Why Does My Home Smell Like Sewage After It Rains?

October 4, 2024/Thomas Parra

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Why Does My Home Smell Like Sewage After It Rains?

Does your home always seem to smell like sewage after it rains? Are you tired of trying to figure out the source of that unpleasant odor? If this sounds like your situation, you’re not alone. Many homeowners experience this issue and often wonder why it happens.

Sewer g as, a noxious combination of chemicals released from decomposing human waste, is the most likely culprit behind this unpleasant smell. The sewer smell is often described as similar to rotten eggs or sulfur, and it can be quite strong and overwhelming.

But why does this occur after it rains? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the sewer gas odor in your home after rainfall and what you can do to solve this issue.

Unseen Dangers: Health Risks Associated with Sewage Odor

Before we dive into the reasons behind the smell, it’s important to understand the potential dangers of being exposed to sewer gas.

While it may just seem like an unpleasant odor, this gas can actually be harmful to your health. Exposure to sewer gas can cause symptoms such as:

Headaches
Respiratory problems
Eye and skin irritation
Nausea
Dizziness
Fatigue
Memory issues

Hydrogen sulfide is the primary gas found in sewer gasses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), even low levels of this gas can irritate the respiratory system, eyes, and throat. Young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems may experience more severe symptoms.

Why Does My Home Smell Like Sewage After It Rains? 1

Possible Reasons for Sewage Smell in House After Rain

There could be several reasons why you smell sewer gas after it rains. Some of the most common causes include:

Bacteria and Decomposing Waste

When it rains, the level of water in sewer pipes can rise, causing pressure to build up. This pressure pushes gases through the plumbing system and into your home. The bacteria and decomposing waste in the sewer pipes release these foul-smelling gases, which then enter your home through drains, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures.

Additionally, heavy rainfall can cause the sewer pipes to become overloaded. This can lead to sewage backups in your home and further contribute to unpleasant sewer odors.

The Solution

Make sure your sewer system is properly vented to allow gases to escape outside rather than backing up into your home. A plumber can check for blockages in vent pipes and clear them if necessary.

Additionally, installing a backwater valve can prevent sewer water from backing up into your home during heavy rains. When you work with a professional plumber, they will manage these tasks for you.

Dried-Out Water Barrier

Another reason for the sewage smell could be a dried-out water barrier, also known as the P-trap, in your plumbing system.

P-traps are designed to hold a small amount of water in the curve of the pipe, which creates a barrier between your home and the sewer pipes. This water barrier prevents sewage gases from entering your home.

However, if the water in the P-trap evaporates due to lack of use or a leak, it can no longer block the gases from entering your home. So, when it rains, the pressure in the sewer pipes can push these sewer gas smell through the dry P-trap and into your home.

The Solution

Regularly run water in rarely-used drains to keep the P-traps full.

For long-term solutions, you can add a small amount of mineral oil to the P-trap. The oil will float on top of the water, reducing evaporation and maintaining the water barrier longer.

Cracks or Damage in Sewer Pipes

Heavy rainfall can also cause damage to sewer pipes. If there are cracks, holes, or other damage in the sewer pipes near your home, they may leak sewage into the surrounding soil.

The rainwater can then push these unpleasant odors towards your home’s foundation and into your living space through any openings or cracks. This can also lead to more serious plumbing issues, such as sewage backups and water damage.

The Solution

Have a plumber conduct a video inspection of your sewer lines to identify any cracks or damages.

Depending on the severity, solutions might include trenchless sewer repair, pipe relining, or full pipe replacement. It’s also advisable to regularly inspect your home’s foundation for cracks and seal them to prevent odor infiltration.

Blocked or Clogged Vent Pipe

Sewer pipes have vents that allow gas to escape and prevent pressure from building up in the plumbing system. However, these vents can become blocked or clogged with debris over time.

When this happens, the gases have nowhere to escape and can back up into your home. This can be especially problematic after heavy rainfall when debris and sediment are more likely to enter the plumbing system.

The Solution

Keep the vent pipes clear of debris, leaves, and nests.

A professional plumber uses specialized equipment to clean out your vent pipes. We also recommend installing vent caps to help prevent future blockages by keeping debris out while allowing air to flow.

Preventing Sewage Smell After Rain

To prevent sewage smell in your home after heavy rainfall, there are a few things you can do:

Regular Plumbing Maintenance

Scheduling regular maintenance with a professional plumber is perhaps the most effective way to prevent sewer odor after rainfall. A plumber can inspect your sewer pipes and identify any potential issues before they become major problems. They can also clean out vents and make sure that all components of your plumbing system are working properly.

Maintain Your Gutters

Properly maintaining your gutters is another important step in preventing sewage smell after rainfall. Make sure your gutters are free from debris so that rainwater can flow freely away from your home.

