Freshness Restored: Uncovering the Causes Behind That Pesky Sewer Smell in Your House

On the tip of the Western Pacific Coast, where the ocean meets the mountains and comforting sunlight reflects off of the water top, stands the stunning port of Vancouver, enveloped in coastal trees that hug its shores. From its oceanic activities like whale watching to its cozy coffee shops, tucked into metropolitan hideaways, Vancouver inspires residents, writers and artists with its vibrant personality and culture. But amidst this compelling city, a multitude of problems can arise. As any homeowner in Vancouver knows, house issues can come up at the most inconvenient times. With Vancouver's dynamic outdoor living, you don't want to be stuck inside fixing repairs or trying to determine where the sewer smell in your house is coming from. That's where we can help.

When spotting a sewer smell in your house, getting a professional Vancouver plumber in to take a look at the cause becomes essential. Prolonged exposure to foul odor and toxic gases, can cause headaches, nausea, and other health issues, and can even be fatal at extremely high exposure. We consider it our duty to tackle the culprit behind the smell of sewer gases in your home. Our team of experienced plumbers possess the expertise and knowledge to determine the causes of sewer gas smells. When your house smells like sewage, trust us to uncover the nasty miscreants behind the smell. As you navigate the urban sprawl of Vancouver's city life and gorgeous weekends spent out on coastal waves, allow us to ensure your home remains a sanctuary of refreshment and solitude waiting to greet you when you arrive home.

Why Is There A Sewer Smell In My House in Vancouver?

It's not altogether unusual when you notice undesirable smells coming from your bathroom, but about when you notice a persistent odor throughout the rest of the house? If you notice a sewage smell coming from the kitchen or basement floor drain, for example, it could be the cause of underlying issues with your plumbing, and it's time to call in a plumbing professional. But, what exactly causes these foul smells in your home? Read on to find out the 6 common culprits behind the sewer smell in your house.

5 Most Common Reasons for Sewer Smell in Your House

Basement Drain Odors

If you've noticed a bad smell coming from your basement, it's most likely coming from your basement drain. There are a couple of reasons your basement drain could be emitting that rotten egg smell, such as:

• dried out water seal
• drain line or drain clog
• broken sewer line vents
• cracked pipes
• plumbing has dried out

Floor drains that aren't used much are the leading culprit of basement drain sewer stench. Floor drains are designed with a trap to hold a specific amount of water. This water seals the pipe and prevents sewer gas from leaking into your home. Over time, the seal can dry up, opening the seal and causing sewer gas to leak into your basement, creating that unwarranted sewer smell in your house.

Water Odors

There's nothing worse than grabbing a cool cup of water after a run or day in the sun, only to find your water smells like sewage. But, what causes the water coming from your taps to harbour this unpleasant smell? Sewage smell in water is usually the result of bacteria buildup in your water pipes, usually hydrogen sulfide. This odor-causing bacteria is present in hot water heaters operating at a temperature that is too low or hasn't been used in quite some time. Hydrogen sulfide can be smelled at low levels. At 1 part per million, it will obtain a musty smell, and at 1-2PPMs, it will contain a rotten egg smell.

Toilet Odors

If you notice a sewer smell in your bathroom, even when it's not being used, it's cause for concern. A sewer odor coming from your toilet is most likely due to a broken toilet seal in the caulk ring or wax seal around the base of your toilet tank. Waste can then find its way through the crevices, permeating unpleasant odors and causing bacteria. Luckily, preventing future sewer gas odors are fairly easy to prevent. Simply apply a line of caulk around the base of the toilet, and the odor should disappear. If the sewer gasses don't go away, it's best at that point to call in a professional.

Washing Machine Odors

Similar to water odors, washing machine sewer gasses are usually the cause of hydrogen sulfide bacteria and grime being emitted into the washing machine. Another cause could be due to plumbing, causing the smell of sewer gas to enter the laundry room. If you suspect it's the second option, it's best to call in a professional as soon as possible. Sewer gas is flammable and can also compromise your health, so don't hesitate to get the issue resolved right away.

Odors From Sinks

A dry P-trap is the most probable cause of a smelly sink. The P-trap is the pipe under the sink that curves in a J-shape. Its purpose is to hold water, creating a seal that prevents sewer gasses from leaking through. If the dried-out P-trap does not contain water, that vile toilet smell will get into your sink.

Let the Pros at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver Eliminate the Sewer Smell in Your House

Now that you know the five causes of sewer smell in your house in Vancouver, you might be wondering if it's possible to handle sewage gas repairs on your own. We always recommend hiring a professional plumber to take care of plumbing maintenance and repairs. The safety problems or additional costs down the road that could result from improper installation or mishaps are not worth saving a few dollars now.

Our insured and licensed plumbers have the experience and expertise required to handle all those nasty odors and smelly drain issues leaking into your home. And with our Neighborly Done Right Promise, we guarantee that the job isn't done until it's done right!

Rely On Our Expert Plumbers to Eliminate the Sewer Smell in Your House, Vancouver!

Contact us today for all your sewage, drain cleaning and a wide range of other plumbing issues! Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Vancouver has licensed plumbers who proudly serve Vancouver, Mount Pleasant, South Cambie, and Renfrew Heights.

Request a job estimate, and we’ll get rid of those rotten smells and help you rest easy at night once more!