Sewage Smell in House: Causes and How to Get Rid of It
A sewage smell in the house is unpleasant, and sewer gas can be a health risk. The good news is that most causes are easy to find with the right tools.
Dry P-traps
Every drain has a water-filled trap that blocks gas. Guest bathrooms and floor drains that go unused dry out. Run water for a minute and see if the smell fades.
Failed toilet wax ring
If the smell is strongest around the toilet base, the seal has failed and gas (and water) is escaping. Quick toilet repair.
Cracked or blocked vent pipe
Plumbing vents on the roof let gas escape outside. If they are blocked or cracked, gas can be pushed back inside.
A broken sewer line
Persistent smells plus slow drains or wet yard spots usually mean a cracked lateral. A sewer camera inspection confirms it, and sewer line repair — often trenchless — fixes it. If sewage is actually coming up a drain, call our 24/7 sewer backup line immediately.
Need a plumber now?
24/7 service in every California city. Upfront pricing.
Related Services
Get Help in Your City
- Sewer Camera Inspection in Los Angeles
- Sewer Camera Inspection in San Diego
- Sewer Camera Inspection in San Jose
- Sewer Camera Inspection in San Francisco
- Sewer Camera Inspection in Anaheim
- Sewer Camera Inspection in Irvine
- Sewer Camera Inspection in Sacramento
- Sewer Camera Inspection in Fresno
- All cities
More Plumbing Guides
- Toilet Keeps Running? Causes, Fixes & When to Call a Plumber
- Low Water Pressure in House: 7 Causes and How Plumbers Fix It
- Sink Drains Slowly? How to Fix a Slow Drain Before It Clogs Completely
- Water Dripping From Ceiling: What to Do Right Now
- Water Heater Making Noise? What Popping, Rumbling and Hissing Mean
- Brown Water From Faucet: Is It Safe and How Do You Fix It?
- Hot Water Runs Out Fast? 6 Reasons and the Best Fixes
- How to Find the Best Plumber Near Me in California (2026 Guide)
- What to Do When a Pipe Bursts: A Step-by-Step Emergency Guide
- Water Heater Repair vs Replacement: How to Decide
- 7 Signs You Need Sewer Line Repair (Before It Backs Up)
- Clogged Drain Emergency: 5 Things NOT to Do (and What Works)
- Smell Gas in Your House? What to Do and Who to Call