Rotten Eggs
Sound the alarm! A rotten egg smell in your home is a warning sign of a natural gas leak. This is a serious safety issue, as gas is volatile and can lead to an explosion. Get everyone out of the house right away. Leave doors and windows open, and call your gas company immediately.
Fishy Smells
Unless you had fish for dinner and forgot to clean up, the culprit is likely an electrical wiring problem. This type of issue can also present itself as a burning smell like burning rubber. To avoid the risk of an electrical fire, give your appliances a quick check while they are running to see if any are overheating. If you find the problem, turn it off right away until you can get it fixed or replaced. If the smell's coming from an outlet, flip the circuit breaker off and call in an electrician.
Sweet and Syrupy
The cause of an unusually sweet smell could be a coolant leak from your HVAC. Coolants used in air conditioning can be toxic if inhaled or ingested. You will want to ventilate the area and bring in an HVAC repair person to repair the leak. But, if you want to avoid the problem before it becomes a problem, we recommend scheduling regular HVAC maintenance.
Musty or Moldy
A damp or musty smell typically signals mold or mildew, which thrives in moist areas. This can cause respiratory issues and allergies, especially in poorly ventilated places or where there are leaks. Beyond the bad smell, long-term mold exposure can harm indoor air quality and lead to health issues like lung infections and chronic bronchitis. Keep an eye on humidity levels and run a dehumidifier in rooms that feel damp. If the problem persists, call in a pro.
Ammonia/ Urine
If you catch a whiff of something reminiscent of urine or ammonia, it might be a decaying animal. A mouse, squirrel, or raccoon could have ended up in your attic, basement, or even within your walls. While dead animals can attract insects and pose health risks, the main problem is often just dealing with the terrible smell. And, for your peace of mind, you may want to consider calling in a professional to be sure it’s not a larger infestation.
Sewage
Sewer smells in the bathroom might be from a sewer backup. It is possible that heavy rain or low water pressure caused sewer gases to back up. While you can't control sewer lines, installing a backflow valve can help prevent backups. Another reason for this smell could be a clogged pipe. If there is a clog, try using a drain cleaner to clear it out. If that doesn't work, you should call a plumber.
Contact the Liz & Ellie team, and we'll answer all your questions.
