That odd scent could be a sign of a much bigger hazard.

There are some odors that are not just unpleasant, but potentially dangerous to sniff in a home.

If left unchecked, these kinds of smells can lead to health risks, costly repairs and damage.

Illustration of a stylized house with abstract shapes and faces surrounding it

Smoke

Where there is smoke, there could be fire.

So if youre smelling rotten egg smell in the air of your home, thats a serious concern.

Natural gas leaks can lead to explosions or poisoning.

Smoke rising towards a ceiling-mounted smoke detector

A P-trap is a U-shaped pipe underneath your sink or drain that is meant to trap water.

Ireland said the sewage smell issue often comes from unused guest bathrooms.

When that trap dries out, it allows a gas smell to go in, she said.

Person adjusting a gas stove burner with a blue flame

So usually youll have to replace parts, like anode rods, Ireland said.

This can be a health risk, especially for those with allergies or respiratory issues, Klosterman said.

You dont want to let mold freely grow.

p trap underneath a sink

Take your clothes dryer, as one common example.

Take time to familiarize yourself with the location of the electrical circuit breakers in the home.

Each breaker should be individually labeled to designate the area where electricity is being channeled.

Toilet with open lid and a roll of toilet paper on the holder in a bathroom

Sweet, Syrupy Smells From Your Air Conditioning Unit

Sometimes, hazardous smells can be sweet.

An unusual, sweet smell could indicate a coolant leak from your refrigerator or air conditioning unit.

Ultimately, these smells are warning signs of larger hazards that should not be ignored.

Water flowing from a square shower head against a blurred background

This post originally appeared onHuffPost.

Mold growth on a wall behind removed baseboards with visible wooden studs

Person opening a laundry machine's detergent drawer

Wall-mounted air conditioning unit with a digital display, installed in a corner near the ceiling