Why Does My House Smell Like Sewage?
The Unwelcome Smell You Can’t Ignore
You’ve just come home, ready to relax, but something’s off. There’s this awful smell like sewage lingering in your house. You might be asking yourself: Why does my house smell like sewage? It’s unsettling, embarrassing, and, honestly, a little scary. The last thing anyone wants is to live in a home that smells like a sewer.
If you’re feeling frustrated and worried, you’re not alone. A sewage smell in the house can make you anxious about the safety of your home, your family’s health, and the cost of fixing the problem. You may be wondering if this is something you can handle yourself, or if you need to call a professional. Rest assured, this article is here to guide you through what causes these unpleasant odors, how to spot the signs early, and what steps to take to make your home smell fresh again.
At A/S General Contracting, we understand how upsetting this problem can be. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners and businesses tackle sewage smells and related problems. We want you to feel confident and informed, that’s why you’ll walk away with clear answers and practical advice on dealing with sewage odors in your home.
What Causes Sewage Smells in Your Home?
Plumbing Problems
A broken, clogged, or leaking sewer pipe inside or near your home can cause raw sewage to back up and release a foul odor. Sewer gases contain unpleasant smells like hydrogen sulfide, which is what you smell when it smells like rotten eggs or sewage.
Sometimes, the issue is as simple as a dried-out P-trap under your sink or toilet. The P-trap holds water and acts as a seal to stop sewer gases from coming into your home. If it dries out (for example, in a rarely used guest bathroom), sewer gases can sneak through, causing a sewage smell in the bathroom or house.
Sewer Line Backups
Vent Pipe Blockage
Your plumbing system has vent pipes that let sewer gases escape safely outside your home. If a vent pipe on your roof is blocked by debris, birds’ nests, or ice, the gases can’t escape and will build up inside, making your house smell like sewage.
Sewage Contamination or Spills
Sometimes, there might be a spill or contamination inside or near your home, especially after heavy rain or flooding. Sewage can seep into basements or crawl spaces, leaving behind a strong smell that takes a long time to go away.
Septic Tank Issues
If your home uses a septic system instead of a city sewer connection, a full or malfunctioning septic tank can cause sewage odors inside the house or around your yard.
Why Does My Bathroom Smell Like Sewage?
Bathrooms are often the first place where a sewage smell appears. This can be caused by:
- Dry P-traps in sinks, tubs, or toilets.
- Broken or leaking wax rings under toilets.
- Clogged or slow drains causing sewage gases to build up.
- Cracked or broken sewer pipes hidden behind walls or floors.
When you notice a sewage smell in the bathroom, it’s important not to ignore it. It could mean your plumbing needs an inspection to prevent further damage or health risks.
Need a sewage inspection? Contact us today and schedule a free sewage inspection today.
Why Does My Basement Smell Like Sewage?
A sewage smell in the basement is a sign of a possible sewer line backup, broken pipes, or contamination from outside sewage sources. Basements are close to the ground where sewer lines run, so leaks or blockages are common causes. It can also mean the sewage smell in house comes and goes if the problem is related to weather conditions, like rain causing a backup.
How Long Does Sewage Contamination Last?
If your home has experienced sewage contamination, the smell and the health risks can last until the area is properly cleaned and sanitized. Depending on the severity, it might take days or even weeks to fully clear the odor after professional sewage cleaning services.
At A/S General Contracting, we provide thorough sewage cleanup services to remove contamination safely and restore your home’s air quality quickly.
The Role of Sewer Inspection and Sewer Scopes
Sometimes, to find the exact problem causing the sewage smell, you need a sewer inspection. This involves using a camera (called a sewer scope) to look inside the pipes and find blockages, cracks, or damage.
Sewer inspections are a smart move before buying a home or if you suspect sewer problems. They can save you money and stress by identifying issues early.
How Often Should You Have Your Sewage System Inspected? (And Why It Matters)
You might wonder how often your sewage system needs to be checked. At A/S General Contracting, we recommend having a sewer inspection at least once every 1 to 3 years, depending on the age of your home, the condition of your plumbing, and if you’ve experienced any previous sewer issues. Regular inspections help keep your plumbing and sewer lines working properly and prevent unpleasant sewage smells or costly backups.
How long does a sewer inspection take?
Typically, a sewer inspection takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the sewer system.
How much does a sewer inspection cost?
Costs can vary, but at A/S General Contracting, we offer competitive pricing and transparent estimates upfront. Regular inspections are an affordable way to avoid expensive repairs down the line.
What Happens to Sewage? Where Does It Go?
Sewage from your home travels through pipes to either a city sewer system or a septic tank. In city systems, sewage is treated at wastewater plants before being released into the environment. If sewage is leaking or backing up, it means this flow is disrupted and that’s why you smell it.
Knowing where sewage goes helps understand the seriousness of sewer smells in your home and why professional help is needed to fix it.
What to Do If Your House Smells Like Sewage
- Check the P-Traps: Pour water down sinks and toilets that aren’t used often to refill the traps and block sewer gases.
- Inspect for Leaks: Look for damp spots, mold, or standing water inside your home that could signal plumbing or sewage leaks.
- Schedule a Sewer Inspection: A professional inspection can uncover hidden problems like cracked pipes or blockages that cause odors.
- Contact Sewage Cleaning Services: Raw sewage is hazardous. Let experts handle cleanup safely to protect your health.
- Clean and Maintain Drains: Regularly clean your drains using safe, natural cleaners or have a professional service maintain your plumbing to prevent buildup that can cause odors.
- Fix Vent Blockages: Ensure roof vent pipes are clear of debris or nests so sewer gases can escape properly.
Need Help With an Insurance Claim?
Dealing with sewage damage or plumbing problems can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating insurance claims. At A/S General Contracting, we assist San Diego homeowners through the entire claims process. Whether your policy covers damage from a sudden pipe burst, sewer backup, or water intrusion caused by storms near areas like Balboa Park or La Jolla Cove, we’re here to help.
We’ll document the damage thoroughly, communicate directly with your insurance adjuster, and submit all testing results and repair estimates. This means less stress and hassle for you , no need to manage complicated paperwork or phone calls alone.
Need help filing a claim for sewage damage? Schedule your free inspection today and let us guide you through every step.
Why Trust A/S General Contracting?
A/S General Contracting is a trusted name in home repair and maintenance with a strong reputation for honesty and expertise. We offer:
- Free roof inspections for homeowners.
- Sewage cleanup services handled by experienced professionals.
- Transparent pricing with no surprise fees.
- Fast, thorough service to get your home back to normal.
- Articles and guides to help you stay informed and safe.
We’ve helped many customers in areas near famous San Diego landmarks such as the Gaslamp Quarter, La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, Old Town San Diego, University of San Diego, and Bonita Museum & Cultural Center, where local weather and urban conditions can add challenges to home maintenance.
Our team knows how to tackle everything from minor leaks to major sewer repairs.
Conclusion: Take Action to Banish That Sewage Smell
A sewage smell in your house is not just unpleasant, it’s a sign that something is wrong with your plumbing or sewer system. Waiting or ignoring it can lead to bigger problems, expensive repairs, and health risks.
Whether it’s a dry drain, blocked vent pipe, sewer line backup, or roof leak, the experts at A/S General Contracting are ready to help. We offer free roof inspections and professional sewage cleaning services to protect your home and your family.
Don’t let that sewage smell stick around. Contact A/S General Contracting today for a thorough inspection and fast solutions to make your home smell fresh again.
Contact A/S General Contracting Now for your free roof inspection and expert sewage cleanup services.
