Plumbing Problems: 4 Reasons for That Bad Smell

After a long day at work, all you want to do is sit back, relax, and unwind. But as you open the door and walk down the hallway, you notice there is a strong, almost offensive stench wafting through your home. Where is it coming from? How can your house smell so bad so quickly?

The first thing you should do is check your water. That pungent smell is likely coming from your plumbing system. Here are four common causes of plumbing odours that you may need residential plumbing experts to deal with:

1) Toilet Problems

If the smell is coming from your toilet, it might be time to reseal it with a new wax ring. The wax ring keeps your toilet attached to the floor, and it may loosen up or break down after years of use. If your toilet becomes unsealed, all the sewage will be forced out of the pipes and into your bathroom.

Sometimes bacteria can just seep into your toilet and linger in that area, expelling quite the smell. A little bit of bleach in your flush valve can fix this. One or two flushes will usually do the trick. Because of humidity, be especially careful of this in the summertime.

It’s also very possible for your toilet to still function normally while it’s partially clogged. If something small gets stuck in the system, it can stay there just collecting bacteria. The simple solution is just to get that thing unstuck.

2) Dried-up P-Trap

What is a P-Trap? He's a helpful little guy. This is a curved pipe under your sink that holds water in the bend between every use to prevent rising sewer gases from coming into your house. After a few days of no use, that water will dry up, leaving your home open to those sewer gases and odours.

A possible fix for this can be just to let some water run down the drain for a while from time to time. You can also try mixing vinegar and baking soda into the water for a stronger effect.

3) Grease

Sometimes, grease is the main culprit. If grease or fat gets stuck in the drain of your kitchen sink, it often results in a mold or rotten smell that can be unbearable. It’s important to remember to avoid pouring grease down the drain to avoid this very problem.

The good news is that there’s a quick and easy fix. Just like with the dried-up p-trap, all you have to do is throw two spoons of baking soda into the drain, and then some vinegar and boiling water. This baking soda and vinegar mixture will take care of the gunk, while the water will wash it away.

4) Local Sewer Issues

If you notice that your problem stench is coming from more than just one sink in the house, it’s likely a problem with your local sewer system. If wastewater has flowed back into your pipes, it may be due to a small leak or a significant break in the local sewer line.

Unfortunately, there is no easy fix to this problem, and you will need to coordinate with local authorities for immediate solutions. If you notice anything unusual, like noises, gurgling, bubbling, or just general suspiciousness anywhere near your drains, consider calling residential plumbing contractors for help.

Conclusion

Plumbing issues are a pain, and many things can go wrong with your indoor systems. You need to know what to look out for and when the situation calls for a professional. Even if you’re handy with a wrench, it’s best to call for knowledgeable plumbers to solve your problems!

If you’re experiencing any plumbing issues, odours, or even if you just have a burning plumbing question, don’t hesitate to give us a call here at Soul Mechanical. We’re a local residential plumbing service located in Edmonton, Alberta, and we’ll sort your plumbing issues right out!