Sewer smell in the house? The usual causes

Dry traps, blockages, failed seals, vents and broken pipes: how to track down a sewer smell indoors or out, and when the smell is actually gas.

A plumber answers 24/7.

Key takeaways

A rotten egg smell near a gas appliance, meter or bottle may be gas, not sewer. Get everyone out and call 000 or Jemena on 131 909 from a safe place.
The most common cause of a sewer smell is a dry trap in a rarely used shower, basin or floor waste, and running water through it restores the seal.
Smells that persist come from blockages, failed toilet seals, vent faults or cracked pipes, and need a plumber to trace them.
In Hunter Water's area household plumbing odours are the owner's to fix, with a licensed plumber.