Sewage smell has a cause
Persistent sewage odor in a building almost always has a physical source: a dry floor-drain trap, a failed wax ring, a cracked drain line, a broken vent stack, a leak into a crawlspace, or leftover contamination from a past backup. Sewer gas can contain hydrogen sulfide and other irritating gases. In confined areas, high concentrations can be dangerous.
Two-part fix
1. Plumbing. A licensed plumber finds and repairs the source, using smoke testing or camera inspection where needed. We coordinate with your plumber, but plumbing repairs are theirs to do.
2. Remediation. Contamination left behind from leaks or past backups is cleaned up:
- Removal of contaminated insulation, vapor barrier, drywall and flooring
- Cleaning and disinfection of structural surfaces and soil areas in crawlspaces
- Drying, with moisture readings
- Deodorization of the structure and air
- Replacement vapor barrier in crawlspaces where removed
When odor follows a past backup
If a backup was cleaned only at the surface, odor can linger for months from contaminated subfloor, wall cavities or crawlspace soil. Assessment will find what was missed.
Safety
If the odor is strong, causes headaches or nausea, or seems to come from a confined space, ventilate the area and stay out of the space. If you smell natural gas, which smells like rotten eggs, leave and call your gas utility or 911.
Common questions
Could the smell be a dry drain trap?
Yes. Unused floor drains and tubs can dry out. Running water into them refills the trap and is a simple first check.
Do you do plumbing repairs?
No. A licensed plumber repairs the source. We clean up the contamination.
Can sewage odor affect health?
Low-level sewer gas is mostly a nuisance, but higher concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can be harmful, and sewage contamination carries biological hazards. Find and fix the source promptly.