Sewage Smell in House? 6 Causes and How to Get Rid of It
That rotten-egg or sewer odor in your home is hydrogen sulfide gas from your drain system. It is unpleasant, and in large amounts it is unhealthy. Here are the likely culprits.
1. Dry P-trap
Every drain has a U-shaped trap that holds water to block sewer gas. A rarely used floor drain, guest bathroom, or basement sink dries out over weeks. Pour a gallon of water down the drain and the smell usually disappears.
2. Failed toilet wax ring
A rocking toilet or odor near the toilet base often means the wax seal failed, letting gas (and water) escape. Our toilet repair service resets the toilet with a new seal.
3. Blocked or broken plumbing vent
Vents on the roof let sewer gas escape above the house. Leaves, nests, or ice can block them, forcing gas back through traps.
4. Biofilm in drains
Bacteria coating the drain walls produce odor. Professional drain cleaning removes it.
5. Cracked sewer line
Odor in the yard or basement, soggy spots, and slow drains together point to a damaged sewer lateral. A sewer camera inspection confirms it, and trenchless sewer repair fixes it without destroying your yard.
6. Ejector pit or sump problems
Basement bathrooms use a sealed ejector pit. A failed lid seal or vent leaks gas into the basement.
A Good Plumber tracks down sewer odors across Indiana, including Indianapolis, Hammond, and Muncie. Call (888) 480-9811.