Clogged gutters can cause water to pool near your foundation, increasing the likelihood of water seeping into your sewer pipes. Additionally, clogged gutters can also contribute to debris entering your plumbing system.

Properly Dispose of Grease

When cooking, it’s important to properly dispose of any grease or oil. Pouring these substances down your kitchen sink can lead to clogs in your sewer pipes and contribute to unpleasant odors after rainfall. Instead, collect grease in a container and dispose of it in the trash.

When to Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection

If you notice a persistent sewage smell after rainfall, it’s important to schedule a professional plumbing inspection as soon as possible. Letting sewer gas linger in your home can not only be unpleasant, but it can also be hazardous to your health.

A professional plumber has the necessary tools and expertise to identify and address any issues with your plumbing system. They can also recommend preventative measures to keep sewage smells at bay in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Sewer Gas Harmful to Breathe?

A: Yes, sewer gas can be harmful to breathe. It contains toxic gases such as methane and hydrogen sulfide that can irritate the respiratory system and potentially cause health issues. It’s important to address any sewage smells in your home promptly and schedule a professional inspection if necessary.

Q: Can I Use Chemicals to Get Rid of Sewer Smell After Rain?

A: While there are products on the market that claim to eliminate sewer smell, it’s best to avoid using chemicals in your plumbing system. These substances can be harmful to pipes and cause further damage. It’s always best to consult with a professional plumber for safe and effective solutions.

Q: How Do I Protect Myself from Sewage Smells After Rainfall?

A: Properly maintaining your plumbing system is the best way to protect yourself from sewage smells after rainfall. This includes avoiding pouring harmful substances down your drains and scheduling regular inspections with a professional plumber. You can also invest in a backflow prevention device to prevent sewer odors from entering your home through the drainage system.

The Wrap Up

Dealing with sewage smell in your house after rainfall can be frustrating and unpleasant. By knowing the common causes and taking preventative measures, you can keep your home smelling fresh and your plumbing system functioning properly.

In need of a professional plumbing inspection or repair in Chicago? The team at Chicago Sewer and Drain Pros are here to help. Our licensed plumbers have years of experience in dealing with all types of plumbing issues.

Don’t let sewer smells invade your space. Contact us today or call (844) 473-9377 to learn more!

Posted in Drain Cleaning, Plumbing, Sewer Repair

Thomas Parra

Thomas Parra is the owner of Chicago Sewer and Drain Pros, a trusted plumbing company serving the Chicago area. With years of experience in the industry, Thomas and his team have established a reputation for providing reliable, efficient, and affordable plumbing solutions to both residential and commercial clients. His commitment to customer satisfaction and his expertise in all aspects of plumbing have made Chicago Sewer and Drain Pros a go-to choice for those seeking top-quality plumbing services.

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Izreon Rivera

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I can’t recommend Chicago Sewer and Drain enough!Thomas and his team are incredibly professional and have excellent communication. From start to finish, the process was fantastic. They were extremely reasonable for the amount of work performed and went above and beyond my expectations.I recently bought a multifamily building in Chicago and was dealing with serious plumbing issues. Thomas was able to come out the same day to inspect the problem. He carefully examined the catch basin and drain lines, identifying issues with the pitch and an improperly installed grease trap. His knowledge and expertise, especially in sewer work, were impressive—far beyond what you’d expect from a typical plumbing company.He recommended hydro-jetting the main kitchen line and sewer line, which included a sewer scope. While performing the work, they uncovered a severe block caused by bricks of grease from previous years of neglected maintenance. Thomas clearly outlined next steps and provided multiple options to address the issue with minimal disruption.They ended up power rodding from both the kitchen and catch basin to get through the blockage, followed by another round of hydro-jetting with a camera to ensure everything was cleared.Thomas is reliable, patient, and took the time to explain everything in an easy to understand way. If you’re in Chicago and need a plumbing expert—especially for sewer work—Chicago Sewer and Drain is the company to call. I’ll be using them for all future plumbing jobs!

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Use this company. Period. They are absolute life savers. Long story short we bought our home recently and have had 3 major plumbing issues. For the last and biggest issue we called Chicago Sewer and Drain Professionals. They identified the source of our sewage backup in minutes. ABC wanted to take off our entire toilet off to get access to identify the problem. This company is reliable, trustworthy, and very very good. There prices are great as well. This was a fantastic father-son team that you simply just don’t see this type of work anymore. I will use them anything goes wrong and plan on recommending them to all of my friends and family.

emma smith

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These guys are very professional. They do good work and they communicate and work with you every step of the way. Thank you Thomas for all of your help. I will be using you again.

