Homes can host all sorts of smells. Some are unpleasant but benign, while others might signal a serious issue. Here are the culprits lying behind some of the most common musty smells in a home so that you know how to eradicate them.
Faulty Electrical
When electrical components begin to fail, they typically start by overheating. If not addressed in time, this can lead to house fires. So, it is important that you know what to look for, or smell for rather, in regards to faulty electrical components. When electrical wiring overheats, it will cause any casings around the wire to burn. When these plastic housings melt, they will omit a somewhat fishy smell. If you smell this type of odor in your home, it is important to call an electrician out as soon as possible to check for failed wiring.
Leaks
Leaks are another common source of musty smells. Leaks cause water damage and that water damage can provide the perfect environment for mold to set in. Common leak sources are weak plumbing and compromised roofs. If you cannot see evidence of water damage but your home just smells musty or you catch whiffs of cat urine, this is a sign that your home is suffering from water damage. If you suspect water damage in your home, call a plumber. They will be able to trace the starting point of a leak and rectify the issue before more damage occurs.
Gas Lines
Another type of leak that is common to homes are gas leaks. These types of leaks are especially dangerous when inhaled and are highly flammable. Natural gas on its own is colorless and odorless, which is why gas companies add an odorant to the lines to alert families to leaks. The smell you need to watch out for is a sulfurous scent. If you start to smell stinky eggs all of a sudden, that is your cue to take action. Get all members of your household outside the home. Once you are safely outside, contact your gas company and alert them to the situation so that they can turn off your gas supply and send out a technician to fix the leak.
Not all smells in a home signal to a serious problem, but these are three instances where foul odors should put you on alert. If you haven’t had your home inspected since you moved in, there is value in having a home inspection done even when you are not planning on selling your home. At SHI, our inspections can alert you to some of these potential problems as well. If you want to protect your family and your investment, schedule an inspection today!
By Strouse Home Inspections 11-14-2022
