Sewer Odor Detection in Southern Colorado

Find the Source of Persistent Sewer Smells

Unexplained sewer odors can make your home or business uncomfortable and may indicate a plumbing, drainage, or sewer system problem. At American Leak Detection of Southern Colorado, we investigate persistent odors to help identify their source and determine the appropriate next steps. Serving Colorado Springs and communities throughout Southern Colorado, our team applies a detection-focused approach to help you investigate sewer smells without unnecessary demolition or guesswork.

Notice persistent sewer odors? Call us at (719) 722-3113 to discuss your concerns and schedule an evaluation.

Why Choose American Leak Detection for Sewer Odor Detection?

Sewer odors are not always easy to trace. A smell near a bathroom, basement, floor drain, or utility room may originate somewhere else in the plumbing system. Possible causes include dry drain traps, damaged drain pipes, faulty seals, venting problems, or sewer line defects.

Finding the actual source is essential to choosing the right solution. Covering the odor with air fresheners or repeatedly treating drains may not resolve the underlying issue. Our team investigates the symptoms and uses appropriate diagnostic methods to help narrow down the cause.

When you choose American Leak Detection of Southern Colorado, you benefit from the American Leak Detection approach to identifying hidden plumbing and water-related problems.

• Detection-focused investigations: We work to identify the source of the problem before you commit to unnecessary repairs.

• Non-invasive methods where appropriate: Our diagnostic approach prioritizes minimizing unnecessary cutting, drilling, or digging when conditions allow.

• Experienced specialists: American Leak Detection has served customers since 1974, with specialized training and methods for investigating hidden leaks and plumbing concerns.

• Know Before You Go pricing: We explain the proposed service and pricing before work proceeds, helping you make informed decisions.

• Clear communication: We discuss our findings and explain when additional plumbing, sewer, or ventilation evaluation may be needed.

• Residential and commercial support: We help homeowners, property managers, and businesses investigate persistent odors that affect comfort and building use.

Our goal is to help you move beyond the symptoms and understand what may be causing the odor in your property.

Sewer Odor Detection Services We Offer

American Leak Detection of Southern Colorado investigates sewer odors and related plumbing concerns in residential and commercial properties throughout Southern Colorado. Because several different problems can produce similar smells, the appropriate evaluation depends on where the odor occurs, when it appears, and how the plumbing system is configured.

• Residential Sewer Odor Investigations: Investigate persistent sewer smells in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, laundry rooms, and other areas of your home to help identify possible plumbing-related causes.

• Commercial Sewer Odor Detection: Help business owners and property managers investigate odors in restrooms, tenant spaces, utility rooms, and common areas that may affect occupants or operations.

• Drain and Trap Evaluations: Investigate possible odor pathways involving floor drains, sink drains, and plumbing traps, including situations where a dry trap may allow sewer gases to enter a room.

• Sewer Pipe Leak Investigations: Evaluate whether a suspected leak or damaged pipe may be contributing to persistent odors or moisture concerns.

• Plumbing Leak Detection: Use appropriate diagnostic methods to investigate hidden plumbing leaks that may be related to a broader drainage or odor problem.

• Cause and Origin Investigations: Assess unexplained moisture, staining, or other symptoms when the source of a building problem is unclear.

• Diagnostic Support for Recurring Odors: Help narrow down potential causes when sewer smells return despite previous cleaning or plumbing service.

Not every sewer odor is caused by a leak, and not every odor source can be located with the same equipment. Depending on the findings, you may need a licensed plumber to evaluate drain traps, plumbing vents, seals, or sewer connections, or a qualified sewer specialist to inspect the line itself.

What to Expect During a Sewer Odor Investigation

We want you to understand how the investigation works and what happens after the source is identified. The process varies depending on the property, the location of the odor, and the symptoms you describe.

Step 1: Discuss the Odor and Its History

We begin by asking where you notice the smell, when it occurs, and whether it changes after running water, using fixtures, or experiencing weather changes. We'll also ask about previous plumbing work, recurring drain problems, or visible signs of moisture.

Step 2: Evaluate the Affected Area

Our technician considers the reported symptoms and the surrounding plumbing conditions. This may include checking accessible fixtures, drains, and areas where the odor is strongest to help identify possible sources.

Step 3: Apply Appropriate Diagnostic Methods

Based on the initial evaluation, we determine which diagnostic methods are suitable for the problem. Depending on the suspected cause, further investigation may involve leak detection equipment, plumbing tests, or coordination with a qualified professional who can evaluate sewer piping or venting.

