Is a sewer smell outside dangerous?

• <div><p>Sewer gas in any location can cause eye and respiratory irritation if you’re exposed at low levels, or more severe symptoms if you’re exposed at high levels—but fortunately, the fresh air outside means it’s less likely to affect your physical health. However, sewer smells outside can still indicate significant plumbing problems that will need to be dealt with, such as a potentially damaged sewer line or roof vent pipe.</p></div>

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Q: Why is my basement floor drain backing up?

• <div><p>There are many things that could cause your basement floor drain to back up. One significant cause of a drainage backup is flushing non-flushable items, such as wipes, paper towels, and facial tissue. Other causes of a backed-up basement floor drain include tree roots impeding the drain pipe or an accumulation of hair, oil, and grease. </p></div>

Q: Can you flush anything other than toilet paper?

• <div><p>Toilet paper is the only material that you should flush down toilets. Other items like wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, and medications should be disposed of in the trash. Flushing these items can lead to plumbing issues and damage to sewage systems. Grease and cooking oils should also be avoided as they can solidify in pipes, causing blockages. Proper disposal helps prevent clogs and ensures the efficient operation of wastewater treatment systems while protecting the environment.</p></div>

Q: How do you remove a drain without crosshairs?

• <div><p>If your drain doesn&rsquo;t have metal crosshairs or crossbars, you should use a tub drain extractor. These tools create a grip on the drain so you can turn it using a 1/2-inch ratchet drive, drain key, or wrench. Your drain may not have crosshairs if it's old and broken.</p></div>

Q: Should you see water in a sewer cleanout?

• <div><p>No, you should not see water in a sewer cleanout. If you do, it could indicate that you have a block or leak in your main sewer line&mdash;which can cause sewage to back up inside your home and potentially flood your yard. Your best bet is to call a <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/sewer-cleaners/">local sewer cleaner</a> if you notice any water or sewage around your cleanout.</p></div>

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Frank's Mr. Plumber

5.0(

)

Serving Dunkirk, NY and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

You can always count on Frank's Mr. Plumber to get the job done right the first time.\n\nWe offer 24/7 service to our valued customers, including holidays and weekends, because we believe you deserve to live in comfort at all times. Please let us know how we can assist you with your plumbing needs.

32 neighbors recently requested a quote

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VIP Maintenance Services, LLC

4.7(

)

Serving Dunkirk, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I found them through Home Advisor and now they will be our go to Plumbers. They did everything they said they were going to do at the price they originally quoted, which was very reasonable. They worked around my schedule and when they said they would be there they were there! I rarely take the time to review anyone but I always read the reviews myself, so I feel theyre important. Therefore if anyone needs a good plumber definitely give them a call."

Response time11 hrs

Recommended by95%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Serving Dunkirk, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"The called Jayco plumbing in Amarillo, TX. They located my buried sewer line and cleaned out both sewer clean-outs to my new house."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

5.0(

)

Serving Dunkirk, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1979

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Our professional staff prides itself on our ON-TIME guarantee. Serving the greater Hamburg community since 1979, you can always count on One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning to get the job done right and right on time! CALL TODAY for a free estimate.

Response time3 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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M.B.C. & Associates Inc

0.0(

)

Serving Dunkirk, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

M.B.C. & Associates is a client-focused company that strives to insure the highest level of customer satisfaction.

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H&H Home Remodeling

New to Angi

Serving Dunkirk, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Free estimates

We're a locally owned and operated company with over 22 years of industry experience. We value honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. We offer a variety of Home Improvement services that are customizable to each individual project. We specialize in handyman/carpentry work and a variety of related service and repair projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

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Sewer Cleaning questions, answered by experts

Sewer gas in any location can cause eye and respiratory irritation if you’re exposed at low levels, or more severe symptoms if you’re exposed at high levels—but fortunately, the fresh air outside means it’s less likely to affect your physical health. However, sewer smells outside can still indicate significant plumbing problems that will need to be dealt with, such as a potentially damaged sewer line or roof vent pipe.

There are many things that could cause your basement floor drain to back up. One significant cause of a drainage backup is flushing non-flushable items, such as wipes, paper towels, and facial tissue. Other causes of a backed-up basement floor drain include tree roots impeding the drain pipe or an accumulation of hair, oil, and grease.

Toilet paper is the only material that you should flush down toilets. Other items like wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, and medications should be disposed of in the trash. Flushing these items can lead to plumbing issues and damage to sewage systems. Grease and cooking oils should also be avoided as they can solidify in pipes, causing blockages. Proper disposal helps prevent clogs and ensures the efficient operation of wastewater treatment systems while protecting the environment.

If your drain doesn’t have metal crosshairs or crossbars, you should use a tub drain extractor. These tools create a grip on the drain so you can turn it using a 1/2-inch ratchet drive, drain key, or wrench. Your drain may not have crosshairs if it's old and broken.

No, you should not see water in a sewer cleanout. If you do, it could indicate that you have a block or leak in your main sewer line—which can cause sewage to back up inside your home and potentially flood your yard. Your best bet is to call a local sewer cleaner if you notice any water or sewage around your cleanout.

The Dunkirk, NY homeowners’ guide to sewer cleaning services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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