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There’s A Sewer Smell In My Residence or Business… How Do I Get Rid of It

Why do I have a sewer smell in my home or business? No one likes to come home or to work and experience foul odors. The unmistakable smell of sewage lingering in your home or business is not only unpleasant but can also be a sign of underlying plumbing issues. If you’ve ever wondered about the source of that unwelcome sewer odor, well we’re here to help. 

There could be a few issues with your plumbing that can cause a sewer smell in your home or business. In some instances, the problem could be something as simple as a dry p-trap. In other cases it could be a huge repair like a broken or cracked sewer pipe. Let’s explore some of the plumbing problems that can lead to a sewer smell infiltrating your living or working space. 

• P-Traps: One of the simplest yet frequently overlooked causes of sewer smells is dry P-traps. These plumbing components have a specific design that will hold a small amount of water. They form a barrier that prevents sewer gases from entering your living or working space. In most cases by regularly running water in sinks, showers, and floor drains will ensure P-traps remain filled. If a drain is not frequently used, consider pouring a cup of water into it periodically. This cup of water will help to maintain the water seal. 

• Blocked Vent Pipes: Vent pipes on your roof play a crucial role in the sewer system. Think of holding your finger over the top of a straw. When doing so it will allow for the beverage to suspend inside the straw. It is very similar to your sewer and drain system. The only difference is when these pipes become blocked or obstructed, the system will pull air from somewhere else and that is usually those p-traps we discussed earlier. The system will literally suck the water out of the p-traps eliminating their ability to trap the sewer gases. Inspect your roof vent pipes for any visible blockages, such as debris, bird nests, or leaves. Clear any obstructions to ensure proper ventilation. If you are unable to inspect or view your vent pipes call a plumbing professional for an inspection on your vent pipes 

• Broken or Cracked Drain or Vent Pipes: Damaged drain or vent pipes, whether due to physical damage, material deterioration, or age can allow sewer gases to seep into your home. The cracks or breaks in the pipes create openings for odors to escape. If you suspect your drain or vent line is cracked or has damage, contact a plumbing technician. A professional plumber will conduct a thorough inspection using specialized equipment like cameras or smoke tests. These equipment and tests will identify the location and extent of the damage. You will then be able to identify whether a Repair or replacement of the affected pipes is necessary. 

• Faulty Toilet Wax Ring: The wax ring beneath your toilet creates a seal between the toilet and the drain pipe. If this ring becomes damaged or degrades, sewer gases can escape, resulting in unpleasant odors. If you notice leaks at the bottom of your toilet or sewer smells it is probably time to replace the wax ring. For our DIY’ers this might not be a difficult task but we do recommend this task is best left to professionals. 

Sewer smells in your home or business can be indicative of various plumbing issues, ranging from simple fixes to more complex problems. Regular maintenance, prompt attention to plumbing concerns, and professional inspections can help prevent and/or address these issues, ensuring a fresh and odor-free living or working environment. If you find yourself unable to identify or resolve the problem, seeking the expertise of a licensed plumber is the best course of action to ensure the integrity of your plumbing system. 

Services in Phoenix & Beyond

When you’ve found yourself in need of 24 hour plumbing services in the Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, or Chandler area, you can trust Robins Plumbing. We will provide you with prompt and expert care!  Contact our team today! In addition to our slab leak repairs, we also offer a variety of residential and commercial plumbing services, including: drain cleaning, water heater repair and replacement, sewer camera inspection and locating, backflow prevention, commercial and residential jetting, water treatments, and more. Visit our reviews online to see what others have to say about our local plumbing company!