When it comes to plumbing, a bad smell is often a sign that something is wrong. If you’re noticing an unpleasant odor coming from your plumbing, it’s important to identify the source of the problem so you can take steps to fix it.
There are many different reasons why your plumbing might start to smell bad. Here are nine of the most common causes:
- Failing to properly vent your plumbing system– Without proper ventilation, sewer gases can build up in your plumbing and cause an unpleasant smell. Make sure all of your vents are clear and unobstructed. The easiest way to do this is to have a professional plumber check your vents and make sure they’re in good working condition.
- A clog in the drain– If there’s a clog somewhere in your plumbing, it can cause sewer gases to back up and create a bad smell. You may be able to clear the clog yourself with a plunger or a plumber’s snake. However, if the clog is deep in the pipes, you may need to call a professional or a plumbing company in Holladay to clear it for you.
- Dry traps– Traps are designed to hold water to create a seal that prevents sewer gases from entering your home. If your traps have become dry, they will no longer be effective at trapping sewer gases. To fix this, simply pour some water into the traps to re-seal them. You can also have a professional plumber check your traps to make sure they’re in good working condition.
- A leak in the plumbing– If there’s a leak somewhere in your plumbing, it can allow sewer gases to escape and cause a bad smell. You’ll need to have a professional plumber fix the leak to eliminate the smell. They have the tools and experience necessary to properly repair the leak without causing any further damage to your plumbing.
- An old septic tank– If you have an older home with a septic tank, the tank may be no longer functioning properly. This can cause sewage to back up into your home and create a bad smell. You’ll need to have a professional plumber pump the septic tank and check it for any leaks or other problems
- Clogged garbage disposal– If your garbage disposal is clogged, it can cause sewage to back up into your home and create a bad smell. You can try to clear the clog yourself with a plunger or a plumber’s snake. However, if the clog is deep in the pipes, you may need to call a professional plumber to clear it for you.
- A broken vent stack– The vent stack is the pipe that carries sewer gases up and out of your home. If this pipe is broken or damaged, it can allow sewer gases to escape and cause a bad smell. When this happens, you have two options: you can either have a professional plumber repair the vent stack or you can replace it entirely.
- An unused sink– If you have a sink that you never use, the water in the trap can evaporate and allow sewer gases to escape. To fix this, simply run some water down the drain to refill the trap. You can also have a professional plumber check your sink to make sure it’s in good working condition.
- A broken sewer line– If your sewer line is broken or damaged, it can allow sewage to leak into your home and create a bad smell. This is a serious problem that requires the attention of a professional plumber. Allowing the leak to continue can cause serious damage to your home and put your family at risk for disease.
If you’re noticing a bad smell coming from your plumbing, it’s important to identify the source of the problem so you can take steps to fix it. These are nine of the most common causes of a smelly plumbing system. If you’re still having trouble identifying the source of the smell, you can always call a professional plumber for help.
Do you have a smelly plumbing system? Is it caused by one of these nine problems? Let us know in the comments!
