Can Sewer Gas Make You Sick?

Short answerYes, it can. Wisconsin's health department lists eye and airway irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness and drowsiness from hydrogen sulfide in sewer gas. Illinois says you can smell it below levels that cause health effects, and that deadly levels are unlikely in a home. If you feel sick, get fresh air, find the source, and see a doctor.

What each option costs

Our national estimates, not quotes.
Option	Job	Low	High
Repair	Drain Cleaning	$100	$400
Replace	Sewer Line Repair	$1,100	$5,800

What the smell does and doesn't tell you

Illinois says you can smell hydrogen sulfide at levels lower than those that cause health effects, so smelling it doesn't always mean you'll get sick. It also says high levels can overwhelm your sense of smell, so a smell that fades isn't proof that it's gone. Wisconsin agrees that your nose isn't a reliable safety check.

Symptoms to watch for

Eye irritation, sore throat, cough and shortness of breath, which Illinois says usually fade within weeks after exposure ends.
Headaches, dizziness, drowsiness and nausea. Wisconsin says to see a doctor if you have these, especially if you suspect a sewer gas leak.
Long-term exposure at low levels may cause fatigue, lost appetite, headaches, irritability, poor memory and dizziness, according to Illinois.

Common sources at home

Wisconsin and Illinois both name floor drains with dried-out traps. Wisconsin also lists leaking or blocked roof vents, foundation cracks and leaks inside walls. Adding water to a dry floor drain is the simple fix Wisconsin gives. Wisconsin says a leak behind a wall may need a plumber.

When it's an emergency

Wisconsin says methane and hydrogen sulfide are flammable and highly explosive, and that high methane levels in enclosed areas lower the oxygen and can cause suffocation. If levels seem high in an enclosed space, leave, call the fire department, and avoid sparks, matches or lighters. Never enter a sewer or tank. If you smell natural gas, which is often described as rotten eggs, leave and call your gas utility or 911 from outside. Don't try to tell the two apart while you're inside.

Sewer Smell in House? Causes and What to Do

Common questions

Can a sewer smell hurt my kids or pets?

The sources we read don't give separate advice for pets. Wisconsin says the severity can vary from person to person. If a child is unwell, call a doctor and find the source.

How long does it take to feel better?

Illinois says symptoms at lower levels usually fade within weeks after exposure ends. See a doctor if they don't, or if they're severe.