Why Does It Smell Like Sewer In My House?

Why Does It Smell Like Sewer In My House?

Nobody wants to come home and discover a foul sewer smell coming from their basement drains. It could happen to you and the reality may be that your sewer system is backed up.

Talk about a nightmare, right? But hold on, don’t lose all hope just yet! Sure, dealing with this pesky plumbing system problem is no picnic, but arming yourself with knowledge on what causes sewer back ups and how to prevent them can safeguard your home.

Let’s dive into the details of sewer blockages and run through the steps you can take to fix them should they ever occur in your home.

Ok, but WHY does it smell like sewage in my house?

The short answer is your sewer drain line is backed up somewhere. Basically the pipes in your homes plumbing system is not draining to your municipalities drainage infrastructure efficiently. Meaning everything you put down your drain is essentially sitting in your homes pipes rotting and that's what causes those sewer odours, sewer gas smell and that dreaded "rotten egg smell".

It not only smells bad, but it can also be toxic. Sewer gases contain hydrogen sulfide which is a byproduct of a bacterial breakdown of organic matter. Highly concentrated, it can be toxic to humans. This is important because usually a poorly draining sewer system becomes more clogged as time goes on.

Luckily there are steps you can take to identify this, AND prevent it. Continue reading below.

What Happens When

Your Sewer Backs Up?

These are the Signs and Symptoms of a Backed Up Sewer

Toronto residents may experience this common problem, and paying attention to the warning signs is important. If you notice your water draining slower than normal, odd gurgling noises in your pipes, or a rotten smell emitting from your drains, take action, it’s likely a back up caused by a clogged drain.

Ignoring these tell-tale signs could lead to a messy and expensive sewage back up in your home, not to mention the health risks involved. That’s why it’s crucial to act fast and call a professional plumber in the Toronto area to take a look at your drain pipes and fix the problem.

The problem can range from tree roots to collapsed pipes. Having an emergency plumber quickly provide drain service can prevent water damage by completing drain repairs or replacements as required.

What To Do If Your Sewer Backs Up

If you have a backed up drain or backed up sewer line on your hands, it’s no fun – but there are a few things you can do to start dealing with this inconvenient occurrence. First, stop using the water to prevent the back up from worsening.

Next, try a plunger and try to clear any blockages from sinks or toilets or floor drains. Do Not Use Chemical Cleaners. They are corrosive to plumbing and bad for the environment.

If you haven’t remedied the situation, it’s time to call the professionals. Experts of drains and sewers will assess the situation, and their experience and knowledge typically will lead to the issue being resolved quickly. This is the best way to ensure you don’t experience any potential health risks and prevent the back up from getting worse and costing you more in damages.

Here is a hot tip; if you've had a sewer backup and cleared the system so that it is flowing again, but a sewer smell persists, there could be waste from the initial backup lingering in the floor drain trap. Try flushing the basement floor drains with buckets of water, again only if the system is functional and flowing

Preventing Future Back Ups with Regular Maintenance

Backed up sewers and sewer smells are a dreaded occurrence, but the good news is that you can take some simple preventative measures to avoid this unfavourable situation. Regular maintenance is key. Drain cleaning or cleaning out any gunk, debris, or hair from your drains and sinks regularly will make a huge difference.

Installing a backwater valve is a great method for flood protection from overburdened city of Toronto pipes that could back up sewage or grey water into your home.

Inspecting your sewer line with a sewer camera scoping is the best way to know if it is failing or if there are any drain problems that could lead to a backup. By proactively checking the state of your sewer line you can make any necessary plumbing repairs ahead of an emergency.

These are a few things you can do to avoid having to call a plumber to fix issues that get out of hand – which also saves you money and headaches!

Methods of Fixing a Backed Up Sewer

There are a few ways to tackle this stinky situation. One option is to whip out a trusty drain snake - a flexible, long tool that can slither through the pipes and break up clogs.

But when things get nasty, you might need to take it up a notch with a hydro jetting. This option is a high-pressure water jet, blasting away any blockages with powerful streams of water.

For old broken clay pipes the only solution is drain replacement, and new plastic pipes come with the peace of mind in knowing that tree roots can't permeate them.

No matter the method used, addressing the issue promptly is crucial to prevent further damage and keep your home clean and sanitary.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Plumber

For most people, these plumbing problems are way beyond their DIY abilities. A professional plumber offers experience and knowledge and has the tools and equipment to tackle even the worst plumbing issues.

The professionals will deliver quick solutions, and you can trust the job is done right the first time. The experts are available should a Toronto emergency sewer back up occur.

Expert Toronto Sewer Services

When it comes to plumbing services and sewer back ups in Toronto, DrainWorks Expert Plumbing is the way to go! Voted best plumbers in Toronto, our team of licensed plumbers and certified technicians are depended on to tackle any plumbing problem, big or small.

Whether you need help with a backed up drain or just regular maintenance, we’ve got you covered. So why wait? Contact us today and get back to enjoying a stress-free home! Alternatively, you can book a licensed plumber online

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