Why a Sewage Smell in Your Home Happens After Time Away
If you’ve just returned to your Florida home and notice a strong, unpleasant odor, you’re not alone. A sewage smell in your home is a common issue for homeowners who have been away for weeks or months — especially seasonal residents and snowbirds returning to Palm Beach County during the winter.
While the smell can be alarming, it doesn’t always mean a major plumbing failure. In many cases, the cause is something simple that developed while the home sat unused. That said, sewer odors should never be ignored, as they can indicate health risks or hidden plumbing damage.
Below, we’ll walk through the most common reasons a sewage smell appears after being away, what you can safely check yourself, and when it’s time to call a professional plumber.
The Most Common Causes of a Sewage Smell in Your Home
Understanding the source of the odor is the first step toward fixing it.
Dry P-Traps (The #1 Culprit)
Every drain in your home has a P-trap — a curved section of pipe that holds water to block sewer gases. When a home sits unused, that water can evaporate.
Without that water barrier, sewer gas travels straight up through the drain, causing a noticeable sewage smell in your home. This often happens in:
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Guest bathrooms
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Floor drains
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Laundry rooms
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Utility sinks
Toilets Drying Out
Toilets also rely on water seals. When unused for long periods, the water level can drop, allowing sewer gases to escape through the bowl or base.
Sewer Vent Issues
Your plumbing system uses roof vents to release sewer gases safely outdoors. In Florida, these vents can become blocked by debris, insects, or even nesting animals while a home is vacant.
Hidden Leaks or Sewer Line Problems
If the sewage smell in your home is persistent or strongest in one area, it may point to:
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A cracked drain pipe
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A failing wax ring under a toilet
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A damaged sewer line
These issues typically require professional inspection.
What You Can Safely Check First
Before calling a plumber, there are a few homeowner-friendly steps you can try.
Run Water in Every Drain
Turn on faucets and run water for 30–60 seconds in:
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Sinks
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Showers
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Tubs
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Laundry drains
This often refills dry P-traps and eliminates the sewage smell in your home within minutes.
Flush All Toilets
Flush each toilet several times and make sure the water level looks normal.
Check for Obvious Leaks
Look under sinks and around toilet bases for moisture, staining, or musty smells that linger even after running water.
When a Sewage Smell Means You Need a Plumber
If the odor returns quickly or never goes away, it’s time to call a professional. A lingering sewage smell in your home can indicate:
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Sewer gas exposure (a health concern)
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Hidden water damage
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Failing drain or sewer lines
This is especially important for older homes or properties that sit empty part of the year.
Why This Is Common in Florida & Snowbird Homes
South Florida’s climate and lifestyle make this issue more common than many homeowners realize.
High Heat Speeds Evaporation
Warm temperatures cause P-traps to dry out faster than in cooler climates.
Seasonal Living Patterns
Homes that sit unused for weeks or months are far more likely to develop a sewage smell in the home upon return.
Humidity Masks Early Warning Signs
Moist air can temporarily hide odors until plumbing is used again.
How to Prevent Sewage Smells When You’re Away
A little preparation can go a long way.
Before Leaving Your Home
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Run water in all drains
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Add a small amount of mineral oil to rarely used drains (slows evaporation)
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Flush toilets before departure
Schedule Periodic Plumbing Checks
For seasonal residents, scheduling a routine plumbing inspection can prevent surprises when you return.
When to Call Florida Flush Plumbing
If you smell sewage in your home and simple fixes don’t work, don’t wait. Sewer odors are more than just unpleasant — they can signal real plumbing issues that worsen over time.
Florida Flush Plumbing proudly serves Boynton Beach and Palm Beach County, helping homeowners quickly identify and resolve sewer odor problems, especially in seasonal and vacation homes.
Whether you need a quick inspection or a more in-depth repair, our team is here to help you breathe easy again. Call us today 561-336-4082 or send a message online!