What causes sewer odors inside the house?

Sewage has a natural tendency to produce odors; all sewers have odors. The plumbing system in your home is designed to prevent these odors from entering the house by using a vapor trap. If you are experiencing odors indoors, it is likely that there is a problem with the vapor trap. If you experience a problem with your vapor trap, a plumber can help you.


Atmospheric Conditions

Atmospheric conditions can also affect odors from sewer systems entering the house. When barometric pressure is falling or is very low, the air outside can be heavier than air from the sewer system, causing pressure to build up in the sewer system. This temporary condition may cause indoor odors, but will resolve as barometric pressure increases.

Show All Answers

1. Are there any RV Dump Stations in Paso Robles?
2. Sewage is backing up into my house overflowing from my drains. What should I do?
3. What is a sewer lateral?
4. What should I do if sewage is overflowing from a sewer structure onto the ground?
5. I have slow drainage through my toilets, drains. What can I do about it?
6. There is a manhole cover in my neighborhood that rattles every time a vehicle rolls over it. What can I do about it?
7. What causes sewer odors inside the house?
8. What is the purpose of vapor traps?
9. What is the purpose of the roof vent?
10. What are some of the problems that can occur?
11. What if the odor is outside the house?
12. How do I file a claim if I have property damage caused by a sewer back up?
13. Who maintains the sewer line?
14. How do I report a problem?