Is That Sewage? Hidden Causes of Sewer Smell in House Spaces

There is nothing worse than getting home and realizing the air has a nasty, sticking stench to it. You can ask yourself, “Why does my house smell like a sewer?” It is a widely asked question, and, sadly, it is not always easy to get the answer. That powerful, nasty smell may attack you unexpectedly and turn your dwelling place into an uncomfortable or even unhealthy place. The fact is, there are numerous latent sources where sewer odour may be emitted in the area of a hose-sewer system and keeping it alone is what might cause significant complications with the whole working plumbing system.

In case your basement has a sewer smell or your bathroom has a foul sewer odour, you are not alone. Such problems are not as rare as you might expect. So, where is the smell then? And what is more important, how do you get rid of it?

We will investigate the underlying causes of sewer smells in the house and provide recommendations on how to maintain a fresh and clean environment.

Understanding Sewer Smells in Different Parts of the Home

Before correcting the problem, it is essential to identify the source of the issue. The origin of a sewer smell in basement rooms may have nothing to do with the smell in sink drains and bathrooms. If you have ever wondered, “Why does it smell like a sewer in my bathroom?” the answer may lie in your pipes, drains, and even the underground sewer lines.

These smells tend to appear more frequently in bathrooms than in any other place. This is because they are directly linked to the plumbing system of your house. When things get out of hand, such as a dry trap, clogged vent, or a backed-up pipe, you will likely notice it due to the unpleasant odour. The same applies to the basement, which is usually the lowest part of your house. The pull of gravity forces it all downwards, including smells of clogged or broken sewer pipes. That is why the source of sewer smell in basement zones often entails other, more serious plumbing issues.

The other possible problem may be a clogged backwater valve. When your backwater valve emits a sewer-like odour, it is possible that it is not closing properly, allowing gases from the city’s sewer network to back up into your house.

Common Causes of Sewer Smell in the House

A dried-up drain trap is one of the most common reasons for a sewer smell in a house setting. These U-shaped pipes are located under your sinks, showers, and tubs, and they are designed to hold a small amount of water, which in turn serves as a barrier to prevent sewer gas from rising. However, when the trap dries out, perhaps in a guest bathroom that you haven’t used in a long time, those gases can seep in.

A clog may be another problem. In cases where drains are blocked with grease, hair, and other substances, waste may accumulate and decay, causing it to emit a foul odour. Having sink drains that smell like a sewer is usually an indication that something is clogged, and it’s time to clean them out.

Ventilation is also vital. The plumbing systems are designed to allow some air to pass through them properly. When the vents cannot do so, the sewer gas may accumulate inside the pipes due to the blocking of the vents by a bird nest or leaves on the roof. When it does, it may appear in the toilet facility, the shower drain, or on the basement floor, making your home smell terribly.

A 10-year analysis of odour complaints in Edmonton (2008–2017) reveals that over 82% of sewer smell reports originated within 50m of manholes, highlighting localized venting or aging infrastructure issues (IWA Publishing).

Things can be worse in the basement. However, in cases where you suspect the basement smells like sewage, it could be due to either a defective sewer line or a backed-up sewer smell resulting from a clogged main drain. Basements also have moisture and restricted airflow, which makes it even more difficult to remove odours.

Why Sewer Smells Are More Than Just Gross

This is not only humiliating or irritating, but the strong sewer odour may also be hazardous. Methane and hydrogen sulphide are present in sewer gas; this type of gas may be dangerous in excessive doses. Prolonged exposure to these gases can result in headaches, dizziness, or even breathing difficulties, particularly in areas with poor ventilation, such as basements.

This is why it is crucial to identify the source of the sewer smell in the bathroom, basement, or any other area of the house and address it promptly.

Backwater Valves and Sewer Backup Problems

If you have been experiencing issues with floods or sewer backup valves, consider inspecting your backwater valve more closely. This is a unique system installed on your plumbing system that prevents sewer water from backing up into your house.

Nevertheless, a backwater valve sewer smell is possible if it is not maintained properly. It can clog with dirt and debris, or the flap can bind up, allowing odours and even sewage to rise back into your home. Not only is that unpleasant, but it can also result in severe water damage.

The underlying problem of a sewer smell in basement areas may be a broken backwater valve, which typically occurs after a heavy rain or a plumbing issue.

Best Ways to Get Rid of Sewer Smell

If you’re experiencing a sewer smell, you may wonder how to eliminate the odour best. It can be solved based on the cause. If it’s just a dry trap, then running water down the drain for a couple of minutes might be enough to fix the situation. At other times, it may require you to clear the drain, inspect your plumbing vents, or even repair broken pipes.

Other homeowners attempt to cover up the odour using aerosols or candles. However, that is a temporary solution to the problem. The actual remedy is to identify the root cause of the sewer smell in the bathroom, basement, or wherever the odour is coming from.

Being aware of how to eliminate sewer smell in basements will also be useful in avoiding mould, mildew, and pest issues, as their presence often indicates moisture problems.

When It’s Time to Call the Experts

In some instances, sewer smells can prove too stubborn or complex to resolve on your own. When you have already tried all the available options and are still unable to identify how to eliminate the sewer smell in your house, it is time to seek the services of a professional.

Plumbers conduct a sewer camera inspection using specialized equipment called a sewer camera, which, when inserted into the pipes, can pinpoint the exact cause of the issue. They are also able to clean and repair vent stacks, replace a broken seal, or install a new faulty sewer back-up valve.

Eliminating sewer smell in bathroom fixtures and sinks, as well as basements, may not seem like a big deal; however, it often requires an expert’s expertise to pinpoint the less visible problems.

When you experience a sewer smell in your sinks repeatedly, or suspect that your backwater valve sewer system is not functioning properly, there is no point in ignoring it. By waiting too long, you may incur some expensive repairs, or even worse, sewage flowing into your house.

Keep Your Home Fresh and Odour-Free

Everyone deserves a clean, fresh-smelling home. Nobody will be willing to stay near that revolting stench of sewage that sneaks through the floor or wall.

When you listen to the warning signs, such as gurgling drains, slow water flow, or strong odours, you will be ahead of the problem. Learning about removing sewer smell in the basement and bathroom areas early is going to save you time, money, and stress in future.

There is a solution, whether it is a dry trap, a clogged pipe, or a faulty backwater valve in the sewer system. The faster you do that, the fresher your home will be.

Conclusion

Nobody likes a house that smells like a sewer. It’s sticky, frustrating, and often signals a bigger issue. But now that you understand the most common causes of these odours, such as dried traps, clogs, blocked vents, and faulty sewer backup valves, you’re already a step closer to fixing the problem.

Whether it’s about why there’s a sewer smell in your bathroom or how to eliminate sewer smell in house spaces, the answers are close.

The smell should not be disregarded. Address it as soon as possible, and when you require assistance, hire a professional who will ensure the task is accomplished to the best of their ability.

Need Help? Contact ExpressRooter Toronto Today

If you’re still wondering why your house smells like a sewer or continuing to have issues with a sewer smell in the basement or bathroom, then go ahead and call the professionals. Our team at ExpressRooter Plumbing works diligently to locate the source of hidden plumbing problems promptly.

Our specialists utilize the latest tools and proven methods to resolve issues such as sewer smells in sinks, sewer backflow valves, and other related problems. Whether you need a fast repair or a comprehensive plumbing examination, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t let sewer smells take over your home. Contact us today for the most effective solution to eliminate sewer odour forever. We provide fast, courteous, and professional plumbing services to Toronto and the surrounding areas.