Can sewer gas from a faulty drain make me sick?
Can sewer gas from a faulty drain make you sick? Absolutely—and it’s something many homeowners don’t realize until they start experiencing symptoms. That unpleasant, rotten egg smell isn’t just a nuisance; it could be a sign of a bigger issue. Sewer gas is a mixture of various gases, including hydrogen sulfide and methane, which can leak into your home through damaged or dry drains. In small amounts, it might just cause irritation, headaches, or dizziness, but prolonged exposure can lead to more serious health concerns, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
It’s also a sign that harmful bacteria could be lurking, increasing the risk of infections or respiratory problems. If you’ve noticed persistent odors coming from your drains, it’s not something to ignore. A qualified plumber can inspect the system, identify the fault, and fix it before it becomes a bigger health hazard. Sometimes, protecting your health starts with fixing that smelly drain.
How to prevent sewer gas from a faulty drain making you sick.
Preventing sewer gas from a faulty drain from making you sick starts with understanding how these gases enter your home—and what you can do to stop them. Sewer gas leaks usually occur when drain traps dry out, pipes crack, or plumbing systems are improperly vented. The good news is, with a few preventative steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of exposure and the health issues that come with it.
Regularly Run Water in Unused Drains:
Infrequently used sinks, showers, or floor drains can dry out, breaking the water seal that normally blocks sewer gas. Run water down these drains every few weeks to keep the trap full and effective.
Keep Plumbing Vents Clear:
Vents allow sewer gas to escape outdoors. If blocked by debris, birds’ nests, or ice, gases may reroute into your home. Have your vents inspected and cleared regularly.
Fix Leaks or Damaged Pipes Promptly:
Cracked drain pipes or loose fittings can allow sewer gas to escape. Any unusual smell should prompt a call to a plumber for a full inspection and timely repairs.
Seal Unused Drains:
If a drain is never used, consider sealing it with a proper drain plug or cap. This prevents gas from leaking through a dry trap over time.
Maintain Water Traps:
Ensure traps under all fixtures are installed correctly and holding water. If you suspect one is faulty or constantly dries out, have it evaluated by a professional.
Install Air Admittance Valves (AAVs) if Necessary:
In situations where traditional venting isn’t feasible, AAVs can help maintain proper pressure in the drain system and reduce sewer gas escape.
Use Non-Toxic Drain Cleaners to Remove Biofilm:
A buildup of organic material can contribute to odors and minor blockages. Flushing your drains with baking soda and vinegar or enzyme-based cleaners helps keep them clean and odor-free.
Schedule Routine Plumbing Inspections:
A licensed plumber can detect early signs of venting issues, pipe deterioration, or improper installations that may lead to sewer gas leaks.
By staying proactive, you not only protect your home’s air quality but also safeguard your family’s health from the risks associated with sewer gas exposure.
Signs you have a faulty sewer system that leaks gas.
A faulty sewer system that leaks gas isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a health hazard and a sign that something is wrong beneath the surface of your plumbing. Sewer gas is a mix of toxic and flammable gases such as hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, and carbon dioxide, and prolonged exposure can cause a range of health issues. Recognizing the signs of a leaking sewer system early can save you from serious risks to both your health and your property.
Persistent Foul Odors
One of the most obvious signs of sewer gas leakage is a strong, persistent smell of rotten eggs or sulfur. This odor typically comes from hydrogen sulfide, which is produced by decomposing organic matter in sewage. If this smell is noticeable inside your home—especially near drains, bathrooms, or basements—it’s a major red flag.
Gurgling Drains or Toilets
When air is not venting properly due to a fault in the sewer system, it can cause water in the pipes to gurgle or bubble. This is often most noticeable in toilets or sinks after flushing or draining water. It can indicate a blockage or poor ventilation that is causing pressure changes in the system.
Slow Draining Fixtures
Slow drainage in multiple fixtures—such as toilets, bathtubs, and sinks—can point to a deeper sewer line issue. While one slow drain might be a local clog, widespread slow drainage often indicates a problem in the main sewer line, which can lead to gas buildup and leaks.
Dry or Cracked Drain Traps
Every drain has a U-shaped trap that holds water and blocks gases from entering your home. If that trap dries out due to lack of use, evaporation, or a leak, sewer gas can escape. This often happens in floor drains or infrequently used guest bathrooms.
Visible Mold Growth
Mold thrives in moist, humid environments and often grows near hidden leaks. If you notice unusual mold patches on walls, ceilings, or under sinks—especially along with musty or unpleasant smells—it may be linked to a hidden sewer leak.
Unexplained Health Symptoms
Sewer gas exposure can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and respiratory issues. If these symptoms seem to worsen at home and improve when you leave, it’s worth considering a sewer gas leak as the cause.
Cracks in Foundation or Walls
If the main sewer line under your home is damaged and leaking, it can lead to soil erosion, which may eventually cause structural issues like cracks in the foundation, floors, or walls. While rare, this is a serious sign that should not be ignored.
Infestation of Pests
Cockroaches, drain flies, and rodents are often attracted to broken sewer lines. If you suddenly notice a pest problem along with foul smells or other plumbing issues, a cracked or leaking sewer line might be the root cause.
Toilet Water Level Fluctuations
Toilets that randomly refill or have fluctuating water levels could be a sign of venting problems in the plumbing system, often tied to pressure imbalances caused by gas leaks or blockages.
