A Libertyville Plumber Explains Common Causes — and How to Fix Them
If you’ve ever stepped into your laundry room and noticed a foul, sewer-like smell, you’re not alone. This is a common plumbing issue in Libertyville homes — and one we’ve fixed time and time again at NoXcuses Inc. Fortunately, the cause is usually straightforward, and so is the fix.
🚨 Common Causes of Sewer Smell in Laundry Rooms:
1. Dry Trap
Your washer typically drains into a vertical standpipe connected to a P-trap, which holds water to block sewer gases. If that trap dries out (especially in seldom-used basements or laundry rooms), it can allow gases to escape.
✅ Fix: Pour a bucket of water down the drain to refill the trap and restore the barrier.
2. Missing or Improper Trap
Older homes — or DIY plumbing jobs — may lack a proper trap or have one installed incorrectly. Without it, there’s no seal to stop sewer gases from coming back into the room.
✅ Fix: We can inspect the drain configuration and install or correct the trap to meet plumbing code.
3. Blocked or Clogged Vent Line
Every plumbing system needs venting to equalize pressure. If your vent stack is blocked (by leaves, debris, ice, or even nesting birds), it can force sewer gas back into your home — especially when the washer is draining forcefully.
✅ Fix: We inspect and clean or repair vent lines to restore airflow and eliminate pressure issues.
4. Loose or Damaged Standpipe
Even if water drains fine, a loose, cracked, or improperly sealed standpipe connection behind the wall can let gas seep out.
✅ Fix: Using smoke tests or pressure diagnostics, we locate hidden leaks and properly seal or replace the pipe.
The Bottom Line:
Sewer gas is more than just a bad smell.
It can affect your indoor air quality and health — and it always signals an issue in your plumbing system.
👨🔧 Need Help? Call the Libertyville Plumbing Experts.
NoXcuses Inc. specializes in diagnosing and fixing drain and vent problems for homeowners throughout Libertyville and the surrounding suburbs.
📞 Call Now: (847) 791-2868
🌐 Visit: www.noxcusesinc.com
We don’t guess. We test, diagnose, and fix it right the first time.