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I had a clogged sink that I tried to fix myself and couldn't get it with my snake and drain-o. It wasn't an emergency like a broken pipe but a kitchen sink is pretty important. Tech was in my kitchen on a Saturday within the hour. Price was reasonable, quick service, problem fixed.Will use again and highly recommend.

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My husband and I have had the bad luck of having the same pipe burst two years in a row due to the extreme cold. Chicago Sewer and Drain has saved us each time. They are professional and efficient, and shared advice with us that ended up leaving money in our pocket when they easily could have recommended work that would have earned them some cash. I will call no one else!

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I just moved into my new home and two weeks later discovered an urgent plumbing issue on Christmas Eve. Water and debris all over the basement floor. I was dismayed and unsure of who to call or what to do. My brother recommended I contact Chicago Sewers and Drain Pros, who he had recently used with positive results. Thomas and his team came to the rescue. They swiftly assessed the situation, kept me informed throughout the entire process each step of the way, and resolved the issue without any hesitancy. Thomas was not only honest and transparent, but also maintained a high level of professionalism. His team worked fast and cleaned up after they were finished. Thomas walked me through all my options and shared videos & pictures of his findings. The reasonable price quote and their efficient service have made me a loyal customer. I highly recommend Chicago Sewers and Drain Pros to anyone in need of plumbing services. I will be contacting them for my annual maintenance.

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I called Chicago Sewer and Drain to fix several plumbing problems in my house. They replaced a cracked Sewer line, drain rodding and replaced a toliet. They worked on Christmas Eve to finish the project. What a great company and I will continue to use them.

Dustin Voss

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Thomas was super flexible and communications were excellent. We had a, lets call it boutique, problem which we noticed when sewage smell was being emitted from our basement floor drain.Chicago Sewer & Drain helped diagnose the problem, explained options, and saved us money where a less reputable company would have charged for services that would have been a bandaid and not a fix to the problem. I will definitely go back to Thomas and Chicago Sewer and Drain for the next time I have trouble.

Tony C

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Thomas came and helped me out with all of my concerns. He’s so good at figuring out how to communicate with you where you’re at - at first he didn’t use any jargon but he figured out what I knew and started giving me the more technical stuff. He gave me great advice on next steps, and was super forthright about what I didn’t need to do - he didn’t try to upsell me or rush a job that could wait. Very honest guy, would work with him again.

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Both David and Raul were very professional and explained every step of what was being done, of the inspection of the main sewer line and of the hydro flush process.

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We needed service in a short period of time and David and Thomas were extremely responsive and available to help. David was able to address our issues in a timely manner and explained things thoroughly. We would definitely consider them for future plumbing needs.

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I can't speak highly enough of Thomas and his team. We had a leaky, substandard exterior drain line that was undermining the concrete walkway above it. Thomas was incredibly proactive and responsive to questions and inquiries, professional in every way. He always kept us informed about his process. Without doubt I would hire them again.

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After the storm my ejector pump died. I called and David came out within a couple of hours. He replaced the pump and verified that it was working. David even gave me additional advice on future plumbing projects for which I will be calling. Thank you Chicago Sewer and Drain Professionals!

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By far the best service Ive had from a plumbing service. David was knowledgable and friendly. Will definately continue to use them for future services.

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They did a great job, affordable, reliable, arrived quickly and handled the business for sure. Hopefully, we don’t have any other issues but when/if we do these are the plumbers we are calling. Hands down!

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These guys were on time, they called 30 minutes before and told us exactly when they'd be here. They took a quick pic of our pipes behind our basement bathroom and after talking for a while about our issues they gave us some at home solutions we could try ourselves before we paid for a more expensive and in depth option. This speaks volumes on the integrity of a business. Hire these guys, they know what they're doing and they are not after your pockets.

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Daniel replaced a bath tub drain assembly for me. It was in a really, really tough spot in my crawlspace. I cannot thank him enough.David inspected and hydro-jetted, and really explained whats going on, illuminating some problems i didn't even know about.Both of them are real professional and know their stuff. I'll definitely be calling them first next time I have a plumbing problem.Thanks guys.

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Highly recommend these guys. Called in on a Sunday morning after another company canceled. I had had a different well known company snake line my sewer last year and never offered hydro jet and claimed I needed a 12k dig and installation for clean-out. I decided to hold off on that and see how things are progressed for the year. When the issue came back up on a Saturday night, I called this morning and spoke to Thomas, he clearly walked through how his team could be out later this afternoon to fix problem. David showed up on time and completed a thorough Hydro jet and fix my problems without me having to spend on unnecessary extensive repairs. I will use this company going forward for regular ongoing maintenance to make sure my issues with tree roots and other buildup is prevented. I highly recommend this honest reliable team.

perry Pointer

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I called Thomas on a Saturday afternoon, I didn't expect him to come to my home until Monday. He was there on Sunday morning. He had all the modern equipment to repair my sewer fast and efficiently. He was very courteous and attentive to my concerns. He will be my go to from now on.

