Sewer Line Repair TeamWhy Do My Drains Smell Like Sewer? 6 Causes and Fixes
Sewer gas smells like rotten eggs, and it’s trying to tell you something. Work through these causes from simplest to most serious.
1. Dry P-trap
The water seal in a rarely used drain evaporates, letting gas through. Fix: run water for 30 seconds. Free.
2. Biofilm buildup
Slime coating the drain walls smells as it decays. Fix: scrub with a brush and flush with hot water and dish soap.
3. Clogged vent stack
A blocked roof vent creates suction that pulls trap seals dry. Fix: clear the vent — often a DIY job with a garden hose, or a quick pro visit.
4. Failing wax ring
A toilet rocking on a worn wax ring leaks gas at the base. Fix: reset the toilet with a new ring.
5. Cracked drain pipe
A crack in an interior drain line leaks gas into wall cavities. Fix: locate and repair the section.
6. Damaged sewer lateral
Cracks in the main lateral let gas escape into soil and back through foundation gaps — often with yard odors too. Fix: camera inspection, then spot repair or lining.
If the smell persists after the easy fixes — or you smell it in the yard — it’s time for a camera look. Call (833) 713-2101 and we’ll find the source.
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