Sewage smells are not only unpleasant but they could also indicate that you have a serious plumbing issue or even a health hazard in your home. If you catch a whiff of that unmistakable odor, make sure you act quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if your home starts smelling like an unflushed toilet. 

1. Identify the Source

The first step in any plumbing situation is to try and locate the source of the unpleasant smell. The odor could be coming from your bathroom drains, kitchen sink, laundry room drain, basement, crawl space, toilets, or bathtubs. Take a walk through your home and see if you can pinpoint a specific room or fixture. If you smell it the strongest near a drain or pipe, you may have the first clue to solving the problem. 

2. Check for Dry P-Traps

Each drain in your home has a U-shaped pipe called a P-trap that holds water to block sewage gases from entering your home. If a drain hasn’t been used or has been neglected for a while, the water in the bend may have evaporated, allowing sewer gases to escape. 

If you suspect this is the issue, run water for a few seconds in all sinks, tubs, and floor drains. This will allow the P-trap to refill and eliminate the smell. 

3. Inspect for Clogs or Slow Drains

A partial clog can trap grime and cause sewer gases to seep back up into your home. If you suspect a clog is the source of the sour smell, try flushing your drains with hot water and baking soda or use a plunger. If you can’t get the clog loosened or still smell sewage, you may need to call a professional plumber. 

Clogged drains include your garbage disposal. It can accumulate food waste or grime and begin to smell. You can clean your garbage disposal using vinegar and baking soda, ice and rock salt, or dish soap and hot (not boiling) water. To remove odors, use small pieces of citrus peels. 

4. Look for Signs of a Sewer Line Issue

If multiple drains are backing up or you smell sewage throughout the house, you may have a problem in your main sewer line. Some common signs of a sewer line issue include gurgling sounds in drains or toilets, water backing up into tubs and sinks, and overly lush or sunken spots in your yard. 

Sewer line issues often require professional help. Contact a licensed plumber immediately if you suspect a problem.

5. Check for Cracked or Broken Sewer Pipes

Over time, sewer lines can crack due to tree roots, shifting soil, wear and tear, or age. These breaks can release sewage odors into your home or yard. If you suspect a broken pipe, you’ll need a professional plumber to inspect the line, often with a sewer camera, and make necessary repairs. 

6. Inspect Your Vents

Plumbing systems have vents, most often located on your roof, that allow sewer gases to escape. If these vents get clogged by debris, ice, or even a bird’s nest, gases can be forced back into your home. 

If you have recently experienced a storm or roof damage, check your vents for blockages and remove any debris. If you can’t access these vents safely, consider hiring a professional. 

You may also want to inspect and clean the vents on your sink, shower, and bathtub drains. 

7. Consider Mold or Bacteria

Sometimes you may think you smell sewage, but you actually have bacteria or mold growing in your HVAC system or damp areas, like your basement. If you have checked all the above issues, inspect your home for signs of mold or mildew and clean affected areas. Make sure your home is well-ventilated and use dehumidifiers where needed. 

8. Call a Professional

If you can’t locate the source or resolve the issue on your own, call a professional plumber. A lingering sewage smell should not be ignored as it could be a sign of a serious problem that could cause long-term damage to your home and affect your health. 

Act Quickly if You Smell Sewage in Your Home

Never ignore sewage odors. While some causes can be solved with simple fixes, others may require professional diagnosis and repair. The sooner you address the problem, the more likely you are to avoid costly damage and maintain a healthy living environment. 

If you need help with a stubborn sewage smell or plumbing issue, contact Drain X to get your home back to fresh and safe.