Sometimes, your house may smell strange, making you wonder why that is so. You may try to track down the problematic source of the unpleasant aroma, but all in vain. The question is – are you looking in the right places for all the bad smells in your home? Probably not.
In this article, we aim to cover the most common places to look if your house smells bad so that you can take the right action accordingly.
Contents
1. Electrical Outlets or Gas Line
The smell of sulfur resembling that of rotten eggs is never a good sign. It’s either some old eggs decaying in the kitchen you have no idea about, or you have a serious electrical issue or a gas leak.
Detecting a gas leak becomes more apparent when a powerful additive, “mercaptan,” is added to your gas line. However, this is a risky task that is best handled by professionals, so if you have an inkling of a gas leak in the house, call natural gas manufacturers right away. If the problem doesn’t lie in your gas line, then check your electrical system. If you go near an outlet, you may smell something strange – a sulfur-like smell, indicating the need for a professional’s help. The rotten egg smell indicates there’s a harmful situation taking place within the interior of your outlet. Not tackling the issue right away could lead to a disaster such as a home fire. To avoid things getting worse, turn off the power at the circuit breaker immediately.
2. P-Trap
Another common smell that you may become exposed to at some point is sewer gas, which is a byproduct of the breakdown of natural human waste. This usually consists of a combination of a variety of gases, including ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, etc. It’s generally the hydrogen sulfide that gives the sewer gas an unbearable smell. As compared to other common smells, sewer gas isn’t as toxic. However, it still gives out an unpleasant aura. The raw sewerage smell usually comes from a dried-out P-trap that hasn’t been used for a long time.
To prevent unpleasant sewer gases from igniting through your bathroom pipes, running water in your sinks (especially the rarely used ones) sporadically. If doing so doesn’t eliminate the problem, then it means the problem is much deeper. In such a case, you should speak with a professional plumber.
3. General Indoor Air in Rooms or Attic
Stale, stuffy air is a perfect example of poor indoor air quality. This type of smell rises up when fresh, pleasant air becomes stained by the buildup of various chemicals and pollutants.
If you frequently pick up a strange odor as you enter your house or visit a room, check for air leaks. Usually, the leaky areas are your attic, basement, or any top-floor room. Get the air leak sealed as soon as possible.
4. Faulty Electric Wires or Broken Circuits
If you pick up a burned-out smell, don’t take it lightly. In fact, call an electrician at the earliest. The burning smell is usually a sign of an electrical component burning or overheating. The unwanted odor can possibly be arising from a frayed wire, a faulty outlet, or a broken circuit. Ignoring these signs can lead to a bigger problem, which is why you should address the issue right away.
It is best to avoid DIY electrical work as it can easily lead to common in-home hazards – electrocution or uncontrollable fire. Therefore, it’s strongly suggested to seek a professional’s help.
5. Nook and Crannies for Your Pet’s Waste
Owning an untrained pet can lead to frustrating problems such as your pet peeing and pooping all over the house. Sometimes, house-trained pets may also start releasing their waste anywhere in the house. This could be because of a poor diet or fear and anxiety, or simply because of changes in their potting timing.
If you keep getting a whiff of a terrible smell that is indicative of your pet’s urine or poop, check every nook and corner of your house or any place where your pet resides the most. Having said that, wild animals such as rats, squirrels, or raccoons, can also turn your space into smelling foul. Make sure to clean the place fast enough because many wild animals dispose of infected feces that can transfer worms and diseases to your family members or pets in your house.
6. Heating Systems
If you get a hint of the dirty-sock-smell, check your HVAC systems – gas heater, air conditioner, air cooler, etc. The undesirable aroma usually ascends due to the buildup of mold or mildew in them. Note that bacterial growth can arise at any time of year. However, it’s most prevalent in the summer or winter season, when the systems are at their peak operating times of the year.
Speaking to experts revealed that the formation of moisture on the coils or pipes of an HVAC unit creates a perfect environment for bacterial growth, giving rise to a distinctive stench. The best way to get rid of the smell from your home is to clean your evaporator pipes with a mild cleaner or hire a professional HVAC plumber for the job.
Now you know the six places to look if your house smells bad. Try getting rid of the stinky odor using an effective DIY method or by calling in a qualified professional!
