Unpleasant smells in sewer systems happen from time to time. Some issues are minor and can be addressed by the homeowner. Others may have a more serious cause that requires the help of a professional. How do you know when you need a plumber to get rid of an odor in your home?

Plumbing Odors You Can Fix

If you notice an odor from a sink or bathtub, it could be caused by a dry P-trap. This is a fixture that’s designed to trap sink debris before it enters your plumbing system.

The P-trap should have water in it to prevent gasses from coming up into your home. If your P-trap is dry, then you may notice an odor. To fix, you can refill with water then check again to make sure there are no leaks. You can also pour a little mineral oil into drains that are not used often to slow water evaporation in the P-trap.

Plumbing vents empty at roof-level. These can become blocked by environmental debris including leaves and snow. Make sure yours is clear to prevent odors from building up inside your home.

Odors That Need a Plumber

If you suspect that there is a leak in your P-trap, then you may need the help of a plumber. We can verify the cause and replace the fixture as needed.

Mold and mildew tend to grow in damp places. If you notice an odor accompanied by mold or mildew, this could be a sign that a pipe is leaking under a sink or behind a wall. Call us right away to figure out the cause and correct it before it severely damages your home.

A pipe blockage can also cause odors. You can try household methods to break up a blockage. However, if these do not work or if the clog returns, you should consult with one of our professionals. Contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing now to find out what’s causing odors in your plumbing system.

The post Hire a Plumber to Get Rid of Odors appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

• A Dry P-Trap – The curved length of pipe under the sink is called the p-trap. Water is supposed to remain in the curve to serve as a plug that stops gas from the sewer system from coming up. If it goes dry, it will not serve this function and allow odors into your home. Make sure to run water in sinks that don’t get much use to prevent this problem.
• Clogged Vent – Vents are necessary to release gas from the sewer system, usually extending to the roof. If a vent pipe becomes clogged, it could cause gasses to enter your home. Due to the position of the pipe, you may need to call a professional to clear a clogged vent.
• Blocked Drain – If you notice a rotten egg smell, it could be biofilm buildup from a drain clog. To remove the bacteria, you must clear the blockage. This may be done using a drain cleaner product or boiling water.
• Sewer Line Blockage – A blockage may also exist deeper in the system along the main sewer line. When this happens, you will likely have to call a plumber to snake the line.
• Mold Growth – Musty smells can be a sign of mold in the drain. Per the EPA, as long as the infected area is less than 10 square feet in size, you should be able to handle it yourself. Vinegar, boiling water, and baking soda can be used to remove mold.

If you have trouble identifying the cause of drain odors, a professional can help. Call Putman & Son’s Plumbing 24/7 plumbing services located in southeast Michigan to stop sewer smells and remove blockages.

The post Common Causes of Foul Odors Coming from Your Drain appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.