🏠 Why Your Home Smells Like Sewer and How to Fix It
If you’ve noticed a sewer smell in your home, it’s more than just an unpleasant nuisance—it’s a warning sign that something is wrong with your plumbing. At Patton Plumbing Heating and AC in Mason, TN, we help homeowners identify and eliminate sewer odors before they lead to bigger issues. Here’s what might be causing the smell and what you can do to get rid of it.
🚽 Common Causes of Sewer Smells in Homes
A bad odor in your home is often linked to plumbing issues. Here are the most common culprits:
🛑 Clogged Drains
Soap scum, hair, and debris can build up inside your pipes, forming biofilm. This gunky substance slows drainage and releases sewer odors into your home.
🚽 Toilet Issues
A loose wax ring, improperly sealed bolts, or vent pipe issues can allow sewer gases to escape into your bathroom.
🔧 Pipe Problems
Cracked, eroded, or clogged pipes may let sewer gas leak into your home. Tree roots, grease buildup, or flushing non-flushable items can all lead to these issues.
💦 P-Trap Problems
P-traps hold water to block sewer gases. If they dry out or leak, foul odors can enter your home.
🌬️ Vent Pipe Blockages
Roof vent pipes allow sewer gases to escape outside. When blocked by leaves, nests, or ice, gases can back up into your home.
👕 Washing Machine Drain Issues
A clogged drain or improperly installed P-trap in your laundry room can lead to sewer smells near your washing machine.
⚠️ Hydrogen Sulfide in Water
If your water smells like rotten eggs, it may contain high levels of hydrogen sulfide, especially in homes with water softeners.
☠️ Dangers of Sewer Gases
A sewer smell in your house isn’t just annoying—it can also be hazardous to your health. Common sewer gases contain:
Methane – Highly flammable and can cause explosions.
Ammonia – Irritates the respiratory system and can cause dizziness.
Hydrogen Sulfide – In high concentrations, it can lead to headaches, nausea, and asphyxiation.
If you notice persistent sewer odors, addressing them quickly is crucial for your health and safety.
🛠️ How to Get Rid of Sewer Smells
Eliminating sewer odors depends on what’s causing them. Here are some effective solutions:
🧼 Clean and Maintain Drains
Regularly remove debris from drains to prevent clogs.
Use a mix of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water to break down biofilm.
Keep P-traps filled with water to block sewer gases.
🚽 Fix Toilet Seal Issues
Check toilet bolts and wax rings for leaks.
Ensure vent pipes are properly installed and functioning.
🔍 Inspect Pipes for Leaks
Older homes may have cracked or eroded pipes that need replacing.
Professional pipe inspections can detect hidden leaks before they worsen.
🌬️ Keep Vent Pipes Clear
Regularly check roof vents for leaves, nests, or ice blockages.
Ensure your plumbing system is ventilated properly.
💦 Address Water Quality Issues
If your water smells like rotten eggs, have it tested for hydrogen sulfide levels.
Consider installing a water filtration system to improve water quality.
🔧 When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried these solutions but the sewer smell won’t go away, it’s time to call a plumber. A professional can:
Perform a sewer camera inspection to find hidden clogs or leaks.
Fix pipe issues before they cause more damage.
Use hydro jetting to clear out blockages deep in your plumbing system.
📞 Call Patton Plumbing to Eliminate Sewer Smells for Good
A sewer smell in your home isn’t just a minor issue—it’s a sign of a bigger plumbing problem. At Patton Plumbing Heating and AC, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing sewer gas leaks to keep your home safe, comfortable, and odor-free.
📞 Call us today at (901) 489-2119 for expert plumbing services in Mason, TN!