When you detect a new scent in your home, it’s kind of hard not to take notice. While some smells are pleasant, like freshly cut flowers or apple pie baking in the oven, others are less-than-pleasing and can be downright offensive. In some cases, it’s easy to detect the source of a displeasing odor, like an over-flowing trash can or last week’s leftovers, but other times it can be a complete mystery. What’s more, some odors could signal trouble brewing right under your nose.
Here are 6 noteworthy odors you should never ignore, what they could mean, and what you should do.
Rotten Egg
Natural gas is odorless, so in order to make it detectable, a chemical is added that makes it smell like rotten eggs. If your nose picks this odor up in your home, you could be in danger of a gas leak. Do not turn any lights or appliances on or off, evacuate the house immediately, and call your gas company from a safe location.
Musty Odor
A musty, pungent odor could indicate a plumbing leak that has given rise to mold. Check all exposed pipes for signs of leaks or damage and repair immediately, then treat the mold. If you can’t see a leak or the resulting mold, it may be in the walls. For porous surfaces like drywall, it’s best to have it replaced.
Sewer Smell
If an area of your home smells like sewage, you could have a sewer gas leak, which contains toxic and potentially explosive components such as hydrogen and methane. One cause could be a bathroom that isn’t used often. The pipes under a sink include a U-shaped trap, which holds a small amount of water that blocks sewer gas from leaking back into the house. This water could evaporate and allow odors through. To get rid of the stink, pour a cup of water into the bathroom drain, and flush the sink with water periodically to prevent the smell from coming back. If, however, you can’t find the source of the problem, the issue could be that a vent pipe, which routes sewer gas up and out through your roof, is clogged or broken. Contact a plumber to investigate further.
Fishy Smell
Unless it’s last night’s fried cod, a fishy smell could be a sign that an electrical fixture or appliance is overheating. If ignored for too long, it could lead to a fire. If the smell is coming from an appliance, you’ll want to call a repair expert who will determine if the appliance is fixable or needs to be replaced. If it seems to be coming from an outlet or switch, shut off your circuit breaker and then call an electrician right away.
Wet Dog
Is your nose picking up a dirty or wet dog smell but you don’t have a dog? You may have rodents. Inspect your home for signs of rodent activity and call a pest control company to ensure removal.
Gym Socks
If you’re picking up a sweaty, locker room stench and have ruled out all the usual causes, you could have bacteria growth in your HVAC system. Specifically, during the fall and spring months when temperatures are changing, the condensation sometimes becomes an environment for bacteria to thrive. Contact an HVAC professional to investigate further.
Your home’s plumbing, heating, and cooling systems should be odor-free. If you pick up a mystery scent that won’t go away, it’s time to call the professionals at Eagle Service Company today. We have the resources and experience to help keep your home safe, comfortable, and worry-free.
