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It is generally safe to stay in a house with sewer gas for a short time, even though short-term exposure is unpleasant. However, prolonged inhalation can cause headaches, nausea, or respiratory irritation. High levels of methane—which is in sewer gas—can pose an explosion risk in enclosed spaces. Ventilate the area and call a pro if you smell sewer gas or experience related health symptoms.

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.

Ideally, you might find that you only need to clean the sewer line or remove a clog from the main line. That costs $200 to $300. However, “sewer main clogs can cost upwards of $1,000 to clear, depending on what is causing the clog, distance from accessible cleanouts to the clog, and whether there is occupied space below the clogged line (apartment buildings, condos, etc.),” says Botelho.

There are a few things that can happen to your sewer system if you don’t fix it. These include rainwater entering it and causing rust and corrosion, dirt and debris leading to blockages, small animals getting stuck inside and clogging your sewer line or entering your home, and shortening the sewer system’s life span. 

Without a cap, nothing prevents toxic and non-toxic gasses like methane and hydrogen sulfide from slowly escaping your sewer system and entering your home and the surrounding atmosphere, resulting in a foul sewer odor throughout your house.