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Capps Plumbing & Sewer

Sewer Odor Detection

Sewer Odor Detection in and Around Wheeling, IL

A sewer odor in your home is unpleasant and can indicate severe problems with your plumbing system.

  • Same-day where available
  • Written quote before work
  • Licensed, bonded and insured
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You might be seeingGurgling drains alongside the odorA sewer smell in the yard after rainAn odor that gets worse when the furnace or dryer runsA sewer smell in a bathroom, basement or laundry room

A sewer smell has a source, and opening a window does not find it

The odor is sewer gas, and it is getting into the house through something that should be sealed: a dry trap, a cracked vent, a failed wax ring, a break in the drain line under the slab. Masking it does nothing about the gas.

Finding the source is the whole job. Where a drain cleaning does not resolve it, a smoke test introduces harmless smoke into the sewer system and shows exactly where it escapes.

What sewer odor detection includes

Detection is methodical, and the repair follows from what is found.

  • A check of traps, vents and fixture seals, the usual sources
  • Drain cleaning where buildup is holding the odor
  • Smoke testing of the sewer line and vent system to locate leaks and breaks

What the appointment looks like

  1. Where and when the smell appears

    One room or the whole house, after rain or all the time, near a fixture that is rarely used. Each points somewhere different.

  2. The price of the diagnosis

    You get the cost of the detection visit before it starts, and the cost of any repair before that starts.

  3. Smoke testing

    Non-toxic smoke is introduced into the system and the technician watches where it shows. The smoke appears at the cracked drain, the failed seal or the vent problem.

  4. A lasting repair

    The break, seal or vent problem is fixed so the gas has no way back in. The smell does not return.

Three situations cover most calls

Sewer odors resolve in one of three ways.

  • A simple source

    A dry trap, a failed seal or a blocked vent, found and fixed in the same visit.

  • A smoke-tested leak

    A crack or break in the drain or vent system, located with smoke and repaired.

  • A line under the slab

    A break in the building drain that needs opening up, quoted after the source is confirmed.

When to call for sewer odor detection

  • A sewer smell in a bathroom, basement or laundry room
  • An odor that gets worse when the furnace or dryer runs
  • A smell near a floor drain or a fixture that is seldom used
  • Gurgling drains alongside the odor
  • A sewer smell in the yard after rain
  • Headaches or irritation that clear when you leave the house

Why customers call us for this

Beyond masking the smell
The source is located with smoke testing and repaired. Deodorizing it is not the job.
Detailed inspection, tailored fix
Every odor call is different. The repair matches the cause the inspection finds.
A quick response
Sewer gas is unpleasant and, in quantity, unsafe. Capps treats an odor call with the urgency it deserves.

Customers on this service

  • The sewer backed up into our laundry room and made a big, smelly mess. I called Capps and they came right out and identified the problem. Quick, clean and efficient. Good work with a great attitude.
    Julie J. · via Google
  • I live in a 4-unit condo which had a sewer backup this morning. Sean came within an hour and a half after being called. He quickly had the problem cleared and kept us informed throughout.
    Gilda J. · via Google
  • Danny and Jose did an amazing job working on my main sewer line. A previous company was unable to get it cleared and they put in the time and effort to get it done. Very straightforward without any unnecessary services. I will definitely be using them again for future needs.
    Mike B. · Lake Forest, IL · via Google
  • The 2 Plumbers (Casey and Isaiah) were very detailed, friendly and knowledgeable. I am glad I chose CAPPS. They always returned my messages whether by email or phone.
    Carol M. · Buffalo Grove, IL · via Google
  • Will was on time and very friendly. He knew what he was doing and gave me pointers on what to do if my tankless hot water heater stops working again. Would definitely recommend
    Amanda B. · via Google
  • Had the plumbing emergency on a Friday! Arghh! No worries. CAPPS was called in the morning and by noon Kyle and his partner were there to resolve the issue. Within an hour all was completed and fixed. Very friendly and professional. I will call them again!
    julia K. · via Google
Where we do this work

Immediate and Effective Solutions for Sewer Odor

A sewer odor in your home is unpleasant and can indicate severe problems with your plumbing system. While opening windows might temporarily mask the smell, it won’t address the underlying issue.

