Sewer smell in the house? The usual causes

Dry traps, blockages, failed seals, vents and broken pipes: how to track down a sewer smell indoors or out, and when to call us on 0468 207 504.

A plumber answers 24/7.

Key takeaways

A sewer smell is usually earthy, stale or foul, and strongest at a drain, toilet, floor waste, gully or inspection opening. Where it is strongest is the first clue.
The most common cause of a sewer smell is a dry trap in a rarely used shower, basin or floor waste, and running water through it restores the seal.
Smells that persist come from blockages, failed toilet seals, vent faults or cracked pipes, and Wilco's plumbers trace them to the source.
In Sydney Water's area the private sewer pipes, and the smells they cause, are the owner's to fix, and a licensed Wilco plumber does that work.