If you’ve ever caught a whiff of a sewer smell in your house, you know how unpleasant—and concerning—it can be. Beyond the foul odor, a persistent sewer gas leak could signal an underlying plumbing problem that needs immediate attention. At A-1 Performance Rooter and Plumbing, we specialize in identifying and fixing the sources of sewer gas odors in homes across Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, and Long Beach. Let’s look at what’s causing that smell and what you can do about it.
Common Causes of Sewer Smells in the House
1. Dry P-Traps
A dry P-trap is one of the most frequent culprits of sewer smells in bathrooms or unused sinks. P-traps are designed to hold a small amount of water, creating a seal that prevents sewer gases from rising up through the drain. When a fixture goes unused for weeks, that water evaporates, breaking the seal and allowing sewer odors to escape into your home.
Fix: Simply run water down unused drains every few days to refill P-traps and block odors.
2. Cracked or Damaged Drain Pipes
Older homes in regions like Long Beach or Pasadena often have aging drain pipes that can crack over time. When this happens, sewer gases leak through the walls or floors, causing a constant odor that no amount of cleaning can eliminate.
Fix: A professional plumber can perform a sewer camera inspection to locate cracks or leaks and suggest a permanent repair.
3. Blocked Vent Stacks
Every plumbing system has vent pipes that release sewer gases safely outside through your roof. When these vent stacks become blocked by debris, leaves, or even bird nests, it forces the gases back through your drains instead of venting outdoors. This is particularly common after windstorms in Southern California.
Fix: Hire an expert to inspect and clear your roof vents safely. In most cases, this simple maintenance can completely resolve transient odors.
4. Sewer Line Damage
Sewer line damage is one of the more serious causes of sewer smell in the house. Pipes can crack, shift, or get clogged by intrusive tree roots—especially in mature neighborhoods like Anaheim or Burbank. A broken sewer line can lead to continuous sewer gas infiltration and even sewage backups if left untreated.
Fix: Schedule a comprehensive sewer line inspection with A-1 Performance Rooter & Plumbing. We use state-of-the-art cameras to pinpoint the cause without unnecessary digging.
5. Loose or Deteriorating Toilet Seals
When the wax ring seal around your toilet deteriorates or loosens, it can allow sewer gases to seep into your bathroom. This usually results in a bad smell concentrated near the toilet base, even if the toilet seems to function normally.
Fix: Reseal or replace the wax ring. A quick professional replacement will restore the airtight seal and eliminate the odor.
Pro Tips for Preventing Sewer Gas Odors
- Run water in any rarely used sinks, tubs, or floor drains every few days.
- Keep roof vents clear by inspecting or cleaning them at least once per year.
- Replace aging seals or wax rings before they fail.
- Schedule regular plumbing inspections to catch small issues early.
Pro Tip: If the odor comes and goes, it’s usually a venting issue. If it’s constant, suspect a problem with the sewer line.
When to Call a Professional Plumber in Southern California
Temporary solutions can only go so far. If you’re constantly battling a sewer smell in your house, it’s time to bring in a licensed plumbing professional. Persistent odors or recurring issues can indicate deeper problems like broken pipes or defective vents. In regions like Los Angeles or Orange County, where older homes often have complex underground plumbing systems, expert diagnostics are crucial to resolving odor issues for good.
A-1 Performance Rooter & Plumbing offers advanced sewer line inspection and drain vent issue diagnostics to pinpoint the source of odors and restore clean, fresh indoor air fast. Our experienced technicians handle everything from routine maintenance to full sewer line replacements.
Conclusion: Stop Sewer Smells Fast
Whether the problem stems from a dry P-trap, blocked vent, or sewer line damage, addressing sewer smells early can save you from bigger plumbing headaches down the road. The sooner you find the cause, the faster you can restore your home’s freshness and safety.
Stop sewer smells fast. Call A-1 Performance Rooter & Plumbing today at 800-997-3090 for expert diagnostics and odor elimination anywhere in Southern California. Let our team help you breathe easier and enjoy a clean, odor-free home again.
