What Causes My House to Smell Like Sewage? DIY Tips and Solutions

There are few things worse for homeowners than to smell sewer gas odor in their homes. Along with being unpleasant, pungent sewage smells could also be hazardous to your health. We’ve compiled this guide to help you trace the source of a sewage smell in your home and walk you through some troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue. However, sometimes, only an expert can fix a sewage problem.

What is Sewer Gas?

Sewer gas is a mixture of gasses created by decomposing organic matter in wastewater systems. It primarily consists of hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and other gasses. When improperly contained or released into a home, it produces a pungent and foul odor, often resembling rotten eggs. Identifying and addressing the source of home sewer gas is essential to maintain indoor air quality and safety.

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The Top Reasons Why You Smell Sewage in Your Home

There are several potential reasons why you might encounter a sewer gas odor in your home:

» Drain Trap Issues

One of the most common causes of sewage odor indoors is a dry drain trap. Drain traps, often found in sinks, toilets, and other fixtures, are designed to hold a small amount of water, creating a seal that prevents sewer gas from backing into your home. If these traps dry out due to infrequent use or a faulty seal, sewer gas can leak into your living space.

» Blocked or Damaged Vent Pipes

If the culprit isn’t a dry water trap, there’s a chance that damaged vent pipes are to blame. Your home’s plumbing system has vent pipes that allow sewer gasses to escape safely through the roof. If these pipes get damaged or blocked by debris, preventing sewer odors from escaping, they may run back into your home.

» Leaky or Broken Sewer Lines

Cracks, leaks, or damage in your home’s sewer lines can release sewer gas into your living space. This problem may require professional assistance to locate and repair.

» Faulty or Aging Plumbing Fixtures

If plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, and floor drains, aren’t installed correctly, they can allow sewer gases to leak into areas they shouldn’t. Over time, these plumbing fixtures may deteriorate, allowing sewer gas to escape. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial in preventing this issue.

» Sewer System Backups

Blockages, root intrusion, and other issues in your main sewer line may cause a sewer system backup. When your sewer line backs up, it can push sewage and sewer gas into your home, resulting in a pungent odor.

Also Read: How To Detect A Gas Leak?

How to Get Rid of Sewer Smell in House: The Solutions

If you encounter a sewer gas odor in your home, don’t panic. There are several steps you can take to eliminate the smell:

» Check and Fill Drain Traps

Fortunately, the most common cause of sewer gas smell in the house is also the easiest to fix. If a drain pipe’s P-trap has gone dry, leading to sewer odors, solving the problem is as easy as running a little water. Pour water into your home’s dry traps, and if they continue to dry out, consider a drain trap primer.

» Inspect Vent Pipes

Check for cracks in the vent pipes, where gas and smells could escape. Also, use a flashlight to check the vent pipe for leaves, pine needles, or other debris, which must be cleared out for the sewer gas to vent correctly outside the home.

» Faulty or Aging Plumbing Fixtures

Inspect all plumbing fixtures for visible leaks, damage, or signs of wear and tear. Replace faulty components, such as seals or gaskets, to maintain an airtight seal.

» Professional Inspection

If you cannot identify the source of the sewer gas odor, or if the issue persists, it’s time to call a professional plumber.

» Sewer Line Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your sewer lines can prevent leaks and damage. Consider scheduling our sewer maintenance services to catch potential issues early and keep your plumbing system in shape.

When to Call a Plumber

While you can use DIY sewage smell remedies to resolve sewer gas issues yourself, there are instances where professional help is essential:

» Persistent Odor

If the sewer gas odor persists despite your best efforts to eliminate it, you need professional assistance to identify and address the problem.

» Backed-Up Sewer Lines

In the worst cases, backed-up sewer lines may result in foul-smelling sewage backing out of your drains, causing significant damage to your property. If you experience sewage backups in your home, it could be caused by blockages, root intrusion, or other sewer line problems.

» Visible Damage

If you notice visible damage to your plumbing system, such as compromised seals, corroded pipes, or cracked sewer lines, don’t attempt to fix it yourself. These issues should be handled by a professional to prevent further damage.

» Safety Concerns

If you suspect the sewer gas odor makes you experience nausea, dizziness, or headaches, evacuate your home immediately and contact a plumber for professional sewer repair services.

Prevent Sewer Gas Odor With Proper Maintenance From Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter

If you suspect you have a sewer gas leak, call the professional technicians at Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter. We serve the Conejo Valley and the surrounding areas with efficient, trustworthy work.

Our professional plumbing technicians have the tools and expertise to conduct a thorough inspection of your plumbing system and identify and address the problem. They might also sniff out other plumbing issues before they escalate. For immediate service, call us directly at (805) 499-0448 or submit a contact form online!

Frequently Ask Questions

How do I locate where the smell is coming from?

To locate the source of foul odor in the house, first check the vent pipes, drain traps, and plumbing fixtures. If you need help identifying the source, contact a professional plumber.

Is sewer gas dangerous?

