Sewer Smell in Your Chicago Home? Here’s What to Do

Sewer gas isn’t something you want lingering indoors, and it can point to bigger plumbing or water damage problems.

For years, our team at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba has helped Chicago homeowners identify and fix the source of these dangerous odors quickly and safely.

We’ll walk you through what’s causing that sewer smell, how to get rid of it, and when it’s time to bring in a restoration company.

Why Your House Smells Like Sewage—And How to Fix It

1. Dry Drains (P-Traps)

• Cause: Every drain has a curved pipe underneath that holds water. That water blocks sewer gas from creeping into your home. If the drain hasn’t been used in a while, the water dries up, causing an unpleasant smell..
• Check: Look around sinks, tubs, or basement drains you haven’t used in a while. If there’s a noticeable smell, it’s probably dry.
• Fix: Run the water for 30 seconds to refill the trap. For floor drains, pour in a few cups of water and a little mineral oil to slow down evaporation.

2. Loose Toilet Seals

• Cause: Your toilet sits on a wax ring that seals it to the floor. If that ring cracks, shifts, or wears out, sewer gas can leak out around the base.
• Check: If your toilet smells, leaks at the bottom, or wobbles even slightly, the seal might be loose.
• Fix: Try tightening the bolts. Still smells? Time to replace the wax ring. A plumber can do it fast if you’re not up for the task.

3. Cracked or Broken Sewer Pipes

• Cause: Sewer lines under your home can break down with age, shifting soil, or root damage. That gives sewer gas a path right into your house.
• Check: A steady, strong sewer smell—especially in the basement—is a red flag. Watch for slow drains or bubbling in your toilets too.
• Fix: This one’s for the plumbers. They’ll run a camera through the line, find the leak, and repair it safely.

4. Blocked Roof Vents

• Cause: Your plumbing vents through the roof to let gas escape. If that vent gets blocked—by leaves, snow, or even a bird’s nest—those gases back up into your house.
• Check: If drains gurgle, toilets flush slowly, or you’re noticing odors in more than one room, your vent might be blocked.
• Fix: If you’re confident on a ladder, check the vent yourself. If not, leave that to restoration professionals.

5. Basement Floor Drain Problems

• Cause: Basement floor drains can lose their water seal or become blocked with debris. Without the water barrier, sewer gas can flow into the house.
• Check: If the smell is strongest downstairs, take a look at the floor drain. If it’s dry or grimy, that’s probably your issue.
• Fix: Pour in a few gallons of water to refill the trap. Add some mineral oil to help it last longer. If it’s clogged, clean it out—or call for backup.

6. Sewage Backup

• Cause: Heavy rain, clogged lines, or a blocked city sewer can cause raw sewage to back up into your drains or basement. This doesn’t just smell bad—it can be a serious health hazard.
• How to check: If you notice sewage or dirty water coming up through floor drains, toilets, or tubs—especially during storms—you’re likely dealing with a backup.
• How to fix it: Stop using all water immediately and call a professional like ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba. Backups require proper cleanup, disinfection, and often repairs to the affected plumbing or drainage system.

When to Call ServiceMaster by Zaba

If you’ve had a sewer backup, don’t try to clean it up on your own. It’s hazardous and can cause real damage fast.

At ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, we know how stressful this is—that’s why we take care of the entire cleanup, start to finish.

Here’s how we handle it:

• First, we assess the damage and check how far the sewage and water have spread.
• Next, we get rid of the standing water using powerful pumps and vacuums.
• We remove anything that can’t be saved, like soaked drywall, carpeting, or flooring.
• Then we clean and disinfect the entire area using hospital-grade cleaners to kill bacteria and prevent mold.
• We dry everything out completely with commercial fans and dehumidifiers to make sure moisture doesn’t cause more problems.
• Finally, we handle the repairs—whether that means replacing walls, flooring, or anything else damaged in the process.

Dealing with Sewer Smell in Chicago or the Suburbs? We Can Help

Sewer odors in your home aren’t just unpleasant—they can signal a serious plumbing issue or hidden water damage that needs immediate attention.

Each week, we help homeowners across Chicago eliminate sewer odors at the source.

Let us identify the issue, fix it quickly, and handle the cleanup.

Call ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba today: (773) 647-1985