Sewage Odor
Sewage Odor | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Benton
When a foul smell starts drifting through your Benton home or business, it’s often a red flag that something deeper is wrong with the plumbing. HEP’s certified technicians specialize in tracking down stubborn sewer gases and clearing the root cause—typically cracked pipes, blockages, or other main line issues hiding below ground. Using advanced video inspection and trenchless repair technology, we pinpoint the trouble fast, banish the odor, and restore healthy airflow before it can damage your property or your peace of mind.
From the first call to the final cleanup, you’ll feel the HEP difference: transparent quotes, 24/7 emergency response, and workmanship backed by decades of local experience. Whether you need a simple snaking, a smoke test to locate leaks, or a full pipe replacement, our team delivers solutions that last—so you can breathe easy in Benton again.
FAQs
What are the most common reasons for a sewage odor in my Benton home or yard?
Persistent sewer smells usually trace back to one of four sources: (1) Dry or missing water seals in P-traps that normally block gases; (2) A blocked or broken vent stack that prevents sewer gases from escaping above the roofline; (3) Cracked, bellied, or root-invaded main sewer lines that let gases leak into soil or the structure; and (4) Loose or deteriorated wax rings beneath toilets. In Benton’s clay soils, tree-root intrusion and pipe settling are particularly common. A professional camera inspection is often needed to pinpoint the exact cause.
How can I tell if the odor means the main sewer line—not just a fixture—has a problem?
Isolated odors from a single sink or tub often disappear after you run water to refill a P-trap. If the smell is noticeable in multiple rooms, outside near the foundation, or comes with slow drains, gurgling sounds, or basement backups, the main line is the more likely culprit. Benton plumbers confirm this by running a sewer camera from a clean-out toward the city tap; if they see standing water, cracks, or roots, the main line is compromised.
Are sewer gas odors hazardous to my family’s health or to the house itself?
Yes. Sewer gas is a mix of methane, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide. At low levels it causes headaches, nausea, and eye irritation; at higher concentrations it can displace oxygen and become explosive. Constant moisture from leaks can also promote mold growth and damage framing. While brief exposure is seldom life-threatening, any persistent sewage odor should be treated as a health and safety concern and addressed promptly.
What immediate steps should I take while waiting for a plumber to arrive?
1) Open windows and doors for ventilation. 2) Pour a quart of water down any floor drains, seldom-used tubs, or utility sinks to restore dry P-traps. 3) Avoid using major water fixtures so you don’t worsen a potential backup. 4) If you suspect a gas buildup, shut off ignition sources (candles, pilot lights) and leave the area. 5) Call Benton Utilities at 501-776-5930 if you think the odor originates from a city manhole or main in the street.
Who is responsible for repairing a damaged sewer main in Benton—me or the city?
Homeowners in Benton are responsible for the lateral line from the house to the city’s connection point (usually at the curb or right-of-way clean-out). Benton Utilities maintains the public main beyond that point. If a plumber documents that the problem lies in the public main, the utility will take over; otherwise, repairs on private property—including under driveways and yards—are at the owner’s expense. Always call 811 before digging and obtain any required city permits.
How can I prevent future sewer odors and main line failures?
• Schedule a professional hydro-jetting and camera inspection every 2–3 years if you have mature trees or older clay or cast-iron pipes. • Install a two-way clean-out at the property line for easier service access. • Keep FOG (fats, oils, grease) and non-flushables like wipes and feminine products out of drains. • Verify that plumbing vents remain clear of bird nests or winter ice caps. • If your home is prone to settling, consider trenchless lining to seal small cracks before they widen. Consistent maintenance is far less costly than emergency excavation.