Why Does My Bridgewater House Smell Like Sewer?

Foul odors are not something to ignore in your home — not that you could, anyway. If you’re sniffing the air for clues, you might be asking, “Why does it smell like a sewer in my house?”

As a trusted plumber in Bridgewater, MI, Dynamic Drains can help you find the source of the odor. We’re almost always willing to bet that it originates from your drains! A persistent stench could mean anything, from a small clog to a significant pipe problem, but a good plumber can find it and get rid of it.

Below are some potential reasons for your home’s questionable miasma.

First, Where Does the Smell Come From Exactly?

Which drain is emitting the smell? Check toilets, tubs, showers, and sinks. Any of them could have the following additional drainage issues:

• Water backups
• Weak flushing
• Gurgling noises
• Pipe condensation

Many people think of toilet problems when they catch a whiff of sewage odors, but that’s not always the case. There are several reasons for sewer gas smells to creep into your breathing space. While you can assuage some drain clogs with a plunger or drain snake, a Bridgewater plumber will often have to go deeper than that.

Why Does It Smell Like a Sewer in My House in Bridgewater, MI?

So, why does it smell like a sewer in my house if the problem doesn’t come from the toilet? Our plumbers in Bridgewater, Michigan, most often see the following reasons:

Problematic Plumbing Vent

Plumbing vents or vent stacks regulate air pressure inside your drainage system. They run from your toilet drains to your roof, releasing excess air trapped in the system. If they develop a blockage or aren’t correctly installed, these vents won’t release the gases.

Instead of releasing outdoors, the gases might find an escape hatch via your toilet, which is why sewage odors might surface near the commode. You need a plumber to diagnose and fix plumbing vent issues. They may replace the damaged pipe or remove a blockage. 

Dry P-Trap

Why does it smell like a sewer in my house? Your next culprit might be the P-trap. This curved pipe keeps the drainage system from belching smelly waste gases back into your building.

Your plumbing system likely has multiple P-traps, such as those connected to a washing machine, sink, and bathtub. Typically, these bent pipes contain a little water to keep those nasty smells down below. However, if the P-trap dries out, there’s nothing to stop the gases from rising.

Slowly pouring a gallon of water into the drain might refill the trap. If the problem persists, don’t wait long to contact a plumber.

Blocked Drain Line

Drain line blockages are always problematic, but they’re also hard to avoid. Using any plumbing fixture typically means you’ll have debris flowing down the drain opening, even if you’re careful about catching and tossing hair, old food, and other substances. Mineral deposits build up further down the line, too. 

If there are smells rising from blocked drains, you might try household drain cleaning methods. However, persistent blockages developing deeper down won’t respond to a plunger, drain snake, or home remedy. A camera inspection and drain cleaning service would be best. 

Overfilled Septic System

Why does it smell like a sewer in my house? If you aren’t connected to Bridgewater’s municipal sewer system, could you have an overfilled private septic system? 

Septic systems filter household sewage underground and need emptying every five years at a minimum. If you’re facing a full septic system, it might be on the verge of overflowing directly into your home, so don’t wait long. 

Drain Pipe Leaks

If a drain pipe bursts or develops a fracture, it will leak raw sewage at worst or nasty gray water at best. 

• Gray water is the wastewater that trickles from your sinks and bathtubs. It may contain bacteria that feast on dead biological matter or mold.
• Sewage water contains human waste that may carry sickness-inducing pathogens. 

Both types of wastewater can destroy your home or make you sick if a drainage pipe leaks. Waste no time contacting a local plumber about smells when you have other signs of leaky plumbing becoming evident.