After coming back home from a tiring day at work, the last thing you want is to get hit in the face by a rotten egg smell in your house. As you shuffle around, trying to find the culprit behind the stench, you can’t help but wonder. Did the stray cat bring in a dead animal? Or did you accidentally leave the food to rot outside your fridge?
No matter what the reason is, being surrounded by a foul smell like that is extremely harmful to your health. That is why we’re here to help you identify the reason behind the odor and tell you how to put an immediate end to it.
Should You Be Worried About Smelling Rotten Eggs in Your House?
Whenever you find a smell coming from your house that does not belong, do not brush it away! Your nose can pick up all kinds of smells, which is why it’s crucial to investigate the cause of an exceptionally foul one. In the worst-case scenario, it could be a gas leak, which is extremely dangerous on its own. Or it could be a drainage issue. But no matter the cause, you should take it seriously.
What Does The Rotten Eggs Smell Mean?
There are various reasons behind a stench that resembles rotten eggs. If it’s a little more sulfuric, it could point toward a hazardous situation. However, if it’s a mild stench that doesn’t have a strong undertone, try clearing your house out. Mentioned below are some of the causes that lead to the strong whiff of rotting eggs:
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- Gas Leak
If you have a gas cylinder or heater in your house, the smell might be coming from a gas leak. This is something you should take seriously and instantly take the necessary precautions needed. Evacuate your home immediately before calling the fire department and your utility company. No matter what you do, do not use your phone or stay inside the building.
- Gas Leak
- Clogged Drain Pipes
A sink that keeps getting clogged and won’t let the water run down the drain could also be why your house smells like rotten eggs. The stench might not be as pungent, but if there’s a gurgling sound when the water drains down, there’s a problem with your drainage system. In such a case, contact an expert plumber to unclog your drain pipes. - Hydrogen Sulfide Buildup in Water
In the US, most people use well water rather than municipally treated water. The problem with well water is that letting it sit for too long can lead to hydrogen sulfide buildup. This is the prime reason behind the nauseating stench. - Sulfur-infused Dry Wall
Drywalls built in the US between 2001 to 2009 were imported from China. These drywalls were curated from high amounts of sulfur. So, when exposed to heat or a compact environment, the air passing through can lead to a terrible, sulfur-ridden odor. - Rotten Food
Sometimes, the cause is none other than rotten food. As unlikely as it may seem, leaving the food on the countertop or inside the fridge for too long can become the reason behind the funky smell. - Sewer Line Leakage
A broken drainpipe has the ability to leak out horrendous-smelling gases into your house. You can spot this by noticing if the stench is coming from inside your house or outside it. - Unused Drain
When a drain is unused, the air trapped inside it could leak out, causing the smell to spread everywhere. Usually, when the water flows down the drain, it gathers into a pit that creates a seal and prevents the air from escaping.
The Takeaway
All in all, if you notice a rotten egg smell in your house, it could be due to a gas leak, an unused drain pipe, or just food accidentally left to rot. In either case, it’s best to let a professional plumber check it out. Hence, if you’re in need of urgent plumbing services, reach out to Q Recycling Construction at (832) 263-0152. You can also drop by our office at 17122 Lewis Dr, Cypress, TX 77433.