Get matched with top sewer cleaners in Topping, VA

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.

If methods like hot water or a plunger don’t work on your clogged drain, you can snake your drain to dislodge the plug. This can be a messy process, taking some physical effort and additional time over the other drain-clearing options. You can purchase a drain snake at a hardware store and choose from handheld options or those attached to a drill. Just work slowly, and be ready to call a plumber if you’re unable to reach the clog from your drain or P-trap.

It’s generally safe to stay in a house that smells like sewage, but you should get the problem fixed as soon as possible. In most cases, the level of sewer gas you’re exposed to in a home will be low enough to only cause minor symptoms, though high levels of gas exposure can be more dangerous. If you’re smelling sewer gas in your home, it’s important to locate, assess, and fix the problem, because it won’t go away on its own.

Snaking a drain can take as little as a few minutes for small, simple clogs, up to two hours or more for tough clogs located further down the drain line. For tougher clogs, a professional drain cleaner can likely get the job done much more quickly because they have the necessary tools and expertise. However, your drain cleaning pro might not be able to give you a firm time estimate until inspecting the clog and its surrounding plumbing.