Why Does My House Smell Like Skunk When It Rains?

Your house smells like skunk when it rains, and you want to know why your home is so stinky. You’ve tried all of the other possible causes for this unpleasant odor, but nothing seems to work.  If your house starts smelling like skunk rain or snow then something needs fixing with drainage in the yard or sewer system. It could also be caused by overflowing toilets, leaking tubs and sinks that are backed up from heavy rainfall as well as rotting leaves in your yard.

We will help you find the solution to this problem, but first let’s discuss what could be causing it and some of the possible solutions.

Why Does My House Smell Like Skunk When It Rains?

If you smell something like a skunk in your home when it rains, you must call the local natural gas company immediately and evacuate the building if the odor is strong—a natural gas leak can lead to a violent explosion. Skunks secrete these components which reactivate when mixed with water. Sewer gas leak also contributes to the skunk smell. Sewer gas is an odor that can come from your household’s septic or sanitary sewer system.

Skunk spray is made of many components, and some of these reactivate when it rains. This can cause nausea and vomiting for you or your family members if the smell wafts into your home.

6 Reasons Your House Smells Like a Skunk When It Rains

1. There are Bacteria and Decomposing Wastes in Your house

There are bacteria and decomposing wastes in your house, and the smell is often the first sign that something bad has happened. The gas leaked will be highly flammable, so it is important to deal with it as soon as possible.

2. You have a Dried-Out Water Barrier

If you’ve been experiencing a sewage smell in your house after it rains, the likely culprit is a dried-out water barrier in the sewer trap. This problem is usually caused by a lack of use, and can be fixed quickly by running some water from that fixture to fill the trap belly and recreate the water barrier.

3. Sewer Gas Leaks

A sewer gas leak is a problem that needs to be dealt with right away. The smell of this type of leak is strong and will likely only be noticed in your kitchen or bathroom. A big issue with a sewer gas leak is the flammable gas which can cause problems if it spreads too far into the home. If you smell a skunk-like odor, it is best to leave the house and have it looked into immediately.

4. You have a Faulty Septic Tank

A septic tank is one of the most common causes of a smell in your home after it rains. If you’re experiencing a bad smell in your house, and it’s especially strong after it rains, there’s a good chance that you have a faulty septic tank.

Rainwater will find its way into the lowest point in your septic tank, which is often at the bottom of it. This can cause sewage to backup and come out of drains and even overflow into your backyard if there’s a leak or other issue with the septic tank.

When the air becomes heavy, gas doesn’t flow through the vent. This can be caused by several things, such as: blocked vents on your roof, leaves and debris blocking vents on top of your tanks, or even ice dams blocking ventilation during winter weather.

Cold temperatures cause downdrafts from plumbing vent stacks, which can lead to foul odors entering your home. Additionally, rainy weather causes atmospheric pressure changes that prevent methane gases in septic tanks from flowing as they should – this is why the smell tends to be more intense during wet weather conditions. Finally, windy weather tends to cause the odor to diminish somewhat.

If you’re having trouble with a sewage smell in your house, the first thing you should do is check your septic tank’s venting system for any blockages. You can also have a professional come to inspect your tank and make sure everything is working properly. If it turns out that you do have a faulty septic tank, it will need to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

5. Natural Gas Leaks

Natural gas is odorless and mercaptan is added to warn of natural gas danger. Sewer gas odor comes from lateral connected to Sanitary Sewer System (SSS). Natural gas usage has increased in recent years, with half of the homes using it for heating or cooking appliances. Gas companies add an odorant to natural gas to make it detectable, with the goal of preventing leaks.

The rotten egg smell is so distinctive that you should evacuate your home if you sniff this odor. Gas odors are created by a safety measure on natural gas; therefore, they can be detected long before a leak may happen

6. Faulty Water Trap/ P-Trap

The P-trap is a crucial piece of plumbing, used to stop sewer gas from seeping up into the home. If you’re experiencing sewer smells after rain, check if you have any unused plumbing fixtures that aren’t used too often.

A sink or shower that doesn’t see much use is more likely to smell like sewage. Be sure to turn on the water in your sink or shower and give the drain a rinse when it rains, just to help wash away that stench.

How to Get Rid Of Skunk Smell in Your House When It Rains

Make Sure Water Stays in the Sewer Trap(s)

One common issue that can cause your house to smell like skunk when it rains is a dried-out water barrier in the sewer trap. This problem can often be resolved by pouring vegetable oil into the water, which will help to slow down evaporation.

If your home has more than one place where this issue occurs, you may want to try filling up the sewer traps with water. This will create a seal and prevent any potential smells from escaping.

Another way to resolve this problem is by making sure your water heater or fixture doesn’t sit unused for too long. When these items don’t get used on a regular basis, the sewer traps can dry out and create unpleasant odors inside your home.

Clean Out Your Drains

It’s important to clean out your drains regularly, especially if you live in an area that rains a lot. Debris can clog the pipe and cause a bad smell to come up through the drain. You can use a wire to clear it out with the help of a pipe cleaner or other tool.

If there is too much debris, you might need to remove the drain stopper and clean it regularly so you don’t clog a pipe. Skunk smell can be caused by cracked or broken pipes, tree roots, and clogged drains. To get rid of the skunk smell in your house when it rains, flush the drain with boiling water and replace the stopper.

