The scent of summer should be fresh-cut grass, backyard BBQs, or blooming flowers—not sewer gas. Yet every year in Fort Wayne, more homeowners report strange, unpleasant odors drifting up from drains, basements, and even yards. If you’ve noticed that unmistakable foul smell during the warmer months, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not imagining it.
Sewer odors in summer aren’t just embarrassing or uncomfortable; they’re often a sign of hidden issues within your plumbing system. Understanding what causes these smells and how to stop them can save you from much bigger headaches down the road, including pipe corrosion, sewer backups, and even hazardous air quality.
At AAA Sewer Service, we’ve helped thousands of Fort Wayne homeowners eliminate these summer smells at the source. This guide breaks down exactly what’s behind the stench—and how you can fix it fast.
- Evaporating Water in Drain Traps Drain traps (or P-traps) hold water to block gases from rising back into your home. But in hot weather—especially in unused sinks, tubs, or floor drains—this water can evaporate quickly, removing the barrier between your home and the sewer system.
Common signs:
- Rotten egg or sulfur smell near rarely used drains
- Odor appears worse after several hot days or heatwaves
What to do:
- Pour 2–3 cups of water into each unused drain
- Add 1 tablespoon of mineral oil to slow evaporation
- Check floor drains in basements, garages, laundry areas
For long trips, consider sealing drains temporarily or scheduling a preventive inspection.
- Biofilm and Bacteria Buildup in Pipes High humidity and warm temperatures create the perfect environment for bacteria and organic waste to fester in your drains. Grease, food scraps, soap scum, and hair can form a slimy coating known as biofilm that emits strong, sewer-like smells.
Where it occurs:
- Bathroom sinks
- Shower drains
- Kitchen pipes (especially with garbage disposals)
What to do:
- Pour a mix of baking soda and vinegar down drains weekly
- Flush with boiling water (unless you have PVC pipes—use warm water instead)
- Request a professional drain cleaning from AAA Sewer Service to eliminate deep buildup
- Cracked or Damaged Sewer Lines Summer heat and tree root growth can exacerbate tiny cracks in your sewer lines, especially in older Fort Wayne homes. When these pipes shift, break, or corrode, sewer gases can leak into your yard or home.
Red flags:
- Strong sewage smell near the yard, foundation, or basement
- Visible patches of greener grass or soggy soil
- Multiple drains acting up simultaneously
What to do:
- Schedule a sewer line camera inspection to locate leaks
- Avoid digging or landscaping near sewer lines until they’re assessed
- Install cleanout access caps if missing or damaged
- Clogged or Improperly Vented Plumbing Systems Vents in your plumbing system help equalize pressure and release gases safely outdoors. But when those vents are clogged with debris, nests, or even snow in colder months, gases can back up into your home—especially in the summer when pressure builds.
Symptoms include:
- Bubbling toilets or gurgling sinks
- Odors lingering after flushing or draining
- Inconsistent toilet water levels
What to do:
- Let a licensed plumber inspect your roof vent stack
- Use a smoke test or airflow diagnostics to check for venting problems
- Consider replacing or repositioning aging vent pipes
- Sewer Backups from Summer Storms Sudden summer downpours can overwhelm municipal systems and backflow sewage into your main line. Even if no visible backup occurs, pressure fluctuations can displace air and gas—pushing odors into your home.
Warning signs:
- Gurgling drains after heavy rain
- Wet or smelly basement after storms
- Foul smells rising from utility sinks or floor drains
What to do:
- Install a backwater valve or sump pump if your home is prone to flooding
- Request seasonal drain jetting or stormwater inspections
- Ensure downspouts and gutters are draining away from your foundation
How AAA Sewer Service Can Help Eliminate Sewer Smells for Good
No one wants to deal with bad smells during the hottest months of the year. That’s why Fort Wayne homeowners count on AAA Sewer Service to tackle odor problems quickly and completely—with services that get to the root of the issue.
✅ Sewer camera inspections to detect cracks and leaks
✅ Eco-safe hydro jetting to blast away odor-causing buildup
✅ Drain trap maintenance and floor drain sealing
✅ Venting diagnostics and odor tracking
✅ Emergency service for smelly sewer backups
Smell Something Off? Call AAA Sewer Service Today Your nose knows when something’s wrong. Don’t ignore the signs of sewer trouble. Our Fort Wayne team is ready to help you breathe easier with expert diagnosis, rapid response, and permanent solutions.
📞 Call AAA Sewer Service at (260) 456-6930
🌐 Visit our website: www.aaasewerservice.com