What happens when plumbing system doesn’t get rid of waste?
This customer called because the sewage smell in her home was so strong she didn’t even want to be there. It even smelled outside in the crawl space.
Plumbing is all about getting rid of waste. A system of pipes, vents, and traps set up in your home are designed to carry wastewater to the public sewer system. Each plumbing fixture in your home – toilets, sinks, etc. – is connected to this system.
However, if you’re notice a sewage smell in your home, there could be an issue with the transfer of waste to the sewer system. Here are some of the most common reasons for this and how you may be able to rid it yourself:
- Lack of required traps or vents. These are installed to keep smells from entering the home, so if they are missing you need to have a plumber install them immediately.
- Broken seals around the toilet that allow water to dry out the traps resulting in smells entering the house. Rotted or damp wood could also be causing the smell. Check to see if the toilet is tightly sealed to the floor. If it’s not, you may need to have another wax ring installed.
- If you notice the smell mainly around a sink, try flushing a strong cleaner and bleach down the sink’s overflow (the small holes inside the bowl near the rim) and see if that helps.
- Check the top side of horizontal drain pipes for rust. If rusted, it will leak sewer gas, possibly causing the smell in your home.
- Clogged vents. This can be resolved by calling a plumber to disconnect the vent pipes and clean your vents all the way through the roof.
If you notice a foul smell in your home and need help ridding it, call Radiant Plumbing today.