Why does my Swansboro home smell like sewer gas?

If your home in Swansboro smells like sewer gas, it could be due to a blocked or broken plumbing vent, dry P-traps, or poor vent installation. These issues allow gases to enter your home instead of being safely vented outside.

What is a plumbing vent?

A plumbing vent is a pipe that releases sewer gases outside your home and brings air into the drainage system. It prevents pressure buildup and keeps your traps sealed with water to block odors.

What causes a plumbing vent to fail?

Plumbing vents can get blocked by leaves, bird nests, or debris. Other causes include cracks in vent pipes, improper installation, or pressure changes caused by appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.

How does Wild Water Plumbing find the source of sewer odor?

We inspect roof vents, check traps for dryness or leaks, and use smoke testing if needed. Once we locate the source, we explain the problem clearly and offer fast, affordable solutions.

Is Wild Water Plumbing Veteran-owned?

Yes, Wild Water Plumbing is proudly owned and operated by Justin Wilder, a U.S. Navy Veteran serving Swansboro and the surrounding areas with trusted plumbing services.

Onslow County Sewer Line Inspection Sewer Line Issuesby Justin Wilder

Sewer Odor in Your Swansboro Home? It Could Be a Vent Issue

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Sewer Odor Repair Swansboro NC | Plumbing Vent Inspection

If your Swansboro home suddenly smells like a sewer—even when nothing’s clogged—you’re not alone.

At Wild Water Plumbing, I get calls about mystery odors all the time.

The truth?

It’s not always your drains.

A bad smell in your bathroom or kitchen could mean you’ve got a plumbing vent issue.

What’s a Plumbing Vent—and Why It Matters

Every drain in your home connects to a network of vent pipes that run up through your roof. These vents:

Let fresh air into the system so water can drain smoothly
Release sewer gases safely above your home
Prevent vacuum pressure that can suck water out of your traps

If something’s wrong with your venting system, those nasty gases have nowhere to go, and they end up right back in your home.

Common Vent Problems in Swansboro

Blocked Vents: Leaves, bird nests, or debris can clog the rooftop vent pipe.
Improperly Installed Vents: If your home was renovated or built without code-compliant venting, gases may vent inside the walls.
Dry or Cracked Traps: Especially in guest bathrooms or unused fixtures, water evaporates, breaking the seal that stops odors.
Negative Pressure from Appliances: Dishwashers or washing machines can pull air through nearby traps if vents are undersized.

How I Diagnose the Problem

When I come out to a Swansboro home for a sewer odor, I check more than just the drains.

I inspect vent stacks, run smoke tests, and check traps and fittings.

Once we find the problem, I’ll walk you through the fix—whether it’s clearing a rooftop vent, sealing a leaky trap, or re-piping a faulty vent system.