There’s nothing quite as unsettling as walking into your home and catching a whiff of something…off. A septic smell in your house can be more than just unpleasant—it often means there’s something wrong with your septic system. In this blog, we’ll look at what might be causing that foul odour and how to fix it fast so you can get on with your life.
What That Smell is Really Telling You
When your home smells like sewage or rotten eggs, that unmistakable scent is usually coming from sewer gases escaping where they shouldn’t—often into your living space. These gases are produced naturally in your septic system during the breakdown of waste, but they’re supposed to stay in the tank and safely vent into the great outdoors. When they’re not venting properly, you’ll notice it, and it’s a sign your septic system needs attention.
Here are the most common causes of septic smells in the house, and how to fix them quickly:
1. Your Septic Tank is Full
Over time, solid waste builds up in the septic tank. If it’s not pumped regularly, it can begin to restrict proper flow and allow gases to back up into your plumbing—and eventually into your home. This is one of the most common reasons foul smells show up indoors.
How to Fix it: Schedule a professional pump-out with Canadian Sanitation to remove built-up sludge and restore proper tank function. Regular pumping (often every 2 to 3 years) helps prevent smells and backups before they start.
2. Blocked or Damaged Drain Vents
Your plumbing system relies on vent pipes to safely release sewer gases outdoors. When those vents become blocked—often by leaves, debris, or even nesting animals—gases can back up and escape inside, causing a noticeable septic smell in the house.
Additionally, damaged, disconnected, or improperly installed vent pipes can’t release gases efficiently. When this happens, odours may be pushed back into the home instead of venting outdoors.
How to Fix it: Regularly inspect your vents for any obstructions, including dirt, leaves, bird nests, or other debris. Keeping these vents clear should prevent the accumulation of gas. If you’re concerned about damage, contact Canadian Sanitation for a professional septic system inspection.
3. Dry Drain Traps
Drain traps are designed to hold water and block sewer gases from entering your home. In bathrooms, floor drains, or fixtures that aren’t used often can dry out, allowing odours to rise through the pipes.
How to Fix it: Running water through these fixtures periodically can help keep traps full and prevent gases from escaping into your living space.
4. Damaged Drain Pipes
Cracks, separations, or corrosion in drain pipes can allow septic gases to leak out before they’re properly vented. These issues often develop gradually due to age, shifting soil, or wear and tear.
How to Fix it: A professional septic inspection can identify damaged piping early on. If issues are found, we can recommend targeted repairs to stop the odours at their source before they escalate and result in costly system overhauls.
5. Overloaded Septic System
An undersized system, excessive water use, or improper waste disposal can overwhelm your system, preventing waste from breaking down effectively and leading to septic smells in your house.
How to Fix it: Be mindful of your water use and avoid flushing non-biodegradable materials to help reduce the strain on your septic system. If you’re hosting or have additional people in your home, spread showers out throughout the day and laundry and other water use throughout the week. If odours persist, it may be time to call in the pros for a system inspection.
7. Biological Imbalance in the Septic Tank
Your septic system relies on naturally occurring bacteria to break down waste. Harsh chemicals, disinfectants, or excessive cleaners can disrupt this balance, slowing decomposition and increasing odour production.
How to Fix it: Limiting the use of aggressive chemical products helps maintain healthy bacterial activity. If odours continue, a professional assessment can determine whether maintenance or septic tank pumping is needed.
8. Groundwater or System Leakage
Wastewater escaping from a tank or its components poses a serious risk of contaminating the surrounding soil and groundwater. This is often exacerbated by environmental factors like heavy rainfall or saturated soil, which can impede drainage and ventilation, ultimately forcing sewage odors back into the home.
How to Fix it: To mitigate these risks, have your septic system regularly inspected to catch structural leaks early and ensure repairs are made promptly. Additionally, maintaining proper grading and drainage around the site is essential for managing surface water and ensuring the system remains functional even during harsh weather conditions.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Septic Smells in Your House
A septic smell inside your house isn’t just gross—it’s a serious warning sign. Persistent sewer gases can affect indoor air quality and may indicate a system that’s backing up or failing. If left unchecked, small problems can become huge, expensive ones. Getting ahead of these issues with the right services will protect your home, your family, and the environment.
Get the Yuck Out With Canadian Sanitation
At Canadian Sanitation, we offer a range of services to help you prevent and eliminate septic smells in your house. From routine maintenance and septic pumping to system inspections and emergency repairs, we’ve got you covered. Our highly trained septic technicians bring experience, professionalism, and clear communication to every visit, so you understand what’s going on and what needs to happen next.
If you’ve got a strange odour in your house, or it’s time to book your next inspection, contact Canadian Sanitation today!
