A sewer smell in your home can be very scary, especially when it appears without warning. But how can you know if the smell is harmless or a sign of a bigger plumbing problem? Below, this emergency plumber in Deerfield, Illinois is going to explain what sewer smells usually mean and when you should treat them as an emergency.
A sewer smell inside a home usually comes from sewer gas. This gas is created as waste breaks down inside plumbing and sewer lines.
Modern plumbing systems are made to keep those gases contained and out of living spaces. When sewer gas enters your home, it is a sign that the plumbing system has failed to do its job. The issue may be small, but it could also point to a larger plumbing problem. Either way, the smell is not something you want to brush off.
Sewer odors don’t disappear on their own. If the smell lingers, it can mean that the real issue is still unresolved. And the longer it goes unchecked, the more likely repairs become more major and more expensive.
Sewer gas can also affect your physical health. Symptoms like headaches or nausea can be a sign that the problem needs immediate attention.
Plumbing traps block sewer gas from entering your home. Each sink or floor drain has a curved section that holds water. That standing water works like a protective seal.
But when a drain is rarely used, the water in the trap can slowly evaporate. Once the trap is dry, sewer gas can move freely into the room. This is one of the most common reasons a home suddenly smells like a sewer.
The repair is simple in many cases. Running water for a few minutes can refill the trap and restore the seal. If the smell returns or never fully goes away, the trap itself could be damaged. In that case, an emergency plumber in Deerfield, Illinois can inspect it and confirm that it is in good condition.
Slow drains can let waste build up inside the pipe. As that material sits, it can start to smell. Those odors can then rise back into the room when water flows through the drain.
A drain that smells could also make gurgling noises, which indicates trapped air caused by a blockage. This is a sign that the drain is not properly moving water.
Clearing the buildup can thankfully remove the odor’s source. A professional plumber can clean the pipe and prevent the smell from returning.
A damaged sewer line is one of the most serious sources of sewer odor. Cracks in underground pipes can let gas escape before it reaches the main sewer line. That gas can then move through the soil and enter your home.
With sewer line damage, you may notice strong odors both inside and outside the house. You may also notice smells coming from multiple drains at the same time.
This kind of damage can get worse very quickly if you ignore it. Waiting too long to schedule a service visit can increase the risk of backups and property damage. Contacting an emergency plumber in Deerfield, Illinois can limit the problem before it grows.
When the sewer smell won’t go away, do not hesitate to get in touch with John J. Cahill Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. As the top-rated 24/7 emergency plumber in Deerfield, Illinois, our team can handle urgent sewer and drainage problems at any time. Contact us to get started.