What To Do If You Notice These Signs
If you suspect your sewer system may be leaking gas, don’t ignore it. Start by checking drains and traps for water and running water in unused fixtures. For more serious signs like gurgling toilets, multiple slow drains, or strong odors, it’s essential to contact a licensed plumber.
Professional inspections, including camera inspections of your sewer lines, can pinpoint the source of the problem. Timely repairs can prevent health risks, property damage, and expensive long-term issues.
Early detection is key—when it comes to your sewer system, strange smells and slow drains might be warning you about a much bigger issue.
Preventative steps you can take to avoid a gas leaking sewer system
Preventing a gas-leaking sewer system is not only essential for maintaining the health and comfort of your home, but it also protects your property from long-term structural damage. Sewer gas is dangerous—it can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and even pose explosion risks if left unchecked. The good news is that with regular maintenance and proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of experiencing a gas leak from your sewer system.
Keep All Drain Traps Filled with Water
Every drain in your home has a trap—a U- or S-shaped bend in the pipe—that holds water. This water acts as a barrier, preventing sewer gases from entering the home. If a trap dries out, gas has a clear path inside.
Preventative step: Regularly run water into all drains, especially in guest bathrooms, basements, or floor drains that aren’t used frequently. Pouring a cup of water into each of these every couple of weeks helps maintain the water seal.
Seal Unused Drains
If a drain is permanently out of use (e.g., an old laundry drain), it’s wise to seal it completely. Leaving unused drains open can lead to evaporation of the trap water, opening the door to gas leakage.
Preventative step: Install a permanent cap or plug, or use expanding foam sealant if the drain is no longer part of your active plumbing system.
Install Proper Ventilation
Drainage systems must be vented to allow air to flow through the pipes and prevent pressure build-up, which can force gas into your home. Faulty or missing vents can lead to sewer gas problems.
Preventative step: Ensure your plumbing has adequate roof or wall vents. A plumber can inspect and install air admittance valves (AAVs) in areas where standard venting isn’t feasible.
Conduct Regular Sewer Line Inspections
Clogs, cracks, or blockages in the sewer line can force gas to back up into your home. These issues often go undetected until damage is done.
Preventative step: Schedule a camera inspection every few years, especially in older homes, to catch root intrusion, pipe damage, or buildup before it leads to leaks.
Maintain Clean Drains
Drains that are dirty or partially blocked can harbor bacteria and organic material that generate unpleasant smells, some of which are mistaken for sewer gas.
Preventative step: Use enzyme-based drain cleaners monthly to keep lines clear. Avoid chemical cleaners, which can damage pipes over time.
Check and Replace Worn Seals
Over time, wax rings under toilets and rubber seals in traps or vents can dry out, crack, or disintegrate, allowing gas to leak.
Preventative step: Inspect toilet bases for movement or smell, and replace faulty seals or rings immediately. Also, replace worn rubber fittings and gaskets in drain pipes.
Protect Outdoor Sewer Vents
Outdoor sewer vents can become blocked by leaves, nests, or even snow, forcing gas back into the home.
Preventative step: Regularly check your external vent pipes. Install vent covers or screens to keep out debris while still allowing airflow.
Monitor for Early Warning Signs
Being aware of symptoms like foul odors, gurgling drains, or fluctuating toilet water levels can help you catch gas leaks early.
Preventative step: If you notice these issues, don’t wait—schedule a plumbing inspection right away.
What we can offer you when you have a gas leaking sewer system
At Plumbers Near Me, we understand that a gas leaking sewer system is more than just a plumbing issue—it’s a serious health and safety concern that demands immediate attention. Sewer gas contains harmful substances like hydrogen sulfide and methane, which can cause respiratory problems, dizziness, headaches, and in extreme cases, even explosions. That’s why we offer a fast, professional, and comprehensive response to gas leaks stemming from your sewer system.
What We Can Offer You:
1. Emergency Response – All Hours
We’re available 24/7, including weekends and public holidays. When your safety is at risk due to a suspected gas leak, our rapid response team ensures someone is on-site promptly to assess and contain the situation.
2. Advanced Leak Detection
Using specialized equipment, we pinpoint the exact location of the leak—whether it’s from a cracked sewer line, faulty drain trap, or blocked vent pipe—so we can fix it quickly and accurately, without unnecessary damage to your property.
3. Full Plumbing Inspections
We conduct thorough inspections of your entire drainage and venting system to identify hidden problems that may be contributing to the leak. Our detailed diagnostics help prevent future issues from arising.
4. Professional Repairs and Replacements
Whether it’s a dried-out trap, cracked drain pipe, faulty toilet seal, or damaged vent, we’ll repair or replace the affected parts with quality materials that are built to last—ensuring a gas-tight and compliant plumbing system.
5. Preventative Solutions
Once the immediate issue is resolved, we advise you on long-term preventative measures, such as installing trap primers, improving venting, or sealing unused drains, to avoid future leaks.
6. Transparent Pricing & Free Call-Outs
At Plumbers Near Me, we believe in fair, upfront pricing with no call-out fees. You get expert service with no hidden costs and full peace of mind.
7. Guaranteed Workmanship
All work performed is backed by our guarantee, so you can trust in the quality, safety, and durability of the repairs done.
