Published on October 21st, 2022
The going can get quite tricky if your home smells like raw sewage. While there are some things you can do to mitigate the smell, the best way to get rid of it for good is to call a professional.
Here, we’ll discuss what causes the smell of raw sewage and how you can get rid of it. We’ll also provide a few tips on how to prevent the smell from happening in the first place.
Sources Of Raw Sewage Smell In The House
Having a clear picture of sewage is helpful if you want to remove its odor. Sewage comprises water, human waste, and other liquids flushed down the drain. When this mixture comes into contact with oxygen, it decomposes and emits a foul odor.
There are many different ways that raw sewage odor can make its way into your home:
- Cracks in your sewer line: If there are any cracks or breaks in your sewer line, raw sewage can seep up and into your home. It is a common cause of sewage smells in homes with basements.
- Overflowing sewage: If your municipal sewer system is overloaded, raw sewage can back into your home through your drains.
- Septic tank problems: If your home is on a septic system, sewage can back up into your home if the tank is full or not draining correctly.
- Dry traps: Drains in your home have what are called “traps,” which are designed to hold a small amount of water at all times. This water forms a seal that prevents sewer gases from entering your home. If a trap dries out or hasn’t been used for a while), the seal is broken, and sewer gases can enter your home.
- Vents: Your home’s plumbing system has vents that allow fresh air to enter and help sewer gases escape. If these vents are blocked, sewer gases can build up and make their way into your home.
What Kills The Smell Of Raw Sewage?
An efficient way to get rid of the stench of untreated sewage is by employing a professional sewage clean up service. However, there are certain DIY remedies you can try to get rid of the odor.
Utilizing vinegar and baking soda solution is one method. Apply baking soda and vinegar, which have been combined in equal proportions, over the affected area. After letting it sit for a couple of hours, vacuum it up.
Utilizing a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide is a further method. Sprinkle the surface with a solution made by combining one part hydrogen peroxide with three parts water. After 15 minutes, wipe it down with a moist towel.
You can use a strong cleaner, like bleach, to clean surfaces that have come into contact with raw sewage. It will kill any bacteria that may be present and help to remove the smell.
It is crucial to have your septic tank cleaned regularly. It will assist in avoiding the accumulation of raw sewage that would otherwise stink up your house.
Doing Sewer Clean Up
The most common and effective method is to use a plunger. It pushes the sewage out of the way and allows you to clean the area more easily.
Another method is using a hose to flush the place out. It is not as effective as a plunger, but it can still be used to clean up the area. You can also use a chemical cleaner to kill the bacteria.
In eradicating sewage smell, however, the most important thing is to identify and remove the source of the scent. If the source is not removed, the smell will continue to linger.
How To Not Remove The Smell Of Raw Sewage From Your House
There are some pitfalls to avoid in removing the smell of raw sewage from home. They include:
- Using scented products will mask the smell and not remove it.
- Not using enough product: You need to use a lot of the product to be effective.
- Not correctly ventilating the area: This will cause the smell to linger.
- Not using the right product: Depending on the source of the smell, you may need a different product. As an illustration, you would use a different product if the stench of raw sewage came from a backed-up lavatory than if it came from a leaking pipe.
Removing Sewage Smell From Your Kitchen Sink
If the source of the smell is coming from your kitchen sink, you will need to:
- Remove all food and debris from the sink
- Spray the entire area with a disinfectant
- Wipe down the area with a clean cloth
- Rinse the area thoroughly with water
Removing Sewage Smell From Your Bathroom
There are a few possible sources if you have a raw sewage smell coming from your bathroom. The most common source is a clog in the P-trap, which is the U-shaped pipe under your sink that connects to the drain. When this happens, water can’t flow properly, and sewage can back up, causing a nasty smell.
If you suspect that the scent is coming from your P-trap, you can try clearing it out with a plunger or a plumber’s snake. If that doesn’t work, the P-trap might need to be changed.
A vent stack is yet another potential source of the raw sewage odor in the restroom. The vent stack is a pipe that goes up through the roof and allows air to enter the drains so they can function correctly. If the vent stack is blocked, sewage can back up and cause a smell.
Removing Sewage Smell From The Shower Drain
If you have a sewage smell coming from your shower drain, it’s most likely due to a clog in the gutter. Hair and soap can build up over time and cause a blockage.
It can cause water to back up in the drain and produce a foul smell. To eliminate the odor, you must remove the blockage.
You must remove the drain cover. It is usually done by unscrewing it from the top with a screwdriver or pliers. Once the cover is off, you’ll be able to see the clog.
You can try to remove it with a wire hanger or a plunger. If the clog is more extensive, you may need a drain snake to clear it.
Once the clog is cleared, rinse out the drain with hot water. It will help to remove any residue that’s left behind.
It would help if you also poured a cup of bleach down the drain to kill any bacteria that may be causing the smell. Let the bleach sit for a few minutes before rinsing it away with hot water.
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