Yes, sewer gas can be dangerous, as it contains toxic gasses like hydrogen sulfide and methane, which can be harmful when inhaled in high concentrations. Sewage smell health risks include eye, nose, and throat irritation. At higher levels, these gasses can cause organ damage or death.

How to get rid of sewage odor after you eliminate the source of the smell

Once you’ve eliminated the source of the sewage odor, you can freshen up your home by opening windows for ventilation and using air purifiers—additionally, clean affected areas with water and vinegar or baking soda to remove lingering odors.

Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter

4.9

Based on 187 reviews

Lisa L

09:01 27 Dec 25

I can't say enough good things about Conejo Services. We called them to get a second opinion on a major plumbing issue. Jimmy came out and put a camera though the various lines involved and gave us his opinion, taking the time to explain the issues and the pros and cons of the options we had. He was professional, courteous, and a straight shooter. It's so hard to know what questions to ask when you are trying to care for your home, and Jimmy really made me feel like he wanted to help us make the best choice. While the repair was not cheap, I feel that it was fairly priced. At the end of the day, I am certain he saved us money and a great deal of stress: he put my mind at ease. And when you are trying to make the best decision about your biggest asset, that is truly priceless. After we came up with a game plan, he gave us a detailed quote that clearly stated the scope of work and didn't blink at guaranteeing it for 25 YEARS. Christa at the office called and scheduled our work and was super friendly. The crew was beyond courteous and conscientious and worked their butts off. The actual plumbing work was top notch. In addition, they had to dig up a portion of the yard where there were plants, and they did a very careful job of making sure the plants weren't harmed and put them back perfectly. We are so happy with the whole experience and highly recommend them. Will use them again in a heartbeat!

J Mc

17:51 24 Dec 25

Great technicians! Though IMO overpriced. I joined the Platinum Level Preferred Maintenance Club, to save on dispatching on routine items and get great deals on maintenance routines on HVAC, tankless water heater, water and plumbing. Needed a 30 year old wall shower faucet replaced when I signed up, the job was well done, but the cost was exoberant, imo, and I did not recieve a discount on the repair as I missed the fine print and was not told that when I signed, I needed to be a club member for a consectutive 5 months to obtain those repair discounts. I did ask at least twice to get a call to manager, was told the message was forwarded to the office, no response. Now 5 months later had a Heater Maintenance and Dryer Vent cleaning, Eric was the specialist. Excellent service by Eric. However, I received an invoice that day for $200 for the vent cleaning even though that service is listed as part of the PMC at Platinum level. I called CSHPE customer service and was told they would handle it and to ignore the invoice. Three days later, I got the same invoice, again I called, same advice. Got another invoice yesterday. I have not received one today, but it is still early AM. 🤨 Bottom line, good technical work but undermined by pricing perception, membership benefit confusion/misapplication, and unresolved billing/communication problems.

Jessica Jimenez

01:29 18 Dec 25

George was awesome! He called and let us know he could come sooner but, made sure that was okay with our schedule. He went above and beyond explaining the issue and made sure all was okay to make sure that issue did occur again. He asked if we were okay with the explanation and if we had any other questions or issues to reach out. Excellent service!

Michelle Perez

18:37 12 Dec 25

I have used Conejo Seviced a couple of times now, and they have done a fantastic job both times. They were prompt, professional, easy to talk to, honest, and did the job in the specified time frame. I will happy to continue using them.

Lana Light

02:38 12 Dec 25

Owen was my electric tech,
and from the conversation over a couple of electrical issues here, I understood quickly that Owen knows the line of work very well: educated, smart, polite, with down the the earth professional demineur... He checked the wiring, and explained the possibilities why my appliance keeps tripping the breaker..
Thank you Owen.
The company has a right set up. They would also remind you about the appointment, and would convinietly call you a few minutes ahead.

They have the right codes... they won't walk in their shoes on your floors either...
I strongly recommend the Conejo company for your electrical issues...

Robert Lewis

22:40 11 Dec 25

Juan did an outstanding job. He is very professional and personable. He kept us informed on what he was doing. It was a pleasure working with him and Conejo Services. We have used you before and we have always had prompt and professional service. Thank you so very much.

Leslie Hackney

18:30 08 Dec 25

When our 31 year-old furnace suddenly stopped working, they were out within 24 hours of my call. It was a quick and easy replacement part, but something we wouldn’t dare do ourselves. It’s good to know we’ve found a reliable repair service!

Alejandra Aldana

01:20 05 Dec 25

It was excellent service from the initial request to schedule an appt for electrical repairs and the installation updates as to the time and date of service technician arrival at work site. The service person was timely in his arrival time, considerate , respectful and courteous.

Major Tom

13:06 03 Dec 25

David G. was patient, personable and explained things. He was thorough and cleaned up after himself. He is an asset to the company and exemplifies the level of professionalism and quality that I have come to expect from Conejo Services.

Linda Munday

04:49 03 Dec 25

The entire staff were wonderful. The crew that came out to do the installation were so nice and respectful. I would recommend them to anyone.

