Nobody enjoys household odors, but it’s important to deal with them. Strange smells are unpleasant and could also point to more severe problems in your house. Here are tips for identifying odors in your home.
Fish-Like Odors in the Home
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that a fishy smell can signify an electrical issue. Electrical problems sometimes cause a smell like burning rubber, like when the insulation begins to melt off wiring. The odor may come from loose or frayed wires, overloaded circuits, or faulty outlets. If you notice a fish-like smell or an odor like melting plastic, turn off the breaker to that circuit and call a professional electrician immediately.
Your Home Smells like Ammonia
The unexpected smell of an ammonia-like odor in your home may indicate that a rodent or other animal has died within the house. Check behind and under furniture to find the animal. When you locate it, wear protective gloves before removing it from your home. Disinfect the area thoroughly, and be sure to seal any openings that may allow pests inside.
The Smell of Rotten Eggs
A rotten egg odor in the home is a sign of a gas leak. Natural gas is odorless, but gas companies add an odorant that gives it a sulfur smell – like rotten eggs – so that residents can detect a gas leak. So, if you notice a rotten egg smell in your home, get everyone safely outside and call the gas company immediately. Do not turn on any lights or appliances to prevent a fire.
Musty Odors in the Home
If your home smells musty, mold or mildew is likely developing. You can often smell mold before it’s visible. Mold smells bad and is harmful to your house and your health. Spores aggravate allergies and can cause respiratory issues when inhaled. Hire a professional to determine the source of the mold and fix the problem.
Sewage Smell
A strong sewage smell from the bathroom often points to a clogged plumbing system or vent pipe, a broken sewer pipe, or a dry P-trap. Adding water to the P-trap may fix the problem. But if this doesn’t stop the odor, call a plumber to pinpoint the cause and make repairs.
Smoky Smell When the Fireplace is Not in Use
Verify the damper is closed if your fireplace emits a smoky smell when it’s not in use. When the damper is left open, soot from your chimney could blow into your home. Rain, pests, and other debris also enter your house through the chimney. If the damper is closed but the smell persists, clean the firebox and remove old ashes and debris.
Finding the causes of foul odors in the home will help you keep your property safe and avoid costly repairs. If an unpleasant smell lingers, try to locate the source and fix the issue immediately.
Jones & Cooper Home Inspections offers inspections to customers in the Metro Louisville area. Contact us to request our services.