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Why Does My House Smell Like Sewage?

Posted on September 7, 2021 by Melbourne Plumber

An example of a very badly damaged seal. This is mold eating away at the seal which allows sewage gas to enter the room.

There are many possibilities as to what could be causing your home to smell like sewage. But the bottom line is that sewage or sewage bi-products are exposed to the air in your home in one fashion or another. In this article we will go over some of the ways in which this is possibly happening.

Dried Out P-Trap

Of all the possibilities this is the most common. The P-Trap uses a bend in the pipe and water contained there within to seal the pipe from being exposed to the air in the room. It really is a smart and simple design but not fool-proof.

If there is a tiny crack in the pipe which allows the sealant water to leak out or the house heats up and the water evaporates, you will have a pungent sewage smell seep back through your home.

Solutions:

1. If this only happens occasionally, simply runs the water a little and it should recreate the water seal.
2. If this happens often you may need to have the pipe inspected. A replacement may be in order.

Toilet Seal has Gone Bad

At he place where your toilet meets the floor, there is a seal. If this seal is damaged or becomes degraded over time it may be time to reset your toilet with a new seal.

You can try to caulk it yourself to see if this works. If it does not, then you will need to reseal it.

Faulty Vent Pipe

If the vent pipe in your home is blocked or damaged, this may not allow for the escape of gases. This vent is important in keeping the system working properly. Make sure that it is clear and not blocked. Sometimes small animals or debris can get lodged in these things.

Plumber

Remember, a professional plumber does this all day, every day, so he will be able to diagnose your problem very quickly. The time you save yourself will probably be worth it alone.