Sewer Smell Coming From Your Bathroom or Basement

Everyone knows what a sewer smells like. Maybe you have smelled it while driving down the street, detected sewage smell in your bathroom, or have had the displeasure of getting a sniff of “sewer gas” in your house; it is not a smell you would quickly forget. However, locating the cause is not always a simple matter of nose-detective work. Sometimes you just have to apply good old-fashioned knowledge and logic, and go through some trial and error to find out where the stink is originating from.

Many homeowners will eventually face the frustration and stress of sewer problems and seek sewer repair services at some point. Most people will want to hire a professional drain contractor to come out and deal with the problem of repairing or replacing their sewer. When it comes to this task it is always a good idea to trust a fully licensed plumber. There are of course general contractors or handymen who may claim to have the know-how or experience, but when it comes to replacing your sewer, the right decision for businesses and homeowners in Toronto is someone they can trust to get the job done right the first time.

Common Toronto Sewer Issues

When you have a sewer issue it may be obvious due to lack of drainage or water backing up, but sometimes the problem is not always apparent. Here are some obvious signs that your sewer needs replacing or repairs.

Strange Smells and Odours

Let’s face it, sewage smells. If you happen to notice any new or strange smells around your property it may be a sign that your sewer line is experiencing some problems. Gurgling toilets, stinky smelly sinkholes in your yard are some additional signs that you are probably in need of a Toronto sewer replacement expert.

Water Level in Your Toilet Changes

If you notice that the water level in your toilet changes drastically, such as that it is low at one time and then nearly overflowing another, it may be a sign that you have a sewer problem that should be looked at by a professional immediately.

Slow Draining Sink, Shower, Bathtub

If you happen to be experiencing a low draining sink, tub or shower it may be due to a sewer blockage issue. Maybe you attempted to repair the problem using a chemical solution or even a DIY drain snake application but it provided no relief from the issue. If this is the case there is a good chance that your sewer is the problem and you should definitely get help from an expert.

Foundation Water Damage

Another indication that you may have a sewer problem is water damage to your foundation. Because a broken, cracked, or otherwise compromised sewer line will leak water it may end up seeping through your foundation. If you notice unusual water damage, cracks, or moisture on your basement walls you should consider having a licensed professional take a look at the problem.

Common Causes Of Bathroom & Basement Sewer Smell

In this post we will cover some of the likely culprits of sewer smells in your bathroom or basement, and what to do if your nose becomes offended by these odours.

Before we get into the details, the common issues we’ll discuss are:

• Sewage backup
• Blocked plumbing vent
• Water backflow
• Old drain pipes
• Overloaded sewers

Uh Oh… Sewage Backup

First thing’s first; a sewer smell usually means sewage backup. The best place to start looking would be at the toilet, or the main drain of the home if you can get to it. Other places to investigate would be sink drains and even the shower or bathtub drain. If you have a vent pipe leading up through the roof of the home, and the wind is blowing, it may just be normal gas venting that you probably do not need to worry about.

Blocked Plumbing Vents Created Nasty Smells

In Toronto, a common problem is plumbing vents freezing over, due to moisture build-up, which causes sewer gases to become trapped in the venting system. Have a plumber check your plumbing stack and vents to make sure that they are clear of obstruction and not frozen over. Sewer gases can be harmful to you or your family, so do not try to ignore them.

Backing Up Water

If you are noticing frequent back-ups in one or more sinks, bathtubs, toilets, or other drains, you may have a bigger problem than venting. It is likely that there is an obstruction in your main drain line, which means that sewage is not able to flow out of your house. A clogged main drain inevitably leads to a sewage build-up, which can result in the main drain bursting, or leaking. This means raw sewage flooding into your basement or yard. It may just be leaking a bit, and that’s where the smell comes from. Therefore, if you have a smelly basement contact a Toronto plumbing company to conduct a drain cleaning and inspection, you do not want to have to call on flood restoration contractors to handle a sewage flood!

Old Pipes

As older pipes become damaged, they may develop spits, cracks, or even holes, through which sewage escapes. This sewage can put off a foul odor and may be the cause of the rotten egg smell that you are detecting. Think about having your drains inspected with a drain inspection camera, to see if your pipes are failing.

Overloaded Sewers

Another problem is during stormy weather, which the City sewer becomes overloaded with water and sewage. There may not be enough room to take on new sewage from your home, which can also cause a build-up and possibly overflow of sewage. For these problems, backwater valves and flood detection devices can protect you from a disastrous situation.

Fixing Sewer Problems in Toronto

If you suspect that you have a sewer problem the first thing you should do is have your sewer line inspected by a professional. But, what options are there to repair and replace your sewer line? Luckily, there are quite a few options and most of them are trenchless which means that your property does not have to be completely dug up in order to correct the issue.

Pipe Lining Technology

Pipelining technology allows us to install what is essentially a brand new pipe inside of your old one. We use what is called cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining technology that allows us to repair existing pipes using a felt lining and an epoxy resin. The result is a highly durable, corrosion-resistant, and joint-less replacement to the original pipe. As Toronto pipe lining experts we have installed more than 25,000 feet of pipelining in and around the Toronto area, if you are interested in learning more about how CIPP trenchless technology can repair your sewer or drain pipe please contact us.

Replace Your Sewer with Pipe Bursting

Pipe bursting is another method we can use to replace your sewer line and is another trenchless method although it does require a few holes to be dug to provide adequate access. Using pipe bursting technology a special tool is inserted into the broken/old pipe which advances through it breaking it apart and replacing it with an old pipe. Pipe bursting technology can even install large diameter pipe as the actual pipe bursting head presses the old pipe into the surrounding soil. The use of pipe bursting will largely depend upon your old pipe and soil conditions but it is a fantastic option available for sewer replacement. For your Toronto pipe bursting needs contact us for more information.

What’s The Solution?

For clogged drains or vents, a common practice is to use a drain snake. This will punch holes through the blockages and break them up. The next step should be a thorough drain cleaning, using pressurized water jets in a process is called hydro-jetting and will make sure that the lines are completely clean and free of built-up debris. After snaking and cleaning your drains out, the sewage smell should go away.

If drain snaking and cleaning does not help to rid your basement of the smell, there could be another problem further down the main drain. One possible solution is to have your drain line severed from the City sewers. Have a plumber install a secondary means of waste disposal, septic systems are especially recommended such as a septic tank. This method will also protect you from sewer backup during storms.

Depend On Absolute Draining & Plumbing For Toronto Sewer & Drain Problems

For all of your sewer inspection, repairs, and replacement needs contact your local Toronto area plumbing provider, Absolute Draining & Plumbing, at 416-252-5557. Fully licensed, insured, and bonded we get the job done right the first time; affordably, and effectively.

Take Action Today

Whatever you decide to do about your sewer smell, you should keep in mind that raw sewage can pose a lot of health hazards, and local city laws do not usually tolerate sewage hanging out wherever it can escape. This can be a very serious situation, so call and get help if you need it.