Nothing kills the comfort of your home faster than a strange smell wafting up from the sink, shower, or loo. Whether it’s a whiff of rotten eggs, a mouldy pong, or just that wet dog scent (when you don’t have a dog), plumbing odours are never welcome. But they’re not just unpleasant—they could be a sign of a deeper issue lurking in your pipes.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common plumbing smells Aussie homeowners face, what they might mean, and when it’s time to stop sniffing around and call in a pro.
This is one of the most alarming odours and usually points to one thing: hydrogen sulphide gas. It’s often caused by bacteria growing in drains, water heaters, or even in your groundwater supply. If you notice this smell only when using hot water, your water heater might need a flush or its anode rod replaced.
But if it’s coming from multiple taps or drains, you could be dealing with a sewer line issue—or even a gas leak (since gas companies add a sulphur-like smell for detection).
Don’t risk it. If you’re smelling this consistently, it’s best to call in a licensed plumber to investigate ASAP.
That stale, earthy smell can signal moisture buildup—often due to a leak hiding behind walls or under flooring. Even a small drip from a pipe or appliance over time can lead to mould growth, which isn’t just bad for your nose—it’s potentially harmful to your health.
If you’ve already cleaned out the bathroom and the smell still lingers, it’s time to track down the source. A tradie can use moisture detection tools to pinpoint the leak and get it sorted before it causes structural damage or health issues.
This is one of the most common complaints, and unfortunately, one of the most unpleasant. That strong sewer gas smell could mean:
A dry P-trap (the U-shaped bend under sinks and showers that’s supposed to hold water and block odours).
A blocked or cracked vent pipe, preventing sewer gases from escaping properly.
A clogged drain or sewer line, pushing gas back into your home.
A good first step is to run water down unused drains (like in guest bathrooms) to refill the trap. If the smell sticks around, it’s likely something a professional plumber needs to get into.
While not strictly a “plumbing” smell, this odour coming from near your hot water system could mean overheating electrical components or corrosion inside the unit. If your water heater smells off—or if you notice brown or rusty water—turn it off and get it checked. It’s better to be safe than sorry (and cold).
You’ve scrubbed the loo, mopped the floor, even lit a scented candle—but the smell won’t quit. Chances are, the issue isn’t surface-level. Possible causes include:
A cracked toilet seal letting sewer gas seep up from underneath.
Loose bolts or fittings, letting waste water leak out.
A partially blocked waste pipe, causing slow drainage and lingering odours.
You don’t need to live with a stinky bathroom. A qualified tradie can reseal, realign or replace the necessary components quickly.
It’s tempting to chuck some drain cleaner down the pipe and hope for the best. But plumbing smells are often symptoms of bigger issues, and those issues rarely go away on their own. Left unchecked, you could be looking at:
Burst pipes
Water damage
Mould infestations
Health risks from sewer gas exposure
Not to mention a skyrocketing water bill if there’s a hidden leak involved.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to solve these mysteries alone. Whether it’s a smelly sink, dodgy drain or persistent pong, there’s a tradie on ServiceSeeking.com.au ready to help.
You can compare quotes, read reviews, and book local plumbers who know their way around Australian plumbing systems—so you don’t waste time or money guessing.
Winter’s a rough time for plumbing smells to creep in—windows stay shut, heaters dry the air, and moisture builds up fast. If you’ve noticed something off, don’t wait. The sooner you get it checked, the easier (and cheaper) it’ll be to fix.
That funky smell you’ve been tolerating? It’s probably trying to tell you something. And while a candle or a can of air freshener might hide it for a while, they won’t fix the problem.
Skip the guesswork. Get the right tradie for the job on ServiceSeeking.com.au and breathe easy again—literally.