Protect Your Desert Home from an Unseen—and Dangerous—Problem
If you’ve ever walked into your desert home after a long absence and noticed a foul, rotten-egg odor, you’re not alone—and it’s not just unpleasant. That smell could be sewer gas, and it’s more than a nuisance. It’s a warning sign that something in your home’s plumbing system needs attention—and fast.
At Coachella Valley Home Watch, we’ve seen firsthand how sewer gas leaks can cause serious problems in vacant homes, especially in our dry desert climate. Fortunately, this issue is preventable with the right monitoring and care.
Why Does Sewer Gas Leak Into Vacant Homes?
Every drain in your home—sinks, showers, tubs, and floor drains—has a P-trap: a curved pipe that holds water to block gases from backing up into the house. When water sits for too long without being replenished (like when a home is unoccupied), it evaporates, breaking the seal and allowing sewer gases to seep inside.
And in places like the Coachella Valley, where humidity is low and temperatures soar, this can happen faster than you think.
The Hidden Dangers of Sewer Gas
Besides the terrible smell, sewer gas isn’t something to ignore. It can pose real health and safety concerns:
- Hydrogen sulfide (the source of the smell) can irritate your eyes, throat, and lungs
- In higher concentrations, it can become toxic or combustible
- Long-term exposure may cause headaches, nausea, or fatigue
- It may signal a larger plumbing issue such as broken vents or cracked pipes
These problems tend to go unnoticed in vacant homes—until someone walks in and is hit with the smell or discovers mold, pests, or water damage caused by a dry trap.
How Coachella Valley Homeowners Can Prevent It
Whether you’re a seasonal resident or travel often, you don’t have to return to a home filled with harmful gases. Here’s how we help:

✅ Regular Walkthroughs – We flush toilets, run sinks, and check for dry traps during every visit.
✅ Moisture Monitoring – We look for signs of evaporation and inspect vulnerable areas.
✅ Odor Detection – We check for unusual smells that signal trapped gases or ventilation issues.
✅ Custom Service Plans – Our home watch visits are tailored to your schedule and property needs.
Why This Matters in the Coachella Valley
Our region’s desert climate accelerates trap evaporation, especially in homes left sealed and quiet. The longer a home sits without water use, the more likely it is that protective seals in drains will fail.
Plus, the heat causes odors to intensify—and HVAC systems may circulate them before you even realize something is wrong.
If your home is in Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Indian Wells, or the surrounding areas, it’s especially important to stay ahead of this risk.
Call to Action
Don’t let sewer gas ruin your return to the desert.
Let Coachella Valley Home Watch protect your home while you’re away—with expert, proactive care tailored to our unique climate.
📞 Call us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can give you peace of mind while you’re gone. 760-205-2072
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do traps dry out in a vacant home?

In the Coachella Valley, traps can dry out in as little as one to two weeks without use—especially during hot, dry months.
Can I just pour water down the drains before I leave?
That helps, but it’s not a long-term solution. Without regular replenishment, the water will still evaporate over time. That’s why scheduled home watch visits are key.
Is sewer gas actually dangerous?
Yes. In small amounts, it’s unpleasant. In higher concentrations or over long periods, it can be harmful to your health and may indicate other serious plumbing problems.
Can sewer gas damage my home?
Yes. Beyond the health risks, sewer gas can contribute to mold growth, pest infestations, and even pipe corrosion if left unchecked.
Do I really need home watch services if I only leave for a few weeks at a time?
Absolutely. Even short absences can create issues—especially during summer. Preventative care now can save you from expensive repairs later.
Protect Your Peace of Mind
At Coachella Valley Home Watch, we treat your home as if it were our own. Sewer gas is just one of the many hidden threats we help our clients avoid. Let us keep your desert home safe, sound, and fresh—no matter how long you’re away.
📞 Contact us now to schedule your free consultation. 760-205-2072