What’s causing a damp smell in my house if there’s no damp?

In this post we answer the question: What’s causing a damp smell in the house if there’s no damp?

If you’ve noticed a damp or earthy smell in your home, but you can’t see any visible signs of damp, what could be the cause? Below are some of the most common causes of a musty smell in a home.

What causes a damp, earthy smell if there’s no damp?

Well, there’s no single answer to that question. There could be various reasons why you can smell a damp, musty odour in your home.

What’s causing a damp smell in the house if there’s no sign of damp?

1. An old leak or flood. You might have fixed an old leak, or cleaned up after a flood, but it takes time for your home to completely dry out. There could be some remaining damp within the wood, bricks, or plaster – hidden behind dry walls and floors.
2. Blocked pipes. Dodgy plumbing or blocked pipework can give off a damp smell, depending what’s in the pipes and drains. If you notice the smell is stronger in the kitchen or bathroom, try using a drain cleaner to see if that fixes the problem.
3. Damaged bricks, roofing, or gutters. Check the exterior of your property for any cracked bricks, damaged roof tiles, or broken guttering. It might be that rainwater is getting into the structure of your home, causing a damp smell.

For tips on how to get rid of the unpleasant musty odour in your home, check out our guide on how to get rid of damp smells.

Get help from an experienced damp expert near you

If you’ve checked your home inside and out and are still stumped, it’s time to get help from a professional damp investigator.

Thankfully, you’re in the best place to find the best local tradespeople in your area.

Simply pop your postcode into the box below and search our online directory for approved tradespeople near you.