Foul Odors
Foul Odors | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Petros
Is that sour, sewer-like smell wafting up from your drains? In most Petros homes, foul odors point straight to main line issues—blockages, cracks, or root intrusions in the pipe that carries everything away. Left unchecked, gases back-up, bacteria spreads, and that unpleasant scent can invade every room.
HEP’s certified plumbers track down these main line issues with camera inspections, hydro-jetting, and trenchless repair options that save your yard and your nose. From the first whiff to the final flush, we work fast, explain every step, and leave your plumbing—and the air you breathe—clean and clear. Call today and say goodbye to the stink for good.
FAQs
Why am I smelling foul sewer odors in my Petros home?
Persistent sewer odors usually mean sewer gases are escaping somewhere they shouldn’t. The most common causes are a clog or break in the main sewer line, a dried-out trap, a blocked plumbing vent, or a failing wax ring under a toilet. In Petros, older clay or cast-iron mains are also prone to small cracks that let odors seep through. A professional camera inspection of the main line is the fastest way to confirm the source.
How do main line problems create bad smells both inside and outside the house?
Your home’s plumbing system is designed to stay airtight so sewer gases travel one way—out through the roof vent. When the main line becomes partially blocked, pressure builds up and the gases look for another exit, often bubbling back through drains, toilets, or the yard clean-out. If the line is broken or has root intrusion, leaks in the soil will release odors outdoors as well, sometimes accompanied by soggy patches or unusually green grass.
What warning signs besides odor suggest my main sewer line needs attention?
Watch for slow draining in multiple fixtures, frequent gurgling sounds, water backing up in a lower-level tub or shower when you flush a toilet, or puddling around the floor drain. Repeated use of plungers or store-bought drain cleaners without lasting relief is another red flag. In Petros, shifts in clay soil can also cause visible cracks in the yard or driveway above the pipe route.
Are sewer odors harmful to my health?
Brief whiffs are usually just unpleasant, but long-term exposure to sewer gases can cause headaches, nausea, eye irritation, or dizziness. Hydrogen sulfide—the gas that smells like rotten eggs—can reach toxic levels in an enclosed space. If you notice strong, continuous odor, ventilate the area, keep children and pets away, and schedule a professional inspection promptly.
What can I do right now to lessen the smell until help arrives?
1) Run water for 30 seconds in every rarely used sink, tub, and floor drain to refill traps. 2) Pour a cup of mineral oil into basement floor drains to slow evaporation in the trap. 3) Check that all fixture P-traps are intact and tightened. 4) Make sure roof vents aren’t covered by leaves or nests. These steps can reduce odors temporarily, but they won’t solve a cracked or blocked main.
How does your Petros service team diagnose and fix foul-odor main line issues?
We start with a smoke test or video camera inspection so we can see breaks, roots, or grease buildup without digging. Once located, we use high-pressure hydro-jetting to clear obstructions and, if necessary, trenchless pipe lining or spot repairs to seal cracks. Our team provides a written estimate up front, handles any required Petros permits, and offers a warranty on both labor and materials so you’re covered long after the odor is gone.