Sewage smells indoors or around the garden can have several causes besides a blocked drain.
Start with where the smell occurs
A smell at a little-used shower can come from a dry trap. An outside smell around a gully or manhole may point to an obstruction, poor sealing or leakage.
Look for associated symptoms
Gurgling, slow emptying and rising water make a drainage problem more likely. Smell alone does not prove a cracked underground pipe.
Traps and ventilation
Water held in traps helps stop drainage gases entering rooms. If that seal is lost through evaporation or pressure effects, smells may travel into the house.
When to investigate further
Persistent odours alongside damp ground, repeat blockages or leakage call for a proper inspection. Do not accept a costly replacement proposal based only on the smell.
A useful description
Tell the contractor whether the smell follows flushing, rain, warm weather or use of a particular appliance.
Need a drainage specialist?
You can describe your drainage problem and request quotes from local tradespeople through MyJobQuote. Ask the person you choose to explain the cause, price and scope of any proposed work.