What to do when you have bad sewer odours in your home?

September 16th, 2021

Many homeowners have experienced unpleasant sewer odours from the pipes. If your toilets, sinks or bathtub smell bad, the problem is most likely the pipes. Fortunately, there are a few tips you can use to eliminate these unpleasant odours. The following blog post will give you some tips on how to identify the problem and fix it.

What causes this type of smell?

Before you know how to get rid of this type of odour once and for all, it is interesting to know what causes it. In the case of bad odours, the culprit is often the siphon, that is to say, the portion of the pipe that is usually curved and contains a little water, precisely to prevent odours from rising in the pipes.

Several causes can be pointed out, for example, it can be due to the creation of a clog in the siphon. Indeed, if hair or soap residues clog the trap, it forms the perfect home for microbes and therefore bad odours.

Moreover, if the trap is punctured, dry or dislocated, it no longer plays its role as a wall against odours. Nauseating fumes can also be caused by a plumbing defect. Indeed, if all your installations are connected, it is likely that flushing the toilet empties the trap of the sink or the shower, which allows the odours to rise.

If you have a septic tank, it is also possible that odours are coming from it. This type of problem is sometimes caused by poor maintenance of the tank.

Cleaning the trap

The first thing to do is to clean the trap. Examine the area under the sink and locate the unscrewable part of the pipes (this is the trap). Place a basin underneath the trap, as water will run down it. Wear gloves as this can be a messy job. Once unscrewed, empty the trap into the basin and clean properly. Once cleaned and reinstalled, check for leaks.

Removing a clog

Often, odour problems are caused by a clog in the pipes. You can then use baking soda and hot vinegar to see if this is enough to clear the clog. Coffee grounds can also help clean the pipes and remove odours. Don’t use chemicals as some pipes may not be able to withstand them.

In any case, you can also call a professional who will be able to quickly identify the cause of the odours and who has the right tools and products to solve the problem permanently. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and ask questions, professional plumbers are always happy to guide you to the right solutions.