Is Sewer Gas Dangerous? What You Need to Know

The rotten-egg smell of sewer gas is unpleasant, but the real issue is what that smell represents. Sewer gas isn't something to live with.

What's in Sewer Gas

Sewer gas is a mix that includes hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, and other compounds. At low levels it's mainly a nuisance odor, but higher concentrations can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness — and methane is flammable.

Why It's Getting Into Your Home

• A dried-out or missing drain trap
• A cracked or improperly vented drain line
• A damaged sewer pipe under or near the home
• A failed seal on a toilet or ejector pit

Don't Ignore It

If running water into unused drains doesn't fix a persistent sewer smell, have the system inspected. We'll find the source and, if a cracked line is to blame, show you exactly where on camera.