What Overland Park Homeowners Should Know About Sewer Smells This Fall

Fall in Kansas sometimes brings more than cooler air and colorful leaves—it can also reveal sewer smells in and around your home. If you’ve noticed an unpleasant odor this season, it may be your plumbing system’s way of signaling a problem.

At Higgins Sewer & Drain Cleaning, we see more odor-related calls in October than any other month. Understanding the causes can help you address them quickly.

Why Smells Are More Noticeable in Fall

Cooler air traps odors closer to the ground, and less ventilation in homes allows smells to linger indoors. Closed windows, increased moisture, and seasonal shifts in water usage all make existing sewer issues more noticeable this time of year.

Common Causes of Sewer Odors

One of the simplest causes is a dried-out trap in an unused drain, often in basements, garages, or guest bathrooms. Without water in the trap, gases can escape directly into your home. Another common issue is a blocked vent stack, which may be clogged by leaves or debris, preventing proper air flow. In older systems, root intrusion or cracked pipes can also release sewer gas into the soil and then into your home.

How to Track Down the Source

Start by walking through your home to see where the smell is strongest. Check all drains and refill any dry traps by running water. Inspect the basement for moisture or gurgling sounds. Outside, look near cleanouts or along the sewer line for signs of leakage, unusual plant growth, or settling soil.

Simple Fixes vs. Professional Help

Refilling drain traps and keeping vent stacks clear can often solve minor odor problems. If the smell persists, or if multiple drains are affected, it’s time for a professional inspection. Video assessments and smoke testing can pinpoint where gases are escaping and confirm the condition of your system.

Why It Matters for Overland Park Homes

Older neighborhoods with clay tile systems are more vulnerable to root intrusion and joint separations. Cast iron lines may develop pinhole leaks over time. Combined with Johnson County’s clay soil, these conditions make fall the perfect time to investigate sewer odors before winter sets in.

The takeaway: Don’t ignore sewer smells this fall. They may be a sign of a bigger problem. A professional inspection can identify the cause and restore comfort to your home.

Preparing Your Overland Park Sewer System for Winter: October Checklist

In Kansas, October is the month to prepare your sewer system for winter. Cold weather puts stress on pipes, and proactive maintenance now can prevent problems later. At Higgins Sewer & Drain Cleaning, we are here to help serve you.

Week 1: Assessment and Inspection

The first step is scheduling a professional video inspection. This will identify root intrusion, cracks, or separations that could worsen in freezing conditions. Homeowners should also test basement drains, refill traps to prevent sewer gas entry, and clear access to the main cleanout.

Week 2: Addressing Problems

Any issues revealed during inspection should be addressed quickly. Roots are easier to clear before the ground freezes. Structural repairs can be made while soil is still flexible. Homeowners should also improve exterior drainage to protect foundations and sewer lines, and consider cleaning household drains to remove buildup before holiday use.

Week 3: Exterior Preparation

Clear leaves and debris from outside drains and make sure downspouts direct water away from the house. Mark the location of your sewer line if you know it, so snow removal doesn’t cause accidental damage. Check that your cleanout cap is in good condition and easy to find.

Week 4: Final Preparations

Stock basic tools like plungers and a drain snake, test your water shutoff valve, and insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces or basements. Document any repairs or maintenance for future reference and insurance purposes.

Monitoring During Winter

Even with preparation, it’s smart to check your system monthly. Watch for slow drains, sewer odors, or gurgling sounds. After heavy storms, confirm that basement drains are still functioning properly.

Special note for older homes: Clay tile systems need more frequent root management, while cast iron systems should be monitored for corrosion.

By following this checklist, you can avoid stress and protect your home all winter long.

We’ve turned this plan into a simple, downloadable checklist you can keep on hand. Print or save it to your phone and follow along each week to make sure your sewer and drain system are winter-ready. A little organization now can prevent a major repair later.

DOWNLOAD HERE

How to Tell If Your Overland Park Home Has Clay Tile Sewer Lines

If your home in Overland Park was built before 1975, there is a good chance it has clay tile sewer lines. These systems are common throughout Johnson County’s older neighborhoods and, while durable, they come with unique maintenance needs.

At Higgins Sewer & Drain Cleaning, we work with these systems every day. Clay tile can last for decades when properly cared for, but only if homeowners understand what they are dealing with.

Why Sewer Line Material Matters

Different pipe materials face different challenges. Clay tile is vulnerable to root intrusion through its unsealed joints. Cast iron systems may corrode or build up interior scaling, while modern PVC resists corrosion but comes with its own set of maintenance considerations. Knowing what type of line you have helps you anticipate problems, plan inspections, and budget for future repairs.

Signs That You May Have Clay Tile

The age of your home is the biggest indicator. Houses built before 1950 almost always used clay tile. Those built between 1950 and 1975 are also likely candidates unless updates have been made. In older parts of Overland Park, especially tree-lined streets or historic neighborhoods, clay tile is often still in place.

How to Confirm the Material

Homeowners can sometimes get clues by checking their sewer cleanout or basement exit points. Building permits or city records may also note sewer line materials, but the most accurate way to confirm is through a professional video inspection. This process allows a technician to identify the pipe type and assess its condition from inside the line.

Understanding Clay Tile Construction

Clay tile pipes are usually just a few feet long and connected with bell-and-spigot joints. These joints were rarely sealed with durable materials, which means over time gaps open up. These gaps are the perfect entry point for roots, which are naturally attracted to the moisture inside sewer lines.

Challenges With Clay Tile

Root intrusion is the most common problem, and it often recurs as nearby trees continue to grow. Soil shifting over decades can also cause sections to misalign, while individual tiles may crack under pressure or freeze-thaw stress.

Maintaining Clay Tile Sewer Lines

The key to living with clay tile is consistent maintenance. Annual or bi-annual inspections will help track root growth and structural health. Professional root clearing every few years keeps blockages at bay. Planning for eventual replacement is wise, but with the right care many clay tile systems function well for over 70 years.

The takeaway: If you suspect your home has clay tile sewer lines, schedule a video inspection. Understanding your system is the first step in protecting your property and preventing expensive surprises.