Why does my sewer trap smell?

Author: Dr. Lilliana Fritsch  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 20, 2025

A damaged, blocked, or broken sewer vent pipe can lead to odor inside the property. Debris accumulation, corrosion, or physical harm to the vent are all potential factors that cause this.

How do I stop my sewer drain from smelling?

Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water, to neutralize odors. Use a plunger to clear any blockages in the drain, ensuring proper water flow. If the smell persists, try placing a drain cover or stopper over the drain when not in use to prevent odors from rising.

Why does my drain smell like sewage but no leak?

That is a partially clogged main drain. It's has some of the venting blocked at times and is pulling the trap to get it which is why you smell sewer gas sometimes. You should snake or have it snaked by a drain service like roto rooter, or a plumber with a powered machine.

How do I get rid of the smell in my sewer pump?

We recommend pulling the sump pump out of the basin and cleaning the pump with hot water. We recommend doing the same with the sump basin. Once everything has been cleaned, you will then want to pump out all the extra sewage debris that is left in the sump basin as this can linger and cause more smells.

Is it bad to breathe in sewer smell?

  • Respiratory Issues : Inhalation of sewer gas can irritate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, and shortness of breath.
  • Neurological Effects
  • Gastrointestinal Disturbances
  • Eye and Skin Irritation
  • Potential for Toxicity
  • Mental Health Effects
  • Increased Risk of Infection

Shower Drain Smells Like a Sewer? Quick Easy Fix

How do I find out where the sewer smell is coming from?

Consider everything that ends up in your drains, especially if you use a lot of products and have a lot of family members using your drains. Other causes of sewer gas odors in your home include a dry P-trap, a loose toilet, or a clogged drain. Another cause of sewer gas could be blocked or clogged vent pipes.

Is it safe to stay in a house that smells like sewer?

Answer: Only under extremely unusual circumstances. Although hydrogen sulfide is a toxic gas, it will not harm people at the concentrations that exist in a house with sewer gas odor problems. Studies have shown that hydrogen sulfide has a depressant effect on the central nervous system in concentrations above 150 ppm.

Will sewer smell go away on its own?

However, sometimes a smell will not go away, no matter how many times you clean your bathroom. A sewer gas smell from your toilet can indicate a serious plumbing issue. Many potential factors can cause a bathroom to smell like a sewer.

How to know if a sewer line is broken?

7 Warning Signs Your Sewer Line Needs to Be Replaced
  1. There's a Spike in Your Water Bill. ...
  2. You Hear Gurgling Coming from the Pipes. ...
  3. The Water Is Slowly Draining. ...
  4. Your Yard is Soggy. ...
  5. The Smell of Sewage Lingers. ...
  6. Pests Are Attracted to Your Yard. ...
  7. The Toilet Bowl Water Level Is Up and Down.

Will bleach get rid of sewer smell?

✅ Will Bleach Kill Sewer Smell? Bleach will kill the majority of odor-causing bacteria. However, if your odor is caused by a blocked drain, the problem will return. A professional drain cleaning, snaking or hydro jetting may be required.

Why does sewer smell come and go?

Key Takeaways. Dry P-traps can cause sewer gases to escape and create foul odours. Blocked vent pipes can prevent proper airflow, leading to sewage smells in your home. Cracked sewer pipes may release gases into your house and cause unpleasant smells.

Who is responsible for smelly drains?

Generally speaking, you're usually responsible for drains inside the boundaries of your property, while the sewerage company is responsible for lateral drains, which are usually outside of property boundaries, and sewers. Although most sewers are now publicly owned, there are still some private or unadopted sewers.

Who to call for sewer smell in house?

If you cannot identify or eliminate the source of the sewer gas smell on your own, it's best to call a professional plumber or a sewer and gas odor specialist.

Why does my drain smell like sewage but no blockage?

Mould Formation – Mould or mildew forms inside the pipes when there is a leak and water remains standing for a while. The mould can generate a stinking odour that you can smell even from behind a wall. Plumbing Issues – Sewer smell can also be caused due to incorrect plumbing fixtures.

Where is my sewer vent pipe?

If you have a two-story home, go upstairs to locate the pipe. You can verify whether a pipe is a vent pipe by listening as someone flushes the toilet. If the pipe amplifies the flushing sound, it's likely the vent pipe. To find the plumbing vent on the roof, look for a pipe extending about six inches from the roof.

Why does my house suddenly have a strong sewer smell?

These are the most common causes of sewer line clogs, broken or damaged sewer lines, and foul sewer odors in homes: Clogged drains and blockages. Blockages or backups from the city's sewer system. Tree roots that have intruded into the sewer line.

Does homeowners insurance cover broken sewer pipes?

Does homeowners insurance cover your sewer line if it's damaged? Damage to your sewer line may be covered by your policy if it is caused by perils such as hail or windstorms, explosions, lightning or fire, damages caused by vehicles, vandalism or falling objects.

How many years does a sewer line last?

Generally speaking, you're going to find that most main sewer lines will only last somewhere between 50 and 100 years before you need to do a main sewer line replacement. You could very well have a broken sewer line on your hands right now and not even realize it.

What does sewer gas smell like?

The smell of sewer gas is often described as a noxious, rotten-egg-like odor. Its sulfuric, foul smell will permeate your entire home if left unaddressed, leading to major health issues down the line. Small amounts of sewer gas usually won't cause any immediate danger—but large amounts certainly will.

What kills sewer odor?

You can also add a mixture of baking soda and vinegar along with hot water to help get rid of the odor. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain followed by one cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 to 15 mins and flush with hot water. After this you should have an odorless clean drain!

How do you fix a smelly sewer drain?

How to Fix Stinky Drains for Good
  1. Run the disposal for 20 seconds every time you dispose of food down the kitchen sink.
  2. Pour a gallon of near-boiling water down the drain once a week.
  3. Occasionally run the water in rarely used sinks to keep the P-trap full of water. Adding mineral oil slows evaporation.

Why does my toilet smell like sewer but no leak?

Yes, sewer gas can come up through the toilet if there is a problem with the plumbing system. Issues such as a damaged wax ring seal or a faulty vent pipe can allow sewer gasses to enter your bathroom through the toilet.

How to detect where a smell is coming from?

If odors seem to be emanating from this part of your home, check the following locations:
  1. Trash Cans. Under counter trash cans are a frequent source of odors. ...
  2. Ovens. Baked-on foods in your oven can cause burning or smoking odors when your oven is in use. ...
  3. Cooktops and Hoods. ...
  4. Disposals. ...
  5. Dishwashers. ...
  6. Refrigerators. ...
  7. Cabinets.

How to fix a dry P-trap?

Slowly pour about a gallon of water into the drain. This will refill the trap and recreate the seal to block sewer gases. For long-term prevention, consider adding a small amount of mineral oil on top of the water in the P-trap.

Previous article
Do you have to be a licensed plumber to work for Roto-Rooter?
Next article
How far can a drain go before venting?