Musty Odors Locating and Identifying Unpleasant House Smells

Identifying and Locating Odors

Unpleasant smells can make your home an uncomfortable place to be. Follow these tips to locate the source of the smell and eliminate it.

Inspect damp areas: Check basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms for moisture and mold.
Examine appliances: Look for leaks or clogs in refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines.
Check trash receptacles: Overfull or infrequently emptied trash bins can contribute to odors.
Inspect pet areas: Pet urine and feces can cause unpleasant smells, especially on carpets and furniture.
Air ducts and vents: Odors can be trapped in air ducts and vents, releasing them throughout your home.

Strange odors emanating from under your house could indicate various issues:

Broken or cracked sewer lines allow sewage gases to escape, creating unpleasant smells.
Tree roots can penetrate sewer lines, blocking or damaging them.

Damp crawl spaces or basements can foster mold growth, releasing a musty odor.
Mold can grow on wood, drywall, and insulation, causing health problems and damage to your home.