Plumbing · checked 7 Oct 2026
Sewer smell in the house
Fix it nowFive steps
- Run water into the drain that smells for a minute.
Why
Water refills the trap, the bend that keeps sewer gas out. - Do the same for every drain seldom used, floor drains too.
Why
A trap that sits unused dries out and lets the smell in. - For a drain you rarely use, pour a gallon in monthly.
Why
That keeps its trap full.
The other two steps
- From the crawlspace door, look for wet soil or leaking pipes.
Why
A leaking drain pipe under the house lets the smell in too. - Still smells after every drain has water? Call a plumber.
Why
A hidden leak or a damaged pipe has to be found by a pro.
When to stop
Stop and get a plumber if:
The smell fills the house, smells like rotten eggs away from the drains, or you hear hissing: leave now; call 911 and the gas company from outside.
Several people get headaches, nausea or dizziness: get everyone into fresh air; call a plumber today.
The smell stays after every drain has water, or keeps coming back: call a plumber.
Wet soil, a damp floor or a leaking pipe under the house: call a plumber.
What it probably is
A dry drain trapThe smell comes from a drain that is seldom used, like a guest bath or a floor drain.You can check
A leaking drain pipe under the houseThe smell stays after every drain has water; wet soil or a wet pipe under the house.For a pro
A hidden leak in a wall or under a floorThe smell keeps coming back and no drain or pipe you can see is the source.For a pro
Time and parts
- Time
- 1-2 minutes per drain
- Parts
- $0
Fair price, if a pro does itUnited States
$85–205per job
Get it done
More than a quick fix? Vora gets quotes privately and recommends one plumber.
The plumbers we’d call in Tyler & Longview · Sewer smell or backup: what to do
Checked against
- City of Sugar Land Public Works — There is a sewer odor in my house, what should I do?
- Oatey — Why does my house smell like sewer gas?
- Atmos Energy — Natural Gas Safety Guide
Written for Vora from these public sources and checked on 7 Oct 2026. General guidance, not a substitute for a pro on site. In danger, leave and call 911.