When it rains there is a sewer smell in the house. Help!

Joseph Balestra
by Joseph Balestra
I have a cesspool system. When there is heavy rain the inside of home smells awful, like a sewer. The cesspool has been emptied and still the smell persists when it rains.
  4 answers
  • Jaxon Jaxon on Nov 27, 2014
    You actually have a septic tank. It sounds like you may have an issue with one of your vents.
  • Christine Christine on Nov 27, 2014
    I agree. It would be horrible if you actually had a cesspool. If you have sewage pooling on your lawn? That's a cesspool. I'm afraid you should bite the bullet and call a septic service.
  • Terry Terry on Nov 27, 2014
    Had the same problem. Jaclin is right. It is a venting problem. whether it is a cesspool or septic. Luckily I had a basement and could access the DWS. I cut into it and added a stack and vent to the outside where it came into the house. It definitely did the trick. If you do not have a basement it is a little more difficult, but it can be done. Make sure it is accessible, because if there is a clog in the system it can be a lifesaver.
  • Pauline Pauline on May 04, 2016
    I know this is going to sound absurd, and isn't even the problem you have but...... I live in a home with a city sewer connection and for years, and I do mean years, I had lived with the smell of the sewer in my basement. Finally, I learned the reason was because the house line was dry, devoid of water. Now when it happens, I just pour about two cups of water into the basement drain. End of smell. I'm thinking the rain is drafting the water out of your line. Just my thought, and I know how absurd it sounds; the sewer always has liquid in it, right? But there is something about that drain acting as a stopper, via the water, for the sewer smell.