How to Address a Nasty Sewer Smell at Home
You can use all the Febreeze, candles, and air fresheners in the world, but if your home smells like sewage, there isn’t much you can do to mask it. In order to get your house to smell like a home again, you’ll need to get to the root of the problem.
Eliminating a Sewer Smell
There’s nothing worse than the wafting scent of sewage. While you may do your best to keep your home properly maintained, sometimes you can’t escape this overwhelming odor. Looking for a way to get rid of the smell as soon as possible? Read on for four tips to help eliminate a sewage smell in your home.
Check the P-Trap
The P-trap in your bathroom sink may be the cause of a strange sewage smell in your home. If you have a bathroom in your home that isn’t often used, the water in the P-trap may have evaporated, leaving a smelly odor in its place. Avoid this smell by running water in these bathrooms twice a month or more to ensure that the trap is full.
Secure the Toilet Wax Ring
The toilet wax ring is what seals your toilet to prevent water from seeping through. While the wax ring isn’t supposed to degrade, it may become damaged if your toilet becomes loose. Be sure to secure or replace the wax ring if it becomes damaged.
Repair Your Sewer System
Of the many reasons that you may be experiencing a nasty sewage smell, one of the more serious causes is a cracked or broken sewer line. In the event that your sewer system is significantly damaged, you’ll need to hire a professional for trenchless sewer repair to fix your system. Additionally, if your sewer is relatively old, it is probably time to consider replacing it before it stops working entirely.
Caulk the Base of the Toilet
Water can easily become trapped in crevices around the toilet. These crevices are also an easy way to trap urine and other waste. This can create a thriving environment for bacteria to grow, which can lead to a bad smell. Use caulk to apply a bead around the base of the toilet, that way, you’ll ensure that your toilet doesn’t develop a smell.
Don’t let the smell of sewage drive you out of your home. Use these four tips to help you identify the cause of this smell in your home, as well as the perfect solution.