Find & Fix Sewer Odors in Chicago, IL
When a sewer smell enters your house, it’s very unpleasant and unwanted. The smell can happen for a variety of reasons, including a crack/opening in the pipe, clog, dry trap, previous backup, broken seal, or gap in the wax ring.
How We Can Help
There are different ways to attack each problem in order to find and eliminate the smell. The most common way of finding any cracks in the pipe is to smoke test the drain lines in the area of the smell. The smoke will show if any gas is being allowed to escape the pipe.
Madden Sewer recommends having a technician inspect the home and area where the smell is strongest. After his inspection, he will recommend the best step in fixing the problem.
Experienced Professionals to Eliminate Those Unwanted Sewer Odors
Don’t live with the uncomfortable environment of sewer odors any longer. Contact Madden Sewer & Drain by calling (773) 588-7534 to schedule your repair.
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Sewer Odor FAQs
What are common causes or reasons for a sewer smell?
Dry p-traps, broken or cracked above ground pipes, loose lids for pits/basins, wax ring problems, blocked vent or drain lines, loose toilets and grease build up in drains are the most common causes of a sewer smell.
How do you find the source of the odor?
Sometimes if pipes or problem areas are visible, we can diagnose the problem and provide an estimate. Most times a smoke test is needed.
How does a smoke test work?
Smoke is blown into the sewer line and leaks out anywhere there is a crack or separated pipe in the same way the sewer gas does. Once we see where the crack is located, we can provide options and an estimate of cost for resolving the issue.
Is there anything I can do to solve the problem on my own?
Dry p-traps are often the cause of a lot of sewer odor complaints and sometimes this is an easy at-home fix. P-traps (found in all sink/tub/floor drains) are meant to hold water to prevent sewer gas from escaping the sewer line into the building. Water can evaporate over time, allowing sewer gas to leave the p-trap. If there is a drain not often used, you can try pouring water into the pipe and confirming it is holding water in the trap. If a dry trap was the cause of the issue, the smell will dissipate within a few hours of you pouring water in.