Some household smells are bad, but you can ignore them as you know they’re not related to a problem. Your rubbish bin might smell a bit funky as it fills up, though it’s quite obvious as to why that’s the case.
Your dishwasher could stink because it still has old plates in it that weren’t rinsed off, and the machine hasn’t been turned on yet. Hell, you may even get that classic musty odour because you’ve got a dog.
The point is, bad smells don’t automatically equate to problems, but there are some scents that need your full and immediate attention. If you smell any of the following around your home, then there is a chance that something quite serious is wrong and must be sorted out.
1. Gas/Sulphur (When You’re Not Cooking)
If you use a gas cooker, then you’re going to smell a bit of gas when you cook, and that’s fine. However, if you smell that classic sulphur odour when you’re not cooking, then it could indicate a gas leak – especially if the smell persists and gets stronger.
This is no joke: gas leaks are massive fire hazards, not to mention they’re a huge health risk. You need to turn the gas off and get a gas fitter on the phone right away to inspect your home and identify any leaks. If there are some, they can fix them for you.
2. Sewage
You might smell sewage from time to time as it comes from outside of your home, but if you smell it every day and it seems to emanate from drains inside your property, then there’s a problem. It’s likely related to a blocked drain or an issue with a sewer pipe, so call a plumber and they should be able to identify the issue and fix it.
3. Burning Plastic
This is a biggie as it usually means there’s a hidden electrical problem somewhere in your home. Burning plastic happens when the rubber wires heat up and start to melt, which is usually due to the electrical wiring carrying too much voltage or charge.
Like a gas leak, this is a massive fire risk that can devastate your home and cause serious injuries, so keep a nose out for the smell of burning plastic or rubber. If you spot it, turn off the electricity and call an emergency electrician to see to the issue.
4. Persistent Musty Smells
If you don’t have a pet, yet you keep smelling musty odours in your home, there’s a strong chance this is caused by damp and mould. It’s very common in homes with poor ventilation, particularly if you dry your clothes indoors all the time.
Take action when you smell musty odours by opening your windows, using a dehumidifier and turning on the extraction fans when you shower. This can already improve the smell and prevent proper mould from forming – which ends up being a health concern and a very costly fix.
Don’t ignore these bad smells in your home, as they can be linked to serious household problems. If you start to smell them consistently – or they appear out of the blue – then you need to take action before a catastrophe strikes.
