What you can safely check first
The most common cause of a sewer smell is also the easiest to fix, and it costs nothing. Try it first.
- Run water for a minute in every sink, tub, and shower, especially ones you rarely use, like a guest bath. That refills the trap.
- Pour a bucket of water into any floor drain, like in a laundry room or garage.
- Clean the stopper and the top of the drain in the sink or shower where the smell is strongest.
What might be behind it
More than one thing can cause this, which is why the plumber finds the cause first.
Buildup in a drain. Hair, soap, and gunk in a sink or shower drain start to smell as they break down. The smell is strongest right at that drain.
A problem in the sewer line. A crack, a sag, or a partial blockage in the main line can let sewer gas back into the house. It often comes with slow or gurgling drains.
A broken seal or vent. A worn toilet seal or a vent pipe that's cracked or disconnected in a wall lets sewer gas out where it shouldn't be.
How we fix it
We trace where the odor enters the room and check the drain traps, seals and line condition. A dry trap, broken seal and damaged sewer pipe need different solutions. We explain the source before recommending cleaning or repair.
Depending on the cause, the relevant services are drain cleaning or sewer line repair.
Where we fix it
Our plumbing shop is at 910 Cable St in Conroe. We also serve the surrounding towns. Check our plumbing service area and ZIP codesbefore requesting a visit.