No one wants to have unpleasant odors drifting through their home, especially if they have no idea of the reasons for the smell or what to do about it. When these sewage odors seem to come from the drains of your home, it’s an even larger cause for worry. What do they mean, and is this a serious situation?
There’s good news and bad news. The good news is that these odors from your plumbing can require only a simple fix which you can take care of on your own. The bad news is major problems with your sewer line that can threaten all your plumbing. There’s a possibility located between the two which we will also cover in this post.
If the foul odors from your plumbing will not go away after attempting the basic remedy, then you must call for professional plumbers immediately. One of your best options in Frederick, MD for plumbing repair is Larry & Sons, Inc. We have experience—more than fifty years of it—that you can trust.
The good news: dry p-trap
If the sewer smells seem to come from only one drain, the problem may be a dried p-trap. The p-trap is the curved pipe directly beneath the drain, which traps water that serves as a plug against sewer gas escaping up the pipe and out the drains. A sink that goes without use for a few weeks, such as one in a guest room or a back laundry room, will develop a dry p-trap, allowing the sewer odors to get out. Run water down the drain for a few minutes to restore the water plug, and this should take care of the problem.
The not-so-good news: blocked drain vents
To maintain safe pressure inside plumbing and remove sewer gas, drains have vents that run up to the roof of a home. The vents can become blocked because of leaves, snow, debris from storms, or animal nests, and this will force the sewer gas back up through the water of p-traps. If you notice a gurgling sound from your drains along with the awful smells, blocked vents may be the culprit. But don’t go up on the roof yourself! Rely on professionals.
The bad news: sewer line blockage or breaks
When the sewer line that runs under your house to the sewer main in the center of the street breaks or becomes blocked, it will turn into a serious dilemma that can flood your home’s basement or foundations. When sewage starts getting forced back up the pipes and sending its odor into your house, call for plumbing assistance immediately before the situation escalates.
Whatever the reason for the infiltration of bad smells into your home from the plumbing, you can place your trust in Larry & Sons, Inc. to fix it. Our professional plumbing services in Frederick, MD has helped protect homes since 1960. Give us a call today to schedule your next plumbing service appointment.