Make Sure the Toilet Isn’t Loose and Seals intact

If you’re noticing a skunk smell in your house when it rains, there may be a plumbing issue causing the problem. One possible cause is that the toilet bolts or joints are loose and allow water to leak, leading to sewer gas. You can check for this by looking for water on the floor around the base of your toilet.

If you find that the toilet is loose, you can fix it by tightening the bolts or joints. However, if the wax ring sealant between the toilet and drain pipe is broken, then the toilet will need to be removed and replaced. In either case, make sure to clean any area around the toilet flange where dirt or debris may have built up before installing a new wax ring sealant.

FAQ

How long will skunk smell last in house?

The smell of skunk can last in a house for quite some time, especially if the animal is living under the house. However, there are a few things you can do to try and get rid of the smell:

• Plug up any openings that the skunk might be using to get into the house.
• Spray a vinegar solution around the outside of your home.
• Place mothballs near where the smell is strongest.
• Try boiling cinnamon or citrus peels in water and spraying it around your home.

What would make your house smell like skunk?

Sewer gas is a common problem that can cause your house to smell like skunk. The smell of sewer gas often comes in the middle of the night, or even while sleeping, so they recommend calling Moore Home Services during these hours or booking online. Carbon monoxide is a gas that can be fatal if inhaled, and it has been known to smell like the odor of skunk, but not always.

There have been no signs of a skunk outside or evidence inside to suggest they’re involved with this smell. Only people who are in close proximity to the source can actually smell it; dogs cannot sense it at all. Foxes are not an option; the smell is worst at night and in the morning.

Can skunk smell come inside house?

Yes, it’s true. I’m afraid it’s a fact of life that you can’t control: skunks like to take shelter in houses when it rains. The smell of skunk spray is difficult to get out of a house. The odorless and colorless gases emitted by the skunk have a distinctive foul odor that most people describe as something like rotten eggs, sewage, or sulfur.

Rain causes atmospheric pressure changes, which can lead to the air becoming heavy. Cold temperatures cause downdrafts from plumbing vent stacks, leading to methane gas building up in your home. The smell is most noticeable at certain times of the day, such as when it’s windy.

A full septic tank can cause the pump to fail and produce a foul smell. A blocked venting system in the septic tank is one possible cause of a sewer smell in your house. To fix a sewage gas issue, turn off all of your home’s vents. The result will be bad smells inside the house that get worse over time

Is there a natural gas that smells like a skunk?

Some people say that natural gas smells like a skunk. This is because of the chemical additive called mercaptan, which gives the gas a distinct odor. If you smell natural gas, find an adult and get out of the house as soon as possible. If you can’t tell if it’s a skunk or natural gas, call your utility company or gas company for help.

Does carbon monoxide smell like skunk?

No, carbon monoxide doesn’t have a smell. It’s an unseen risk that can be deadly because it displaces oxygen in the air. That’s why homeowners have carbon monoxide detectors – to alert when there’s no detectable amount of Carbon Monoxide present in the air.

Sewer gas is an odor that can come from your household’s septic or sanitary sewer system. If you smell something like skunk in your home, it might be a sign of a natural gas leak! Natural gas leaks often result in the release of hydrogen sulfide, which smells bad and has been known to cause death by asphyxiation when it gets into the air.

Can a gas leak smell like skunk?

Yes, a gas leak can smell like skunk. The smell will be strong and noticeable in your kitchen or bathroom. Natural gas leaks often smell like rotten eggs or a skunk. However, gas leak smells are usually odorless, so listen for strange noises instead.

If you smell the skunk-like odor, it is best to leave the house and have it looked into by your natural gas provider.

What do you do if your house smells like skunk?

If you’re wondering what to do if your house smells like skunk, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many people have this problem from time to time. The good news is that there are a few ways to fix it.

The most common cause is a skunk spraying your house. This typically occurs when the wind carries its scent from somewhere else, such as an abandoned animal burrow or den and it enters through a crack in the house. The smell is unmistakable, and it can linger for days after being sprayed.

The best way to get rid of skunk odor is to use a mixture of 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide, 1/2 cup of baking soda and a few drops of liquid soap. The mixture should be poured into the area where the skunk is sprayed to neutralize its scent.

The mixture will also help to remove the smell from your pets and house. If you don’t have any hydrogen peroxide, try using a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water in its place.

One possibility is that a skunk has sprayed near your house. If this is the case, you’ll probably be able to smell it. Smelling something is a symptom of a temporal lobe seizure, epilepsy or head trauma. So if you think there’s a chance that’s what’s causing the smell, it’s best to go see a doctor.

Another possibility is that there’s something rotting in your basement or attic. This can happen when there’s been water damage or when animals have gotten into the house. If this is the problem, you’ll need to find and remove the source of the smell.

Finally, sometimes houses just naturally smell like a skunk. There isn’t really anything wrong with them, but some people find the smell unpleasant nonetheless. In this case, you can try spraying an air freshener or using baking soda to get rid of the odor

What kills skunk smell?

The smell of skunk spray can be a sign that there is a gas leak. Carbon monoxide poisoning and explosions can result from improper removal of the skunk spray, making it important to have this removed as soon as possible. To kill the Skunk smell, use odor neutraliser and also evacuate the building if you suspect a gas leak.