Sewer Smells in the House: What Springdale Homeowners Should Know

When a foul odor rises from your drains, it’s more than just unpleasant—it’s a red flag. Sewer smells in the house often signal plumbing problems that could pose health risks and damage your home if left unchecked.

At Stith Plumbing and HVAC, we regularly help Springdale homeowners identify and eliminate these odors before they become bigger issues. In this post, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of sewer smells, what you can do about them, and when to call a licensed plumber.

Sewer Smells in the House: Common Causes and Quick Fixes

Before you panic, understand that sewer smells in the house often start with something simple and easy to fix. Here are the most common causes:

1. Dry P-Traps

If you notice odors coming from a sink, tub, or floor drain you rarely use, the likely culprit is a dry P-trap. The curved pipe under most fixtures holds a small amount of water to block sewer gases from entering your home. If the water evaporates, that barrier disappears.

Fix: Run water down the drain to refill the trap. For floor drains, adding a little mineral oil can slow evaporation.

2. Clogged or Dirty Drains

Buildup from soap scum, hair, and organic waste can lead to bacterial growth inside the drain. As bacteria break down debris, they release foul-smelling gases.

Fix: A thorough drain cleaning—either with safe DIY methods or professional help—can resolve the smell. Avoid chemical drain cleaners, which may damage your pipes over time.

3. Broken or Cracked Sewer Line

A damaged sewer pipe under your home can let gas leak up through the foundation or into the walls. This is a serious problem and usually comes with slow drains, gurgling sounds, or soggy spots in your yard.

Fix: Call a licensed plumber for a camera inspection. At Stith, we offer advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the damage without tearing up your property.

4. Loose Toilet Seals

If the smell seems strongest near your toilet, the wax ring sealing it to the floor may have failed, allowing sewer gases to escape.

Fix: Reseating the toilet with a new wax ring usually solves the problem.

5. Vent Stack Blockage

Your home’s plumbing vent pipe releases sewer gas above your roof. If the vent gets blocked—by leaves, bird nests, or even snow—those gases may get trapped and forced back into your home.

Fix: Vent cleaning is a job best left to professionals, especially if it involves going on the roof. We’ve seen this often during Springdale’s windy and stormy months.

Sewer Smells in the House? Here’s When to Call a Plumber

You can handle some odors with basic home maintenance. But there are times when you shouldn’t wait:

Persistent odors: If smells return after you’ve cleaned or flushed drains, the problem may be deeper in your system.

Multiple affected areas: If more than one drain is releasing odors, this points to a vent or sewer line problem.

Slow drains or backups: These are often signs of a sewer main clog, which can lead to raw sewage backing up into your home.

Stith Plumbing and HVAC has been serving Springdale and surrounding areas for decades. Our team combines local knowledge with advanced tools like sewer cameras and smoke testing to track down the source of the problem quickly and efficiently.

Health and Safety Concerns

Sewer gas isn’t just stinky—it can be harmful. It may contain hydrogen sulfide, methane, and other noxious substances. In high enough concentrations, these gases can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even respiratory problems.

The CDC warns against prolonged exposure to hydrogen sulfide in enclosed areas: CDC Hydrogen Sulfide Fact Sheet

If anyone in your household begins experiencing unexplained symptoms, it’s wise to rule out sewer gas as a cause.

How Stith Can Help

We offer a full range of plumbing services in Springdale and the surrounding Northwest Arkansas region. If you’re dealing with sewer smells, here’s what we can do:

Camera inspections to see exactly what’s going on inside your sewer lines.

Drain cleaning with safe, non-invasive tools.

Vent stack inspections to clear rooftop obstructions.

Leak detection and repair for damaged pipes under your home or slab.

You can also visit our Drain Cleaning Services page to learn more about how we handle stubborn clogs and odors.

Preventing Future Sewer Odors

Here are a few tips to keep your home smelling fresh:

Run water down unused drains once a month.

Schedule seasonal inspections of your plumbing and HVAC systems.

Install drain covers to catch hair and debris.

Avoid pouring grease or food scraps down the kitchen sink.

These simple habits can reduce the risk of clogs, bacteria buildup, and gas leaks in your home.

For more seasonal advice, check out our guide to Plumbing Maintenance for Springdale Homes.

For related homeowner information, the Family Handyman offers a homeowner-friendly guide to sewer gas issues that aligns well with what we see here in Arkansas.

Final Thoughts

Sewer smells in the house should never be ignored. Whether it’s a dry P-trap or a broken sewer line, the professionals at Stith Plumbing and HVAC are here to help you get to the bottom of it—quickly, safely, and affordably.

We’re proud to serve Springdale with trusted plumbing solutions backed by decades of experience. If you’re noticing a bad smell and can’t find the cause, contact us today and we’ll help you breathe easy again.