You catch it in the hallway. It fades, then sneaks back near the bathroom. Guests notice. Candles do nothing. If you are searching “plumbers in my area” because you are tired of guessing, this guide gives you the quick checks to try and the professional steps that actually solve the problem.
We help Charleston homeowners track down stubborn sewer smells regularly. Our team handles simple fixes like refilling dry traps and replacing failed wax rings, and we bring the right diagnostics for tougher cases.
Think drain cleaning, hydro jetting, camera inspections, smoke testing, and crawl space evaluations. The goal is simple. Find the source, fix it correctly, and keep the odor from coming back.
Start with the easy wins: refill dried P-traps
A P-trap holds water that blocks sewer gas. If a sink, shower, floor drain, or guest bath sits unused, the water can evaporate and open a path for odor. Run water for 30 seconds in every rarely used fixture.
For floor drains, pour in a quart of water and add a splash of mineral oil to slow evaporation. If the smell disappears and returns, set a weekly reminder to run those fixtures or ask us about options such as trap primers for chronic problem areas.
Toilets: failed wax ring or a loose base
A rocking toilet or staining around the base often points to a compromised wax ring. That seal keeps sewer gas and wastewater from escaping to the floor. If the toilet has moved or you see moisture near the base, the right fix is to reset it with a new wax ring and confirm the flange height is correct.
We replace the seal, level the base, and check for hidden damage so the problem stays solved.
Professional drain cleaning removes trapped odors
Food residue, soap scum, and biofilm lock in smells inside the drain line. Harsh cleaners can damage pipes and usually miss deeper buildup. Our techs clear the line with commercial-grade equipment and flush the system so odors do not linger in branch lines. This step often resolves kitchens and primary baths where daily use stirs up residue.
Hydro jetting for heavy buildup
Grease and sludge sometimes resist traditional snaking. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the pipe wall and restore flow.
We recommend jetting after an inspection confirms it is appropriate for the material and condition of your lines. It is thorough and helps prevent the quick re-clogs that push odor back into the house.
Find what you cannot see: camera inspections and smoke testing
If smells persist after the basics, it is time to inspect. A video camera shows the inside of your drains and main line so we can spot cracks, offsets, roots, or partial blockages.
For leaks you cannot see, smoke testing fills the drain system with non-toxic smoke to reveal where gas escapes. It is fast, safe, and precise. This is how we locate problems in walls, under floors, or in tight chases without guessing or opening drywall first.
Do not overlook the crawl space and venting
Many Charleston homes have crawl spaces. A leaking drain under the house can pool wastewater and carry odor into living areas.
We inspect for damp soil, active drips, and loose fittings. Venting matters as well. A blocked or undersized vent can force sewer gas to seek another path and pull water from traps. Correcting vent issues restores proper air movement so traps hold their seal.
Layered problems need layered solutions
Sewer odor often has more than one cause. A dry trap can hide a cracked fitting. A new wax ring can help but still leave a leak farther down the line.
Our approach is to start with the least invasive step that matches the symptoms, then prove the fix with a recheck. If a deeper issue shows up, you see it on camera or during a smoke test. No mystery invoices. No guessing.
Prevention that actually works
A few habits keep most homes odor free:
- Run water in rarely used fixtures once a week
- Use drain strainers in kitchen and bath sinks
- Keep grease out of drains
- Schedule routine drain cleaning if you see frequent slowdowns
- Have us camera-inspect older lines before a renovation or tenant turnover
- Add a maintenance visit after heavy guest seasons or short-term rental stretches
If you have been searching “plumbers in my area” for a reliable prevention plan, we can set a schedule that fits how you use your home.
How our process solves odor problems
- Fast basics first: We refill traps, reset loose toilets, and clear drains to remove common causes quickly.
- Right tool, right order: If odors persist, we inspect with a drain camera and perform smoke testing to pinpoint leaks. Work starts only where evidence says to start.
- Thorough cleaning: Hydro jetting clears heavy buildup so gases are not trapped in sludge, and flow returns to normal.
- Crawl space check: We look under the home for active leaks, damp soil, or open fittings and correct what we find.
- Clear options: You get an immediate relief plan and a long-term prevention plan with straightforward scheduling and pricing.
Ready to breathe easy again
Sewer odor does not fix itself. Start with the simple steps above. If the smell returns, bring in a team that can prove where it is coming from and repair it the right way. If you keep searching “plumbers near me” and hoping the next call finally ends the stink, we are ready to help.
Book an appointment now: https://rootermansc.com/contact/
We will inspect, test, and repair the real cause so your home smells clean and stays that way.