Step 4: Explain the Findings

We discuss the results and explain which conditions may be contributing to the odor. If the source cannot be confirmed through the initial evaluation, we'll explain what additional investigation may be necessary.

Step 5: Determine the Next Steps

Once the likely source is understood, you can plan the appropriate response. Depending on the findings, this may involve restoring water to a dry trap, repairing a damaged seal, addressing a plumbing leak, correcting a venting issue, or arranging sewer line repairs.

Common Signs You Need Sewer Odor Detection

Sewer smells can occur occasionally or persist throughout the day. Paying attention to when and where the odor appears can help you recognize when further investigation is warranted.

Look for these warning signs:

• Persistent rotten-egg or sewage smells: A recurring sewer-like odor near drains, bathrooms, or utility areas may indicate a plumbing or drainage problem.

• Odors from unused drains: Floor drains, guest bathrooms, and other infrequently used fixtures can develop dry traps that allow sewer gases into the building.

• Smells after running water: Odors that appear after using a sink, shower, toilet, or washing machine may point to a drainage or venting concern.

• Recurring odors despite cleaning: If drain cleaning and routine housekeeping do not resolve the smell, the cause may be deeper in the plumbing system.

• Sewer smells in basements or crawl spaces: Odors in these areas may warrant an evaluation of accessible plumbing, drain connections, and nearby piping.

• Odors accompanied by moisture: Damp areas, staining, or unexplained water may indicate a separate or related plumbing leak that requires investigation.

Important safety note: Sewer odors can have different causes. If you notice a strong rotten-egg smell throughout a building, especially near gas appliances, do not assume it is coming from the sewer. Leave the area and contact your gas utility or emergency services from a safe location if a natural gas leak is possible. If anyone experiences dizziness, nausea, headache, or breathing difficulties, get to fresh air and seek appropriate emergency assistance. Sewer gases can also pose health risks in confined spaces, so do not enter a manhole, septic tank, or other enclosed area to investigate an odor yourself.

Sewer Odor Detection FAQs

What Causes Sewer Odors Inside a House?

Common causes include dry plumbing traps, damaged drain pipes, loose or failed seals, blocked or improperly functioning plumbing vents, and problems with sewer connections. Identifying the source is important because the correct solution depends on the underlying cause.

Can a Sewer Smell Mean I Have a Plumbing Leak?

Yes, a damaged or leaking drain pipe can contribute to sewer odors, but a smell alone does not confirm a leak. Dry traps, venting problems, and faulty seals can also allow odors into a building. A professional evaluation can help determine whether leak detection or another type of plumbing investigation is appropriate.

Why Does My Bathroom Smell Like Sewer Gas Even After Cleaning?

If cleaning does not eliminate the smell, the cause may not be surface dirt or residue. A dry trap, damaged seal, venting problem, or defect in the drainage system may allow odors to enter the room. The location and timing of the smell can help guide further investigation.

Can Sewer Odors Come From a Floor Drain?

Yes. Floor drains often have traps designed to hold water and prevent sewer gases from entering the building. If a drain is rarely used, the water in the trap may evaporate. Other issues, including damaged traps or drain connections, can also cause odors and may require professional evaluation.

Can You Detect Sewer Odors Without Tearing Into Walls or Floors?

Many plumbing and odor investigations can begin with accessible fixtures and non-invasive diagnostic methods. However, some problems require specialized testing, pipe inspection, or localized access to confirm the source. We focus on identifying the likely problem before unnecessary demolition, while recognizing that the appropriate method depends on the circumstances.

Do You Repair the Problem After Finding the Odor Source?

The appropriate next step depends on the cause and the services available for your specific issue. Our team can explain the findings and help you understand whether leak detection, plumbing repairs, sewer line inspection, or another specialist is needed.

When Should I Call a Professional About Sewer Odors?

Contact a professional when odors persist, return after cleaning, affect multiple rooms, or occur alongside slow drains, recurring backups, or unexplained moisture. If you suspect a natural gas leak or anyone develops symptoms associated with gas exposure, leave the area and seek emergency assistance rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Schedule Sewer Odor Detection in Southern Colorado

Persistent sewer smells can affect your comfort, disrupt your business, and leave you wondering whether a hidden plumbing problem is developing. helps property owners investigate unexplained odors and related leak concerns with a detection-focused approach.

We serve Colorado Springs and communities throughout Southern Colorado, including Pueblo, Canon City, Woodland Park, Buena Vista, Alamosa, Trinidad, and Leadville. Our team will help you understand your concerns, discuss the appropriate evaluation, and determine the next steps based on the findings.

Call us at (719) 722-3113 to discuss sewer odor detection for your home or business.