A sewer smell inside the house is always coming from somewhere — dry trap, cracked vent, blocked drain, or a problem in the main line. It's diagnosable and fixable once we find the source.
The most common cause is a dry P-trap — a drain that doesn't get used often loses the water seal that blocks sewer gas. Basement floor drains, spare bath fixtures, and utility sinks are the usual culprits. Pour a quart of water into every drain that doesn't get regular use and see if the smell resolves.
If the smell persists, the next candidates are a cracked vent stack, a failed wax ring at a toilet, or a main-line problem. A camera inspection finds the last one without guessing.
Can I ignore a sewage smell?
Not recommended. Sewer gas contains hydrogen sulfide, which is both unpleasant and, at higher concentrations, a health concern. It also usually signals a problem that will get worse over time.
Why does it only smell at certain times?
Sewer gas often backs up when atmospheric pressure drops (storms, weather changes) or when the house is closed up. Dry traps are worse in winter when unused fixtures aren't run for weeks.
Does this need a camera inspection?
Not always. Dry traps can be ruled out in 5 minutes by pouring water in every drain. If those simple fixes don't help, a camera inspection is the honest next step to rule out a main-line source.
Still not sure what you're dealing with?
Call or text and describe what you're seeing. We'll tell you what it likely is and whether it can wait — no appointment needed to get a straight answer.