How to Get Rid of Sewer Smell in House

Few things are more unpleasant than walking inside your home only to be assaulted by the unmistakable smell of sewer gas. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can potentially be a sign that a larger plumbing problem is on the horizon and needs to be addressed. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to pinpoint the origin of the issue and get rid of the smell for good. Here’s how to eliminate sewer odor in your home.

1. Check Your Drains

Dried-Out Drain Traps

If you use the washroom infrequently, the most common cause of sewer smell is dried-out drain traps. Every sink, shower, and floor drain has a U-shaped pipe (a P-trap) meant to retain water, preventing sewer gases from coming into your house. When a drain hasn’t been used for a while, the water can evaporate, making room in the trap that allows the smell to travel upwards.

Solution:

• Pour water down each and every drain in your house, particularly in guest baths or places that aren’t used much.
• If the problem continues, pour a cup of water mixed with a tablespoon of mineral oil down your drain. The oil will coat it and deter evaporation.

2. Inspect the Toilet Wax Ring

A cracked or damaged wax ring under your toilet can leak sewer gas into your home. If your toilet smells like sewer, this could be the cause.

Solution:

• Push gently on the toilet to check for wobbling. If it moves, the wax seal may be broken.
• Turn off the water supply, remove the toilet, replace the wax ring, and then reinstall the toilet, securing it tightly in place.

3. Clean the Overflow Drain

Bathroom sinks typically have an overflow drain that can gather bacteria, mildew, and grime over time, emitting a sewer odor in bathroom.

Solution:

• Combine equal amounts of baking soda and vinegar and pour it into the overflow hole.
• Allow it to sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

4. Check for Plumbing Leaks

Leaks in your plumbing system can allow sewage smell in house to spread, making things quite unpleasant. Common signs include moisture or mold around pipes, walls, or floors.

Solution:

• Look out for leaks from exposed pipes and fix any you find.
• If the odor continues, call a plumber to conduct a smoke test, which can locate concealed leaks.

5. Clear Your Sewer Vent Pipe

Your home includes a sewer vent pipe that allows gases to escape safely outside. If this pipe becomes blocked (typically by leaves, bird nests, or ice in winter), your bathroom smells like sewage, and the odor can flow back into your house.

Solution:

• Find the vent pipe (usually on your roof) and check for blockages.
• Clear debris using a plumber’s snake or hose.
• If the issue is recurring, hire a professional plumber.

6. Test the Sewer Line

The main sewer line can be damaged or blocked due to grease buildup or other debris, causing sewer smell in bathroom and around the house.

Solution:

• Look for multiple slow drains or gurgling sounds.
• If you suspect a sewer line problem, call a plumber to inspect the line and possibly perform hydro jetting or repairs.

7. Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Food waste stuck in your garbage disposal can decay and create a smell similar to sewer odor in bathroom.

Solution:

• Run cold water and drop in a few ice cubes to clean the blades inside the disposal.
• Follow with a bit of baking soda and vinegar, then rinse with hot water.
• Discard citrus peels and run the disposal for a fresh smell.
• Use Garbage disposal cleaner .

How to clean garbage disposal – you can read here

8. Check for Dead Rodents

Sometimes, the odor may not be a plumbing issue but rather a dead rodent in your walls or attic, creating a sewer smell in bathroom.

Solution:

• Follow your nose and try to locate the source of the smell.
• If you believe a dead animal is in a place you can’t reach, hire someone to dispose of it.

Final Thoughts

A sewer smell in bathroom is unpleasant and usually signifies different plumbing issues. By systematically checking drains, toilets, pipes, and vents, you can locate and eliminate the source of the smell. If you can’t fix the problem on your own, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber to keep your home fresh and safe.

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