Rotten Egg Sewer Smell Causes & Solutions
As any homeowner knows, plumbing systems can be smelly by nature. When a foul odor lingers or circulates through your whole home, though, there's usually a bigger problem.
Rotten egg smells are more than annoying - they pose a health hazard and may be a sign of damage to your pipes that needs to be repaired.
If you notice a sewage smell or rotten egg smell in your home, it's important to know how to handle it. The first step is finding the cause of the smell to figure out the best way to address it. Working with a professional plumber when necessary helps eliminate the source of the rotten smell, get rid of it for good and keep it from coming back.
What to Know About Rotten Egg Smells In Your Home
A rotten egg smell in your home usually comes from your kitchen or bathroom and is stronger closest to drains and toilets. But what is the smell?
It's hydrogen sulfide gas, which has a very distinct odor depending on the concentration in the air. It's colorless, flammable, and can smell like rotten eggs, manure and/or sewage waste. No matter the concentration, it's not a gas that you want to linger in your home.
How does hydrogen sulfide gas affect your health?
- Eye, nose and throat irritation
- Respiratory issues
- Headaches and dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
Inhaling high levels of hydrogen sulfide over an extended period of time can decrease your ability to smell the gas. Rotten egg smells indicate a low concentration level and the best time to fix the issue before it gets worse.
Start By Finding the Source of the Smell
There is usually a plumbing problem already brewing before your home smells like rotten eggs. As soon as you notice the smell, it's time to track down the cause.
If you look down your bathroom or kitchen drain, you probably won't be able to see anything obviously wrong. The foul sewer smell usually comes from deeper in the plumbing network.
Why does my bathroom smell like rotten eggs?
- Blocked or clogged drains - If you have a rotten egg smell and sinks are draining slowly or backed up completely, there's probably a drain or sewer clog that needs to be cleared.
- Sewer gas leaks - If you smell sewer gas, there may be cracked pipes, blocked air vents, or dry plumbing keeping things from running as they should.
- Mold or mildew growth - If your home is humid or has suffered water damage, it may be a breeding ground for mold and mildew growth that can cause unpleasant smells in your home.
Backed-up water in your sink is one of the easiest ways to spot a drain clog and find the cause of sewer smells. In other cases, you may need a plumber to perform a camera inspection and find the cause.
How to Get Rid of the Smell & Keep It From Coming Back
Once the source of the smell has been found, it can be treated without guesswork. If the problem isn't too severe, there are a few steps you can take before calling a plumber, like flushing the drains and pipes, cleaning bathroom fixtures and treating the water supply.
If these steps don't get rid of the smell, it's time to call a professional plumber. Never let the smell linger for days or weeks, as it will only get worse.
A plumbing expert can inspect drains, sewer lines, plumbing traps and sewer vents to find where the smell is coming from. Once they're sure of the cause, they can clear drains and make any necessary repairs.
How do you avoid rotten egg smells?
When the smell is gone, the last thing you want is for it to come back. Avoiding clogs is one of the easiest ways to prevent bad sewage odors. Avoid sending anything down the drain, toilet or garbage disposal that doesn't belong, like:
- "Flushable" wipes
- Food scraps
- Grease and oils
- Egg Shells
Keeping drains clear and calling a plumber for any signs of water leaks and other issues will help keep your home smelling fresh and clean.
Don't Put Up With Rotten Smells a Day Longer
A rotten egg or sewer smell in your home or bathroom can be annoying, dangerous and costly if not taken care of. Ignoring plumbing problems can lead to further damage to your home and expensive repairs.
When you notice foul plumbing odors, start by trying to find the cause. If DIY clearing methods don't work, don't worry! John The Plumber is ready to help get things moving again in the Pompano Beach area.
Don't let that smell linger and disrupt your day - call our expert team at 954-781-4823 for fast service!