There are several common reasons you might notice a strong poop-like smell outside your home. Here are the most likely causes and what to do about them. Possible causes
- Manure or fertilizer odors from nearby farms or fields. This is especially common in rural areas or regions with agricultural activity, and smells can drift with the wind. Odors often intensify in fall, after manure spreading or when crops are being prepared.
- Sewer vent or sewer line issues. If a roof vent or vent stack is damaged or blocked, sewer gases can escape outside and carry a strong odor around the house. A cracked or broken main sewer line can also produce persistent smells and may indicate a serious plumbing issue.
- Blockages or backups in indoor plumbing. Odors that seem to come from drains inside the home can contribute to outdoor smells if drainage is backing up or if damp areas around exterior pipes are involved.
- Weather and air movement effects. Temperature inversions, wind patterns, and the house’s location in a valley or low-lying area can cause odors to linger outside or be directed toward the property.
What to check first
- Note where the odor is strongest: outside near the street, in the yard, or around any plumbing vents on the roof. This helps distinguish between agricultural smells and a possible plumbing/sewer issue.
- Inspect accessible outdoor sewer components: vent pipes on the roof for blockages, visible leaks along the foundation, and any damp spots or unusual wet areas in the yard. If you see wet spots or sewage odors unusually persistent, treat it as a potential sewer problem and investigate promptly.
- Check for nearby activity: if there are farms or fields nearby, especially with recent manure spreading or harvesting, odors may be seasonal and tied to agricultural practices.
What to do
- If the odor seems to be concentrated around outdoor plumbing components or there are signs of wastewater backing up (gurgling drains, slow drains, damp soil, or a strong, persistent sewer smell), contact a licensed plumber or sewer specialist promptly. A cracked sewer line or blocked vent can require professional diagnosis and repair.
- If agricultural odors are the primary source and there’s no plumbing or wastewater issue, there isn’t a safety risk to your household—though odor can be unpleasant. You can reduce odor exposure by sealing gaps around doors and windows, and landscaping barriers or air movement may help disperse odors.
- If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and get a professional assessment, especially if there are any health concerns, persistent foul odors, or signs of sewage exposure.
When to seek urgent help
- Any signs of sewage backing into the home, sewage odors inside the living space, or wet, foul-smelling spots in the yard that worsen or expand should be treated as an urgent issue and inspected by a professional promptly.
If you can share your exact location (region or nearby land use) and where the odor is strongest (yard, street, near vents), a more targeted assessment can be provided.
