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There’s nothing worse than mysterious, lingering odors creeping through your home. It’s not just unpleasant—it can be a sign of something more serious. If your home is starting to smell less than fresh and more like a haunted house, it’s time to investigate the source. Here are four of the most likely causes, and how to handle them before they haunt your home any longer.
1. Sewer Gas from a Dried-Out P-Trap
A common cause of bad smells in the home is a dried-out P-trap. The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe under sinks, showers, or drains that holds a small amount of water. This water creates a seal that prevents sewer gasses from coming back up into your home. If a sink or shower hasn’t been used for a while, the water in the P-trap can evaporate, allowing that unmistakable sewer odor to escape.
The fix: Run some water down the drain to refill the P-trap. If the smell persists, it could indicate a larger issue with your plumbing system, and that’s when you need to give 1st Home and Commercial Services a call.
2. Sewer Vent Pipes
If your home smells like a sewer, the culprit could be your sewer vent. These vents allow harmful gasses from your plumbing system to escape safely outside. However, if these vents become damaged, those nasty sewer gasses can start seeping into your living space.
The fix: A plumber can check your sewer vents to make sure they're functioning properly. If they're blocked, they’ll clear the vent, ensuring everything flows freely and the smells go away.
3. Gas Leaks in Your Furnace or Stove
Gas leaks are more than just stinky—they’re dangerous. If you notice the smell of gas, especially near your furnace, stove, or in attic, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Leaking gas can not only cause an unpleasant odor but can also be a major safety hazard.
The fix: Evacuate your home and call a professional immediately. Gas leaks require urgent attention, and our licensed technicians can locate and fix the problem, ensuring your home is safe and smell-free.
4. Rotten Egg Smell from Your Water Heater
If you’ve noticed a sulfur-like, rotten egg smell coming from your hot water, it’s likely due to a worn-out anode rod in your water heater. This rod helps prevent the tank from corrosion. When the tank becomes corroded, it can start producing that distinctive, sulfuric smell.
The fix: The anode rod needs to be replaced by a technician to eliminate the odor. Don’t try this on your own—our team can handle the replacement quickly and efficiently.
Call Us to Eliminate Stinky Smells for Good
If you’re experiencing strange, unpleasant odors in your home, don’t wait for them to get worse. Right now, we’re offering our "Don’t Get Spooked by Sudden Charges" special: a $79.99 inspection for your electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems. Call us today to schedule your inspection and keep the scary stuff outside where it belongs!
Schedule your inspection here!