Why Your House Smells Like Sewage
A sewage smell inside the house is one of those problems that is hard to ignore. Even when you cannot see any water or obvious plumbing damage, that unpleasant odor usually means something needs attention. The first step is figuring out where the smell is coming from. A dry drain trap is a surprisingly common cause. Drains that are rarely used can lose the water barrier that normally keeps sewer gases from coming back into the home. Pouring some water into an unused drain may help, but if the smell returns, there may be another issue. Another possibility is a plumbing leak or damaged sewer line. A problem does not always show up as a large puddle. Moisture can collect underneath flooring, behind walls, or around plumbing connections while the odor becomes the first noticeable warning sign. Basements deserve extra attention. Floor drains, sump areas, sewage backups, and previous flooding can all contribute to persistent odors. If the smell started after heavy rain or a water event,...