Just when you think the day is without drama, your nose quivers and your stomach drops. What is that smell? Is it gas? Is it your imagination? Is it you? Sometimes you don’t even know what to Google search for. Prepare for next time by getting familiar with the common causes of bad smells in your home.
Rotten Eggs Scent
One possibility is a natural gas leak, so rule that out before you do anything else. The gas in your home has an artificial additive—mercaptan—specifically to alert you to any leaks. Otherwise, it would be odorless, like carbon monoxide. Call the gas company, which can help you determine if you’re experiencing any problems with your system. Once you’ve investigated that, your next suspect should be your electrical wiring or an aging anode rod in your water heater.
Fishy Fragrance
Have you been cooking anything with fins? No? You might have an electrical problem. When your system’s plastic components and wiring overheat, they can give off a fishy or sulfur smell. An overheating electrical system could lead to a fire. Give an electrician an emergency call and try to track down where the smell is originating. If you can trace it to an outlet or light switch, turn off your power at the breaker box and wait for help.
Eau de Sewage
If you know it’s not time to have your septic tank pumped, you’re probably assuming the worst—and septic systems can have all kinds of complications. But if you’re not finding any visual evidence along with the smell, it’s probably not a biggie. Run water through all the drains in the house first, especially the ones you don’t use often. The issue could be a dried-up P trap, which needs water to block sewer gases from backing up into your house. If it’s something that requires a larger repair, it can’t hurt to check in with Summit County’s health department. In the past, it has helped locals fund larger septic repairs, and it may be able to recommend some resources.
Musty Musk
You might just need to open your windows and air out the house. These days, one of the common causes of bad smells in your home is being stuck inside for months, trapped with pets and teenagers. But a musty odor could mean mold or mildew, too. Check around the house for condensation inside and outside the walls, especially around windows. There could be a water leak you need to address, even around your roof’s flashing. Don’t just ignore it. It’s the kind of problem that can spread until the smell is nothing compared to the unpleasantness of paying for repairs.
