😷 Why Your Home Might Smell Like Sewage (And What to Do About It)

🚨 A Bad Smell Is More Than Just Annoying

A sewage smell in your home is more than unpleasant—it could signal a serious plumbing issue. Whether it's coming from your basement, bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room, foul odours can indicate anything from a dry trap to a broken sewer line.



Cambridge homeowners, especially those in older neighbourhoods like Galt or Preston, should take these smells seriously. This blog outlines the top reasons your home might smell like sewage—and what to do about it.

👃 6 Common Causes of Sewer Odours

1. 🚽 Dry or Empty Drain Traps

Every drain has a U-shaped trap that holds water to block sewer gas. If a drain isn’t used often—like in a basement or guest bathroom—the trap can dry out, letting foul odours rise into your home.

✅ Fix: Run water in all your drains once a week. For persistent issues, pour a cup of water mixed with mineral oil into the trap to slow evaporation.

2. 🛁 Clogged or Dirty Drains

Organic waste, hair, and grease buildup in your drains can rot and smell—especially when the weather warms up.

✅ Fix: Clean your drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or use an enzyme-based drain cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals. If the smell returns, call Reliant Plumbing to clean the line professionally.

3. 🧯 Broken, Cracked, or Disconnected Sewer Pipes

A damaged pipe under your home or in your yard can leak sewer gas into your living space. This is common in older Cambridge homes with clay or cast iron sewer lines.

✅ Fix: This is not a DIY fix. A licensed plumber can perform a sewer camera inspection to find cracks or misalignments and repair them properly.

4. 🌪️ Blocked Plumbing Vent Pipes

Your plumbing system has vent pipes (usually on the roof) that let sewer gases escape. If they’re blocked by snow, debris, or even a bird’s nest, gases can back up into your home.

✅ Fix: Check that roof vents are clear. In winter, snow and ice buildup can cause temporary blockages. Reliant Plumbing can inspect and clear them safely.

5. 💨 Sewer Backups

If you’re getting frequent backups, you may have a clogged or collapsed main sewer line. When this happens, sewage can back up and bring odours with it.

✅ Fix: Call Reliant Plumbing for a sewer camera inspection. If caught early, we may be able to clear the blockage with hydro jetting.

6. 🧼 Faulty Wax Ring on Toilet

If your toilet smells like sewage, the wax seal beneath it may be damaged or misaligned. This allows sewer gas to leak out from the base.

✅ Fix: The toilet must be removed and resealed with a new wax ring—a job best left to a licensed plumber.

🧠 How to Diagnose the Smell

Where is it coming from?

• Bathroom: Check toilet seal, floor drain, or shower trap
• Basement: Look for dried floor drains or backup near the sump pump
• Kitchen: Clean the garbage disposal and check sink traps
• Laundry room: Inspect the washer drain hose or floor drain

When does it smell strongest?

• During rainstorms? May indicate a sewer backup
• When flushing the toilet? Could point to a vent issue
• Only in the morning? Possibly a dry trap or lack of airflow overnight

👷 Real Customer Story: Galt Basement Odour Solved

A customer in Old Galt noticed a sewage smell every time it rained. We performed a sewer camera inspection and discovered tree root intrusion in the main line. After clearing the roots and repairing a cracked section, the smell—and the risk of backup—was gone for good.

🔧 When to Call Reliant Plumbing

If you’ve:

• Tried clearing drains and traps with no success
• Noticed sewer smells after recent plumbing work
• Experienced backups, wet spots, or gurgling sounds
• Seen signs of moisture, mold, or bubbling paint near drains

…it’s time to bring in a licensed local plumber.

We provide:

• Sewer camera inspections
• Vent stack clearing
• Drain cleaning
• Sewer line repair & replacement
• Leak detection
• Toilet resealing

And we always offer upfront pricing, honest advice, and clean, friendly service.

✅ Final Thoughts

Sewer smells don’t go away on their own—and they can be a sign of major problems. Don’t wait until things get worse (or messier). At Reliant Plumbing, we help Cambridge homeowners get their homes smelling fresh and running smoothly—without the stress.



📍 Serving Galt • Hespeler • Preston • Cambridge • Kitchener • Waterloo
📞 519-778-3828
🌐 www.reliantplumbing.ca