Carol Riccobono

23:09 01 Dec 25

Juan did an excellent job checking out our furnace and dryer vent. He was very informative and thorough. And he did not try to upsell us on other services.

Ted Haber

03:36 29 Nov 25

Omar was our electrician. He was very professional and easy to work with. He gets my vote.

Matt Bovard

22:26 26 Nov 25

I like supporting local Ventura county companies and then when they do such a great job it’s double gratification…

Joe F.

00:18 26 Nov 25

Heesse was on time, performed a HVAC tune up, and solved the problem of the thermostat not working. I know who I will contact for future hone repair needs.

Steve Kurasch

21:18 25 Nov 25

Jesse was here right on time to do testing and inspection of our furnaces. He was very thorough, professional and knowledgable and corrected several problems that other companies missed. He also gave us some options to look at in the future. We signed up for their maintenance plan and feel very confident that Conejo Services will meet our needs now and in the future. Thank you for giving us peace of mind!

Mary O'Sullivan

00:55 14 Aug 25

This company really stands behind its work. I have the platinum maintenance for my both HVAC and plumbing, both installed by them and it really pays off. The plumbing area, especially, led by Andrew Dilger and team are honest, thorough, skilled and offer options from minimal to full overhaul with pro’s and cons and short vs. long-term financial differentials of each approach. I have an older home with pipes at end of their 60 year shelf-life and it’s a new area for me. It’s really great to be able to trust a company when the product isn’t visible, but buried in the ground. I liked Derek who identified a potential issue during normal maintenance and the oversight of Andrew confirming it and best approach. I think it’s the honest approach set by senior management, including Andrew, Ralph and others. And highly professional! Kudos!

Jennifer Friedman

00:45 10 Apr 25

We were on Conejo’s maintenance plan for a while. We found they were very thorough in checking our A/C, plumbing and electric systems. It is worth considering these plans.

We had other work done where we felt the pricing was quite high, like for a garbage disposal and for installing a tankless hot water heater. So consumers should be sure to do price comparisons.

When they put in our tankless hot water heater, there were a couple of code violations that needed to be corrected, plus we had some questions about the costs. But when our concerns finally reached the Customer Service managers, their response was excellent and all our concerns were immediately and satisfactorily resolved.

Rick Phillips

00:10 03 Feb 25

I strongly suggest getting cost estimates from other companies before hiring Conejo. I was provided an estimate of $7149 to perform what turned out to be 7 hours of work by two (relatively low paid) employees and a couple hours to use specialty equipment to pinpoint failure point. I had a blockage in my home sewer system caused by root intrusion. By using their tool inserted into the sewer pipe they said the blockage was 8 feet deep and under my concrete entryway walkway and would therefore take two workmen 2 to 3 days to complete the repairs. I questioned that pricing since it seemed too high and was provided a reduction of $850 to $6299. That still seemed like a high price but I needed to get the work done quickly so I accepted the bid. (My big mistake.) I monitored the work when their two workmen came to make the repairs. I am retired from SoCalGas so have some knowledge about excavating and fixing damaged pipe. The sewer pipe was only 3 feet deep, not 8 feet deep. The work involved digging and exposing the 4-inch plastic sewer pipe and then cutting out a 3-foot section and installing new pipe, then backfilling the excavation (which was done poorly – was not well compacted – I did this after they left as best I could. I hope my entryway sidewalk doesn’t fail/crack in the future.) They completed the work in 7 hours. I then contacted Conejo and asked to them to reconsider the price since the basis of the estimate was incorrect. I eventually spoke with their plumbing manager, Nick, who said he would speak with the person who developed the estimate and get back to me. Nick never got back to me even though I called their offices twice and texted Nick. The next contact I had from Conejo was a revised bill reducing the charge by $500, leaving me with a bill of $5799. On the positive side, the people I spoke with in their billing and/or scheduling department with friendly and responsive.

Ben Rogers

17:47 26 Jan 25

Conejo installed a new furnace and water heater at my home, and I’m so impressed with the quality of their work. Their prices are competitive and their team is the best!

Pav G

20:40 08 Aug 24

Outstanding Service from Alfredo at Conejo Valley Heating and AC

We’ve had ongoing AC issues for a couple of years, and after trying other companies, we finally found the solution with Alfredo from Conejo Valley Heating and AC. The level of professionalism and quality of work Alfredo delivered was unparalleled.

From the moment he arrived, Alfredo impressed us with his attention to detail—respecting our home by wearing booties and carefully assessing the situation. He identified the root cause of our AC problems, taking his time and staying late into the afternoon, even after a long, busy day. As the last appointment of the day, Alfredo made sure our AC was fully repaired before leaving.

Beyond fixing the immediate issue, Alfredo also provided valuable advice and options for maintaining our AC in the future, along with some helpful plumbing suggestions. His dedication to his craft and customer service is truly world-class.

We highly recommend requesting Alfredo if you’re considering Conejo Valley Heating and AC. We’ve permanently requested him as our go-to technician for any future needs. His work is simply outstanding, and we couldn’t be more satisfied with the service.