If your house smells like sewage, it is more than unpleasant: it is usually a sign that something is wrong with your drains. Some causes are easy to put right, while others point to a more serious drainage fault that needs a professional.
It is a common problem, and Jet Plumb deals with it for customers in Stroud and the surrounding area. Here is what the smell might mean and when you need to act quickly.
1. A Blocked Drain (The Most Likely Cause)
When waste, grease, wipes or other debris build up in a pipe, wastewater can no longer flow freely. Gases that would normally pass safely through the drainage system can then find their way back into your home.
Signs that often come with the smell:
- Sinks or showers emptying slowly
- Gurgling from plugholes or toilets
- The water in the toilet bowl rising
- An odour that gets stronger near plugholes or outdoor drains
A blockage like this usually has to be cleared fully with professional drain jetting, not a quick dose of chemicals.
2. A Dry U-Bend (Trap)
Each sink, bath and shower has a U-bend that keeps a little water sitting in it. That water forms a seal that stops sewer gases getting into the house.
When a drain goes unused for a while, such as in a spare bathroom or a utility room sink, the water can dry up.
Quick fix: run the tap for 20 to 30 seconds. If the smell lingers, the problem probably lies further down the system.
3. Cracked Or Loose Pipes
Waste pipes that are cracked or badly sealed can let gases escape into walls, floors and cupboards, particularly underneath sinks.
Things you might notice:
- A smell that hangs around even though the drains flow normally
- Patches of damp
- The odour is worst inside cupboards
This kind of fault needs inspecting and repairing, not a bottle of drain cleaner.
4. Problems With Outside Drains
If the smell is worse outside, close to gullies or manholes, the fault may lie in your external drainage. Common culprits include:
- Leaves and other debris
- Built-up fat and grease
- Wet wipes and sanitary items
- Tree roots getting into the pipes
- Cracked or collapsed pipework
We find and fix these faults with CCTV drain surveys and high-pressure jetting, avoiding needless digging.
5. Problems With The Main Drain Or Sewer Line
If several drains smell at once, or you notice any of the following, you may have a blockage in the main drain:
- Bubbling toilets
- Water coming back up
- A smell right through the house
A blocked main drain can get worse very quickly, so treat it as urgent.
6. A Failed Toilet Seal Or Blocked Vent
If the smell is strongest around the base of a toilet, the seal between the pan and the soil pipe may have failed. Even a small gap lets gas escape every time the toilet is flushed, and you may notice a damp ring on the floor.
Your drains also need air. A soil vent pipe, usually running up an outside wall to above the roofline, lets sewer gases escape safely away from windows. If it is blocked by leaves or a bird's nest, or an air admittance valve inside the house has failed, traps can be sucked dry as water drains away, letting smells into the room. Gurgling and slow flushing often go with it.
7. A Septic Tank That Needs Attention
If your house smells like sewage and is not on the mains sewer, the cause may be the septic tank or treatment plant. A strong odour near the tank, slow drains throughout the house or wet, smelly ground over the outlet area can mean the tank is due to be emptied or the outlet pipe has blocked. Jet Plumb works on septic tank outlets and the drains that lead to them.
Can A Sewer Smell Be Dangerous?
Sewer gases can include methane and hydrogen sulphide. A faint smell now and then is not usually harmful, but a strong or lasting odour should always be taken seriously, particularly if anyone in the home feels ill. If the smell is strong, open the windows and keep the room aired until the cause has been found.
What To Check First
- Run water through any sinks and showers that rarely get used
- Look out for water draining slowly
- Check outside for drains that are overflowing
- Steer clear of harsh chemicals, which can damage pipes and make drain repairs more difficult
If the smell is still there after these checks, it is time to call in an expert.
Sewage Smell In Your Home? Call Jet Plumb
We offer fast, professional drain unblocking and drain jetting across Stroud and the surrounding area. With the right equipment, we clear blockages properly and find the underlying fault before it gets worse. Left unchecked, a sewage smell can lead to flooding, damaged pipes and expensive repairs; acting early saves money and stress.
If you are in Stroud or elsewhere in Gloucestershire, call Jet Plumb on 01453 827124 and speak to a local drainage specialist.
