Residential Sewer Odor Detection

Sewer odor can be a result of an issue within your private plumbing or the EPCOR drainage system. Sewer odors are caused by hydrogen sulfide gas produced during the breakdown of organic matter. Hydrogen sulfide gas can be smelled at very low levels and has a characteristic odor of rotten eggs.

Sewer odors are produced by toilets. To test your toilet, Pop the caps off both sides of toilet bolts. These are located on each side at the base of the toilet. If you can put your nose close to these areas, and do a quick sniff check, it may be obvious right away. If not, take plumbers putty and cover the entire bolt and plastic washer up, covering the toilet holes.

Once you cap off the bolts with plumbers putty, then take a  damp towel and wrap it around the base of the toilet. If you have carpet or wood floors, then use a large heavy dry towel to wrap around the base of the toilet Shut your bathroom door, let an hour or so go by and walk back in to see if the odor is gone. If the odor is gone, then you detected it and all you’ll need to do is remove your toilet and replace the wax seal.

To get rid of lingering sewer odors, you can also try adding a mixture of baking soda and vinegar along with hot water to help get rid of the odor. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain followed by one cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 to 15 mins and flush with hot water.

If you are unable to trace the source of your sewer odor, please call us at 800-408-7441 to schedule an appointment