Why does my house smell like sewage when it rains?

When it comes to a sewage smell in your home after rain, the most common culprits are cracked pipes and clogged drains. If you have trees in your yard, roots are a common cause of cracked or broken pipes. In addition, tree roots can also crack your septic tank.


Why do I smell septic when it rains?

Why do septic tanks smell when it rains? When it rains, the air becomes heavy and doesn't allow for proper release of methane gases through your vent. As a result, the gases stay low to the ground with the atmospheric pressure, which results in a foul smell.

How do you get rid of sewer smell in your house?

8 Ways to Get Rid of Sewer Gas Smell
  1. Clean the sink overflow. ...
  2. Check the toilet wax ring. ...
  3. Caulk the toilet base. ...
  4. Clean out bacterial growth in drains. ...
  5. Check rarely used bathtubs and sinks. ...
  6. Check for leaks. ...
  7. Inspect your garbage disposal splash guard. ...
  8. Schedule a video drain inspection.


Why does sewer smell come and go?

The most common cause of sewer gas smells in your house is a leak in your plumbing. You'll want to prevent even small leaks to avoid major plumbing repair costs. Sewer gas smells could be coming from your pipes either because they weren't installed properly or were damaged.

Why does my house smell everytime it rains?

Chronic sewage smells after a rainfall or even when the furnace or air conditioner is running can be a sign of a septic problem. The bad news is that if you're smelling this vexing smell, your home and health could be in danger.


Why Do You Smell Septic/Sewer In Your House When It Rains? & How To Fix It!



What is the smell right after it rains?

That smell—known as petrichor—stems from microscopic streptomycete bacteria in the soil that produce a compound called geosmin, The Times reports.

What does black mold smell like?

It's often described as musty and earthy, and may even smell like rotting vegetables or plants. You might notice a musty smell, but not be able to see any mold growing. In this case, you should look for areas that might be exposed to water.

Is sewage smell an emergency?

The symptoms of sewer gas exposure are mild and will go away after exposure ends. However, if you suspect a sewer gas leak and are also experiencing symptoms of high-level exposure, seek emergency medical attention and an emergency plumber right away.


Will sewer smell go away on its own?

When that smell reeks of the sewer, it may not go away on its own but instead, point to a serious problem that might require professional plumbing repair. The wastewater plumbing systems in your home are fairly simple. They rely on unblocked pipes, gravity and fresh air venting to drain.

Can you get sick from smelling sewage all day?

Health effects

The principal risks and effects associated with exposure are: Hydrogen sulfide poisoning. Exposure to low levels of hydrogen sulfide causes irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract. Other symptoms include nervousness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and drowsiness.

What kills the smell of sewage?

Pour Some Bleach in It: Bleach, like other disinfectants, kills almost every species of odor-causing bacteria commonly found in drains and sewer lines. So, an easy DIY step to reduce drain odor is to use bleach. To use bleach to clean your drain, fill the sink with hot water, and add a cup of bleach.


Why does my house smell like sewer only in at night?

One of the most common issues of drain odor is due to blockages and clogs. Any type of blockages, whether they are partial or full, can prevent waste water from properly leaving your home. Over time, this stagnant water sitting in the pipes can build up bacteria and produce pungent odors throughout the night.

What does a blocked sewer smell like?

Sewer gases are one of the most common plumbing problems and a sewer gas smell can be identified as being similar to rotten eggs, or an ammonia-like (hydrogen sulphide) smell.

How often should a septic tank be drained?

Inspect and Pump Frequently

Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be inspected more often, generally once a year. A service contract is important since alternative systems have mechanized parts.


Does your house smell if your septic tank is full?

Problem #1: Full Septic Tank

The most common cause of a septic tank smell within the home: The tank is full. Aside from the smell, you may also notice: Gargling sounds coming from your sink, or. Your washing machine running much slower, or.

Can heavy rain back up a septic system?

It is common to have a septic back up after or even during a heavy rain. Significant rainfall can quickly flood the ground around the soil absorption area (drainfield) leaving it saturated, making it impossible for water to flow out of your septic system.

Can a toilet leak sewer gas but not water?

Over time, these can go bad and no longer seal the toilet to the sewer. When this happens, it is not always obvious because water usually won't leak out, only sewer gas, unless there is a clog in the system and water backs up into the drain below the offending toilet.


Can sewer gas come up through drains?

Answer: The only way sewer gas can get into a home is if there is something wrong with your plumbing. The most common fault in the plumbing system is untrapped drains, especially floor drains in the basement or utility room.

Is there a device to detect sewer gas?

Sewer gas detectors can monitor the presence of combustible gases commonly found in sewer gas. Sewer gas can be harmful and potentially fatal if left unaddressed for too long. Sewer gas detectors are relatively inexpensive and affordable.

How do you know if your house is toxic?

What Are the Signs of Toxic House Syndrome?
  1. Mold growth.
  2. Condensation around windows and in high humidity areas such as bathrooms.
  3. Lingering condensation.
  4. Dampness that doesn't seem to go away.
  5. Dust build up in your ventilation system.


Is it OK to breathe in black mold?

Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores can cause a person to become allergic to mold. Molds can trigger asthma symptoms including shortness of breath, wheezing, or cough in people with known allergies. People who do not have allergies can also become irritated.

What does harmful mold smell like?

“Musty” and “stale” are the most accurate descriptors of what mold smells like. The musty odor is a result of the hodgepodge of mVOCs produced by the mold and released into the air. In addition to mustiness, mVOCs are also responsible for notes of earthiness, rotting, or sourness.

Which bacteria causes smell after rain?

That luscious smell we can detect after rain comes from an organic compound called geosmin, which is produced by microbes, including the bacteria genus Streptomyces. We also know that Streptomyces releases geosmin when they die, and that humans and other creatures are particularly attuned to it.