Causes of Plumbing Smells

Unpleasant plumbing odors in the home can often be dangerous. Methane gas from a sewer system may cause issues such as headaches or worsen your overall health. At times professionals are needed if homeowners can't identify and resolve the issue alone. Here are the most commonly seen plumbing problems and how to solve them.

Clogged drain

Clogs can be simple to remedy if they are easily accessible. If a homeowner can't reach the area in question, it's better to call a plumbing service. There could be multiple clogs, and professional plumbers can identify and remove them.

Broken drain pipe

This is one of the common yet easy to identify problems. Cracks inside a drain pipe are often caused by roots blocking the line. Fixing the broken drainpipe before it causes further damage should, therefore, be a priority.

The drain might be dry

Every tub, sink, or shower has a P-trap. This pipe is filled with water to prevent sewer gases from spreading in homes. If the drain isn't used for weeks, the water will eventually evaporate, and the sewer smell will rise up through the sink. Running the water for a few seconds and letting a P-trap fill will solve the problem.

Old wax ring

Even the best toilet wax ring is going to shrink or break after a while. Breakage not only allows gases to escape but also causes leaking. While homeowners can replace it, it's better to leave this job to the professionals. Correctly placing the wax ring can be challenging, and the toilet can be cumbersome.

Clogged vent pipe

The vent pipe extends outside to let sewer gases out of the home. However, if the vent pipe is clogged, that might cause gases to stay inside and spread around the house. Moreover, water may drain slowly or not at all.

Vent pipes can also become clogged with bird nests, leaves, or piles of dirt. If the blockage is too difficult to reach, calling the professionals might be the best solution. Some homes have built-in short vent pipes. Even if they are new, they can still trigger bad smells. However, that's highly unlikely to happen in more modern homes.

Keeping the bad smells away

Problems with plumbing go beyond bad smells, so it's essential to repair them immediately. While homeowners can quickly fix a dry trap or broken drainpipe, it's better to call a local plumber to unclog a drain or vent pipe or change the wax ring. Professional services will both remedy the problem and help reduce the risk of it happening again. Ultimately, this is a cost-effective solution.

Much Better Plumbing is the premier residential and commercial plumbing service for homeowners and businesses in the Las Vegas area. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call us today at 702-996-5220.