, there are several steps you can take to prevent it from happening in the future. These include:

  • Regularly have your septic tank pumped by a septic company to ensure that it is functioning properly.
  • Be mindful of what you flush down the toilet or put down the drains in your home. Avoid flushing or disposing of items that can clog your sewer line or damage your septic system.
  • Install a sewer gas vent in your home to help prevent the build-up of gas in your sewer line.
  • Regularly inspect and maintain your plumbing to ensure that it is in good working order and that there are no leaks or blockages.

A sewer smell in your house can be caused by a number of issues, including a full or malfunctioning septic tank, a clogged or broken sewer line, or a dry P-trap. It is important to address the specific cause of the smell and take steps to prevent it from happening in the future. Contacting Septic Blue for septic tank pumping, septic tank repair, and other services can help you to keep your home's plumbing and waste-water management systems in good working order, and to avoid the unpleasant smell of sewers in your home.