Sewage fumes infiltrate a home in several ways, resulting in foul odors and even health issues such as irritated eyes and throats. Prolonged exposure to sewer gas can also cause nausea, drowsiness, headaches, and dizziness. Below, learn how sewer fumes enter your home and when to call a plumber if an odor persists.

5 Causes of Sewage Odors in Your Home

1. Faulty Sewer Trap

Drain traps on plumbing fixtures and residential sewers create water barriers that keep nasty odors out. When a trap isn’t installed correctly or dries out because of infrequent use, the airtight seal loosens.

First, pour water down the affected drain. If that doesn’t solve the issue, it requires a plumber’s attention.

2. Clogged Septic System

Sewage odors are among the clear signs of an overloaded septic system. Incoming waste has nowhere to go when the tank is full, resulting in backups throughout your home. Sewer odors are also common around the exterior of your house when a septic tank needs pumping. This situation arises if a drain field gets overwhelmed or the tank cracks and leaks.

Schedule septic cleaning every two to five years to avoid backups and related problems.

3. Blocked Sewer Vent Pipe

Vent pipes allow sewage odors to vacate your residence through the roof. Numerous materials can block these vents, including animal nests, leaves, yard debris, and ice. The vents can also fail because of corrosion, improper installation resulting in loose fittings, or because there are not enough vents for your home’s needs.

Request annual or biannual roof cleanings to keep the vents clear and call your plumber if you need replacements or additional vents.

4. Frozen Septic System

When a septic system goes unused for an extended period, the lack of circulating water can cause the tank, pipes, and drain field to freeze. This results in sewage backups and subsequent odors when the system gets used again.

Avoid frozen plumbing by scheduling a house sitter if you will not be home for a week or more during the winter.

5. Loosened Toilet Seal

The wax ring sealing your toilet to the bathroom floor eventually wears out, allowing sewer odors to enter the space instead of staying where they belong. Your toilet may also leak water every time it gets flushed or moves because it is no longer secure.

Ask your plumber to inspect the toilet to determine if the odor is due to a failing wax ring or another appliance component. Depending on the age of the toilet and the degree of damage, you may need to get it replaced. 

 

If you’re experiencing sewer problems, turn to the plumbers at Murphy’s Plumbing Company in Mebane, NC, to identify and solve the issue quickly. The residential plumbing company has served clients throughout the Orange, Alamance, and Durham counties since 1988, providing gas line replacements and emergency services. Call (919) 563-5165 today to schedule an appointment or read the latest testimonials online.