Quick Finds

Bureau of Wastewater Treatment and Collection

Sewer Odors

It is a fact of life that sometimes sewers will give off a bad odor. The Department of Watershed Management has instituted odor control at all of its wastewater treatment facilities, and the rehabilitation of the sewer system will eliminate the overflows and sewer main breaks that give off a strong sewage smell. Sewer odors may also come from your household system.

Here are some tips for reducing household sewer odors:

• The “p” trap under every sink, tub and floor drain is a water barrier that keeps sewer odors from coming back into your house. Normal use will keep the “p” traps full of water. Don’t make any plumbing hook-up straight into the house side sewer—always install a “p” trap.
• Periodically run water through drains that aren’t used often, such as floor or garage drains or utility sinks. Make sure all plumbing vents go outside the house. Standard plumbing per code will ensure proper venting.
• The Department of Watershed Management is committed to odor control. However, we cannot guarantee that there will never be odors in our system. Occasionally, equipment will need to be shut down for clean up, preventive maintenance or repairs.

If you experience strong sewer odors, contact 404.624.0751 (you may dial 0752 through 0756 if busy).

 


David St. Pierre
Deputy Commissioner


Need Help with a Sewer related problem?
Please call our 24-hour customer service hot-line at 404.624.0751
(Press #2 Option)

Having trouble
reaching our
customer service
line?
Please contact Linda Crossland, Customer Service administrator at 404.635.2597
or you can fire off an e-mail.