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I called on a Friday after I had water in my basement from heavy rain storms. They were there Saturday morning to assist me. They took care of the issue and I no longer have water in the basement and the water is not backing up even after several more days of rain storms. My plumber was David and he was very professional and he kept me informed of everything he was doing.

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Wow!!!! What an amazing company!!!! I would give them 10 starts if I could. We recently purchased a house in December and with in a few weeks it reeked like sewer. We had multiple company’s come out, no one could fix the problem but of course they charged us for work we didn’t need and didn’t fit the smell. We have a 18 month old, our new house smelled so bad it was giving me a headache. Thomas came out and he was determined to figure out what was causing the sewer smell. He was able to figure it out and they fixed it!!! They showed me what they were going to do and told me what the total would be for the work. They were very professional, reliable, friendly and honest( which is hard to come by in plumbers) I would highly recommend them. I will using them again for all of our plumbing work and referring them to everyone I know. You truly can’t go wrong with hiring them.

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Well they say 3rd time is the charm....we had two other companies to repair our plumbing issues and they were unsuccessful however this place came out and got their hands dirty. They new exactly what needed to be done. Very down to earth people and very knowledgeable about their business.. thank you for your service's

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Had an outside drain that was clogged and would spill into the house because of it. They came out and were very upfront about what they would need to do and what the potential problem was. They solved my issue while also discovering another potential problem which they clearly showed with their camera equipment. Highly recommend!

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The main line from my home to the sewer needed repair. Thomas from Chicago and Sewer gave me a fair quote and did a great job. I wouldn't hesitate to hire this company again if needed.

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I was very happy with the honest and quality service of this company! We had to dig up our driveway and replace some pipes. They helped us with this stressful situation by taking care of everything from start to finish. (permits, digging, pipes, replacing concrete) They were very professional and communicative and I would absolutely call this company again with all my plumbing/sewer needs.

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Chicago Sewer and Drain Professionals did a great job! They located the blockage in our sewer drain, recommended a solution and then eliminated the blockage. They were very professional and did a great job!! I am recommending them to all my friends.

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So happy we found Thomas and Chicago Sewer & Drain. They were able to work us into their schedule on a weekend. They are knowledgeable, professional, and thorough. They explained the problem and showed me what they were doing to fix the problem. They went above and beyond to help us out. Highly recommend this group!

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Great company! Came out within hours! We had a big issue and they kept the area clean and took care of the problem. Professionals!

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Hello just had a tub faucet leak in my basement and Thomas came out and repaired it right away. No more high water bill thanks 👍

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Couldn’t understand the problem in my kitchen, until the pros showed me where it was clogging. Fixed the kitchen drain line.

Why Does My Home Smell Like Sewage After It Rains?

Unseen Dangers: Health Risks Associated with Sewage Odor

Possible Reasons for Sewage Smell in House After Rain

Bacteria and Decomposing Waste

The Solution

Dried-Out Water Barrier

The Solution

Cracks or Damage in Sewer Pipes

Blocked or Clogged Vent Pipe

The Solution

Preventing Sewage Smell After Rain

Regular Plumbing Maintenance

Maintain Your Gutters

Properly Dispose of Grease

When to Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Sewer Gas Harmful to Breathe?

Q: Can I Use Chemicals to Get Rid of Sewer Smell After Rain?

Q: How Do I Protect Myself from Sewage Smells After Rainfall?

The Wrap Up

Thomas Parra

Can Flushing Too Much Toilet Paper Actually Cause a Clog?

What is Hydro Jetting, and When Do You Need It?

Understanding Your Home Sewer System

Quick Links

Services

Connect With Us

Why Does My Home Smell Like Sewage After It Rains?

Unseen Dangers: Health Risks Associated with Sewage Odor

Possible Reasons for Sewage Smell in House After Rain

Bacteria and Decomposing Waste

The Solution

Dried-Out Water Barrier

The Solution

Cracks or Damage in Sewer Pipes

Blocked or Clogged Vent Pipe

The Solution

Preventing Sewage Smell After Rain

Regular Plumbing Maintenance

Maintain Your Gutters

Properly Dispose of Grease

When to Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Sewer Gas Harmful to Breathe?

Q: Can I Use Chemicals to Get Rid of Sewer Smell After Rain?

Q: How Do I Protect Myself from Sewage Smells After Rainfall?

The Wrap Up

Thomas Parra

Related Articles

Can Flushing Too Much Toilet Paper Actually Cause a Clog?

What is Hydro Jetting, and When Do You Need It?

Understanding Your Home Sewer System

Quick Links

Services

Connect With Us