Sewage Smell in My House
A sewage smell inside your home can come from a dry drain trap, a cracked or failing drain line, a venting problem, or a septic system issue. If there is visible sewage backup or wastewater, avoid contact and call a plumber immediately. Do not try to mask the smell — find the source.
What to Do Right Now
A sewer or sewage odor inside the home, especially near drains, bathrooms, or the laundry area. May be constant or intermittent.
What Not to Do
When to Call a Professional
Call a plumber if refilling dry traps does not resolve the smell, if the odor is getting worse, or if multiple drains are affected. If you are on septic and the smell coincides with slow drains or gurgling, call a septic service. If there is visible sewage in the home, avoid the area and call a plumber immediately — professional cleanup may be needed.
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Sewage Smell in My House — Questions
Every drain has a U-shaped pipe (trap) that holds water to block sewer gases from entering the home. If a drain is rarely used, the water evaporates and sewer gas can come through. Running water for 30 seconds refills the trap and often fixes the problem.