How to Know if Your Sewer Line Needs Repair or Replacement

How to Fix Sewer Smells in Your Home

Sewer smells in your home are worse in the summer. Heat pushes gas out of pipes and into living spaces. If you notice a strong smell, it is more than just a bad odor. It may be a sign your sewer system needs attention. But do you know how to fix sewer smells in your home? Read on to discover more.

Why Summer Makes Sewer Odors Worse

Hot air pulls gases upward. That means sewer lines with even small leaks can push odor indoors. In addition, summer storms soak the ground. This creates pressure that can push smells into the home through cracks or broken pipes.

Older Memphis homes are especially at risk. Many still have clay or cast iron sewer lines. These materials often wear down or shift with ground movement.

Common Causes of Sewer Smells in Your Home

The most common issue is a dry P-trap. Unused sinks or tubs often lose water in the trap. For that reason, gas comes back up through the drain.

Also, broken or clogged vent pipes can trap pressure inside your system. When the gas has nowhere to go, it finds weak spots and escapes indoors.

In some cases, damage to the main sewer line allows gas to leak through soil and into crawl spaces or basements.

Signs Your Sewer Smell Is a Bigger Problem

If cleaning doesn’t remove the smell, you may have a deeper issue. Gurgling toilets, slow drains, or foul odors near the foundation all suggest sewer trouble.

Also, if smells get worse after rain, it may mean a break or sag in the pipe. These allow gas and wastewater to collect and escape.

How to Fix Sewer Smells in Your Home

First, run water in any drain you haven’t used in a while. This refills the P-trap. Next, check for debris on vent pipes if your roof is safe to access. In addition, note when and where you notice the smell. This helps a plumber diagnose the problem.

When to Call a Local Sewer Expert

If the smell returns or spreads, it’s time to call for help. A professional can run a sewer camera to find the damage. Sewer smells in your home could mean a leak, a vent issue, or even a full pipe failure.

Fast detection keeps the cost lower. Also, local experts understand how heat, storms, and soil in Memphis affect sewer systems.

Solve Sewer Odors for Good This Summer

Don’t live with sewer smells in your home when summer heat makes them worse. Memphis Sewer & Water can inspect your system, find the issue, and repair it quickly. You’ll get expert help, fast service, and lasting repairs.

Get a sewer inspection now and enjoy peace of mind! Contact us at (901) 598-1999 or fill out our contact form today.