Honey, Is That You—or Do We Have a Plumbing Problem?

Plumbing system odors are annoying to say the least, but the worst part is that these are usually a sign of a bigger problem lurking within your plumbing system. If you have any strange odors in your Toronto home emanating from your plumbing fixtures, or if you just think that they are, call your Toronto plumber right away to come to your home and diagnose your problem. There are actually several causes of odors that result from your plumbing system, so let us look at some of the most common and what the root problem might be in each.

Food Buildup in Your Disposal

If your smells are coming from your kitchen sink, this might require cleaning. In addition to the accumulation of food itself, the process of chopping your food into tiny little bits could leave behind bacteria that can accumulate and cause a foul smell. You can try running hot water and fragrant dishwashing liquid down the disposal to see if you can get rid of the smell yourself. Should this fail, you may need a Toronto plumber to help clean the unit.

A Crack in the Drainpipe

A crack in the drainpipe of your Toronto home is one of the most serious causes of home odors. The sewer gases that escape into your home through the crack can smell like rotten eggs. This is a very unpleasant smell and a problem that should be repaired swiftly. Do not delay — call a plumber immediately. If the smell is persistent and does not abate from time to time, the problem is more than likely inside your home. If the smell is occasional, meaning that it will abate and then come back from time to time, then the crack is probably below ground level. It will likely take a camera inspection to locate the exact spot where the crack exists in such a scenario.

A Blockage in Your Vent Pipe

Another possible cause of home plumbing odors is a blockage in your vent pipe. This is the pipe that extends through your roof and allows plumbing system gases to escape into the air. Should this become blocked — via leaves or even something as unusual as a bird building its nest on your pipe — the impediment to proper airflow through your plumbing system could cause the trap seals on some plumbing fixtures to function improperly. This in turn would cause gases to escape through the improperly sealed fixtures and into your Toronto home.

When to Call a Professional

So there you have a few of the common reasons for odors that come from your plumbing system. There are others, and your Toronto plumber can help you understand them upon inspecting your home. It is not recommended that you attempt to pinpoint and repair these types of problems yourself. While there are many types of plumbing repairs that a person skilled with a few basic tools can undertake successfully, these types of repairs can be complex and you might need the assistance of a professional licensed Toronto plumbing contractor.