Strange odors in your home can be major red flags of something going on behind the scenes. Whether you smell smoke, sewage, or other unpleasant odors, you should never ignore them. Don’t risk your health or safety at home—make sure you know the household odors you should never ignore.
Sewage and Bathroom Odors
Sewage odors in your home are unpleasant to the senses and can be signs of plumbing issues throughout your home. If bathroom odors persist in your home long after someone has used the facilities, you may have plumbing problems. Check your under-sink and toilet plumbing in each bathroom throughout your home. You’ll also want to check on your septic system or sump pump, as these can become backed up and turn into sources of the odor.
Rotten Egg or Gas Odor
If you start to smell rotten eggs at home, this could be a sign of something far more serious than plumbing issues. While you can’t see them, natural gas leaks produce the smell of rotten eggs. If you notice the smell of gas and don’t know the source, you must leave the house immediately. Natural gas leaks pose the risk of explosions and house fires. Avoid any light switches or flames in an area with gas exposure.
Smell of Smoke
Smokey smells are some of the most common home odors. There could be various culprits causing a smoky odor in your home. Smokey smells could be due to previous cigarette smokers in the home or neighbors that smoke a bit too close outdoors. Most concerning of all, the smell of smoke could be the first sign of a house fire. If you smell smoke but can’t place the source, evacuate your family out of your home immediately. You’ll likely need to use a couple of hacks to get rid of smoke odors, even if they don’t present a major danger, as they can be tricky to remove from the home. You could use an air purifier or call professionals to do the job.
Musty Smells
Musty smells are unpleasant but common in many homes. They can be a sign of mold or mildew hiding in your home. If you smell musty odors but can’t pinpoint the mold’s location, you should hire a professional mold specialist to look in hard-to-reach areas like your crawl space or attic. These are common mold breeding grounds and can be difficult to deal with. You should also proceed with caution when it comes to mold removal. It’s always a smart idea to hire a professional for mold removal and remediation too.
Always be wary of these household odors you should never ignore. They can be signs of something dangerous going on in your home. Take caution when you notice these smells, and always call a professional to deal with them, whether it’s an emergency service, a mold removal service, or a plumber.