Sewer odors can escape from cellar drains, house connection pipes, manhole openings, manhole covers and street drains. Most odorous substances in the sewer are of organic origin (grease, food residues or similar). Odors can also arise at rarely used drainage points in the house (e.g. guest showers). Remedial measures are taken in the event of odors from public sewers.

Sewer odor from drains

To prevent sewer gases or foul odors as well as pathogenic germs and bacteria from entering apartments or houses, you must equip all drainage points in buildings with water-filled odor traps (e.g. siphons).

For floor drains in basements in particular, it is important that you regularly fill the traps with water. Otherwise, as soon as the water has evaporated, the functionality of the trap may suffer and gases or unpleasant odors could enter the home. The same effect can also occur with guest showers if they are not used regularly. Here too, you should regularly top up evaporated water in the odor traps.

If you are unable to eliminate odors caused by sewer gases, we recommend that you seek advice from a specialist plumbing company.

Sewer odor from house connection pipes

Sewer pipes should be closed and tight. Only a closed pipe system can prevent gases from escaping into the air from the sewer. Cleaning openings in or outside inspection shafts (inside or outside the house) should be tightly sealed with a tight lid. The pipe is vented using an "over-roof vent". Your architect or plumber can provide you with information on this.

Sewer odor from manhole openings in the street and from street drains (gullies)

Most odorous substances in the sewer are of organic origin (grease, food residues or similar). Odors from manholes and street drains are unavoidable due to deposits of grease and food waste in the sewer. Particularly during periods of low rainfall, the lack of rainwater means that the flushing effect can no longer be achieved. If there are serious odor nuisances due to increased deposits of these substances in the sewer, please contact the sewer maintenance department of the civil engineering office. We will check the relevant sewer section and clean it if necessary.