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.