What's That Smell?! Why You Should Call SERVPRO for Odor Removal

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

You enter your home or business and something smells. It’s an odor you don’t recognize as “normal” that seems to be lingering or getting worse. Our SERVPRO of Southeast Milwaukee County experts weigh in on helping you identify and eliminate odors, once and for all.

The smell: rotten eggs or sulfur. The cause: a possible gas leak.

Gas leaks can come from your kitchen or near other appliances that use gas. The smell could indicate that a burner valve is slightly open or a pilot light that is out, which you can easily fix yourself. On the other hand, if a gas smell is not easily identifiable—or if you hear the hissing sound of escaping gas—leave immediately and call your gas company once you’re safely outside. Do not try to turn off any electric switches or appliances.

The smell: burning or fishy. The cause: a possible electrical fire.

When electrical wiring starts to overheat, it can emit a burning smell. Or some electrical components smell fishy when they’re exposed to high temperatures. Check if any of your outlets are sparking, especially if you smell this odor in a certain room or area. If the burning smell is strong and you can’t determine the source, exit immediately and call 911.

The smell: musty. The cause: possibly mold or mildew.

A musty smell in your home or business could be a sign that there is mold or mildew. If your home is excessively humid or experienced a water leak or flooding, mold can grow in as little as 48 hours. If you have a serious mold issue, it’s best to have a mold remediation professional assess the situation.

The smell: sewage. The cause: dried out drain pipe.

Every plumbing system has a U-shaped pipe called a P-trap that uses water to help keep the stench of sewage from rising up through your pipes.  Once the pipe dries out (usually in a sink you don’t use often), that smell can waft up through your drain. Flushing your toilet or running water in the sink will usually fix the issue—if that doesn’t work, you may need to call a plumber.

Odor Removal, Whenever You Need It

Offensive odors that persist (but aren’t caused by any gas leaks of electrical issues), also need attention. That’s where our professional odor removal service comes in. Your local SERVPRO of Southeast Milwaukee County technicians have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor, and determining the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. For fresher indoor air, contact us at your convenience.