Sewer Smell in Your Lakewood, CA House

Sewer smells indoors usually come from a dry drain trap, a failed toilet wax ring, a cracked or loose drain pipe, or a blocked or damaged vent. Start with the simple fixes: run water in unused drains and check toilets for movement.

Common causes

Dry traps: a guest bath, laundry sink or garage floor drain that's rarely used can dry out and let sewer gas in. Pour water in it.
Toilet wax ring: a rocking toilet or one with water at the base may have a failed seal. See toilet repair.
Cleanout caps: a missing or loose cleanout cap indoors or out can release odors.
Vent problems: blocked or disconnected vents can siphon traps dry. Gurgling drains are a clue.
Cracked drain pipe: in walls or under slabs.
Main-line issues: a partial blockage can cause odors and gurgling. See drain cleaning.

Outdoor smells

A sewage smell outside near the foundation, or soggy yard patches, may point to a broken lateral. See sewer line repair. If the smell is from a street manhole, report it to the county via the Lakewood sewer page.

Not sure what you need? Talk it through by phone.

Call (708) 350-9399

Gas or sewer?

Natural gas smells like rotten eggs too, because utilities add an odorant. If you're unsure, or the smell is near gas appliances, leave and call the gas company or 911 from outside.

When to call

Call when the smell persists after you've refilled traps, comes with gurgling or slow drains, or appears near walls or floors. A smoke test or camera inspection can find hidden leaks. See sewer camera inspection.

What should you tell the provider when you call?

Describe what you've noticed and when it started, which fixtures are affected, what you've already checked or shut off, and your address or cross streets. For water heaters, give the fuel type, tank size and approximate age from the label. For drain and sewer problems, say whether you know where your cleanout is. That helps the provider understand the likely cause and bring the right equipment. Coverage for your address is confirmed on the call.

When is it not safe to keep troubleshooting?

Stop and call if you smell gas (leave first, and call SoCalGas or 911 from outside), if water is near electrical outlets or appliances, if sewage is backing up into the house, or if a fix needs you to open a gas control, an electrical panel or a pressurized line. Don't cap or plug a water heater relief valve. If water is spreading, close the main shutoff first.

How was this guide researched?

This guide was written for Lakewood, California homeowners and checked against the sources below on November 11, 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm anything important with the agency or provider. See our editorial policy.

Lakewood sewer page

Quick answers

Why does my bathroom smell like sewer only sometimes?

Intermittent odors often come from traps siphoning when other fixtures drain, a sign of a vent problem, or from a failing wax ring when the toilet is used.

Is sewer gas dangerous?

Sewer gas is unpleasant and can contain harmful gases at high concentrations. Ventilate the area and find the cause promptly.

Does this guide apply outside Lakewood?

Much of it does, because the plumbing basics are the same across Southern California. But water providers, sewer agencies and permit offices differ from city to city. Bellflower has four water companies, Seal Beach runs its own water and sewer systems, and Orange County cities have their own building departments. Check the official site for your city, or see our service area pages, which list the water provider and official links for each nearby city.

How current is this information?

This page was last reviewed on November 11, 2026, and shows that date at the top. Rules, utility programs and prices change, so we link to the official or original source for each key fact, and those sources are the final word. Cost figures come from named national guides, with the update date each one showed when we checked it. If something looks out of date, confirm it with the city, your water provider or the provider on the call, and let us know by calling the number on this page.

Can I call with questions before deciding on any work?

Yes. You can call (708) 350-9399 to describe the problem and ask whether your address is covered, what a visit would involve, and how pricing works, before you agree to anything. There's no form to fill in, and your details aren't sent to a list of contractors. If the job turns out to need a permit or a specialty service, ask about that on the call too.