If your home smells funny, it may be nothing more than the trash that needs to be taken out, but the odd odor could signify something more serious. Here are some common causes of strange smells in your home.
Don’t Ignore These Odors When Your Home Smells Funny
Gas Smell
Natural gas companies add a chemical to the gas so it will be detectable in case of a leak. This chemical has a rotten egg smell, so if you notice a sulfuric odor in the home, it could be a sign of a gas leak. Leave the property immediately and contact the gas company and 911. They will send professionals to check for leaks and make the area safe again.
Musty Odor
A musty odor can be unpleasant, and more often than not, it is a sign of a plumbing leak or the presence of mold and mildew. Check all of your plumbing when your home smells funny.
If you find signs of mold or mildew, disinfect the area with a water and bleach solution. If the odor persists, the problem may also be behind the walls where you cannot see it. Contact a home inspector for additional assistance.
Strange Smells in Your Home Like Fish
When you cook seafood in the house, your home can smell like fish for days. However, if you don’t have any fish in the home and your home smells funny like seafood, it may be an overheating electrical fixture or appliance.
The fishy odor is caused when rubber and plastic materials melt. If ignored, it could lead to a fire. Determine the source of the smell. Switch off the circuit breaker to that particular outlet, or fixture, and contact a professional.
Smoky Odor
Smoky smells are a sign that something is burning in your home. When your home smells like smoke periodically, when you use a certain appliance or light, it could be from a circuit overheating and electrical wires burning. This could cause a house fire, so contact an electrician or the fire department immediately.
These are only a few of the types of strange odors you may notice in the home. The best thing to do when your home smells funny is to find the source of the odor or contact a professional to help you narrow down the cause and come up with a solution.
R. Sorensen Construction and Inspections provides inspection services to homebuyers and sellers in Eastern Oregon. Contact us to schedule an appointment.