That unwelcome sewer smell signals the presence of sewer gas, a potentially harmful mix of gasses that can seep into your home if not addressed. Ensuring your plumbing system is functioning correctly, and your home has access to fresh air is crucial in maintaining a healthy living environment.

Sewer gas in your house can quickly turn uncomfortable. A sewer smell is a telltale sign that something is amiss within your plumbing.

Addressing it swiftly is vital to maintaining a safe and healthy living environment. Delaying action can lead to more severe plumbing issues down the line. So, what steps can be taken for immediate and effective odor elimination?

A comprehensive drain cleaning can effectively remove blockages that might contribute to the issue. If a blockage isn’t the culprit, a smoke test can help pinpoint the source. This technique involves introducing non-toxic smoke into the sewer line, allowing professionals to identify leaks or breaks by observing where the smoke emerges. Addressing these issues promptly minimizes the risk of sewer gas buildup and its associated dangers.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Sewer Smell Elimination

At Capps Plumbing & Sewer, we understand that dealing with sewer odors can be distressing. Our approach goes beyond simply masking the smell. We use inspection and smoke testing to pinpoint the origin of the sewer odor. Leak detection allows us to identify even the smallest cracks or breaches in your plumbing system that might allow sewer gas to escape. Smoke testing shows where the sewer gas is getting in, so no leak goes unnoticed.

In addition to leak detection, we also employ smoke testing. This technique involves safely introducing non-toxic smoke into the sewer system. The smoke travels through the pipes, revealing the exact locations of any leaks or breaks. Our team carefully analyzes the smoke patterns to determine the best and most lasting repair action.

Experienced Sewer Smell Detection

Addressing sewer gas smells promptly is crucial for maintaining a healthy and pleasant home environment. Our comprehensive approach at Capps Plumbing & Sewer ensures detailed inspections, tailored solutions, and a focus on cost efficiency. By understanding the root causes of sewer smells and providing custom remedies, we prioritize your needs and aim to exceed your expectations.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you are experiencing a sewer smell. We are dedicated to responding quickly to emergencies and offering long-term solutions that prevent future issues. Trust Capps Plumbing & Sewer for expert care of your home’s sewer systems.

Sewer Odor Detection questions

Why does my home smell like sewage even when the drains are clean?

If drains are clean, the problem is likely deeper in your plumbing system, such as a broken pipe or blocked vent.

What causes a sewer odor inside my home?

A sewer odor usually happens when gas escapes from your plumbing system due to dry traps, cracked pipes, or blocked vents. These issues allow foul-smelling gases to enter your home.

Is a sewer smell in my house dangerous?

Yes, sewer gas can affect your indoor air quality and may cause headaches, nausea, or irritation. It is important to address the problem quickly to protect your health and home.

How do professionals detect the source of sewer odors?

We use tools like camera inspections for sewer/drain lines and smoke testing for vents to find the exact source of the odor. This helps locate hidden leaks or pipe issues without unnecessary damage.

When should I call a professional for sewer odor detection?

You should call a professional if the smell is constant, getting worse, or spreading throughout your home. Early detection can prevent larger damages and restore safe air quality.

Often booked alongside sewer odor detection

The work most often scoped on the same visit. Every one comes with a written quote before anything starts.

  1. 01Pipe Milling & DescalingIs your home experiencing slow drains, frequent clogs, or other plumbing issues?
  2. 02Pipe RepairDamaged pipes can lead to serious damage and costly repairs.
  3. 03Sewer camera inspectionSee the condition of the line before you spend on the repair.

Read up before you call about sewer odor detection

Need sewer odor detection today?

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