There are many things homeowners will experience, some good and some bad, but one certain thing is that you’ll experience some odd smells.
There will be a time when sewer gas starts to seep into your home, and it won’t be pleasant. Imagine rotten eggs or cabbage. Not only is it a nuisance in smell, but it’s also quite dangerous and can indicate a bigger problem – like a leak. Fortunately, not all gas backups are serious and may be fixable without calling in reinforcements! In this article, we’ll go over what sewer gas is, its dangers, its causes, how to fix it, and how to prevent it in the future.
What Is Sewer Gas?
So, the big question is – What is sewer gas? Sewer gas is a generic term that refers to a combination of different gasses that are produced by the decomposition of human waste. Sewer gas is produced when water and waste products are not properly disposed of. These gasses include methane, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide. While most of these gasses are odorless, hydrogen sulfide is responsible for the signature “rotten egg” smell associated with sewer gas. However, many of these gasses are dangerous and can be a health risk.
The Dangers of Sewer Gas
While the smell of sewer gas may be unpleasant, it can also be dangerous. Inhaling high concentrations of sewer gas can lead to headaches, nausea, respiratory problems, and even death. Additionally, sewer gas is flammable. If there is a build-up of sewer gas in an enclosed space, it could ignite and cause a dangerous explosion. So it’s important to take precautions if you suspect there may be a problem.
If you smell sewer gas in your home, immediately open windows and doors to ventilate the area. Next, try to identify the source of the smell, and if needed call a plumber to inspect your plumbing to identify and fix the problem.
What Causes Sewer Gas Smell in Your House?
There are several possible causes of sewer gas smells in your house.
One possibility is that there is a leak in your home’s sewer system. This could be caused by a cracked pipe or a faulty seal around a pipe joint.
Another possibility is that your home’s plumbing vents are blocked. Plumbing vents allow sewer gasses to escape from your home, so if they are blocked, the gasses could build up and cause a smell. Vents can become blocked by snow, debris, or even animal nests.
Finally, another possibility is that you have a dry trap. A “trap” is a U-shaped section of pipe designed to hold water and create a seal that prevents sewer gas from entering your home. If the trap becomes dry, it will no longer be able to create an effective seal and sewer gas can escape. This can happen if the trap is not used often enough or if there is a leak in the pipe.
In the next section, we’ll review ways to fix gas leaks.
How to Fix Sewer Gas Smell in Your House
If you have a sewer gas smell in your house, there are ways to fix it at home. The first step is to identify the location and that helps decide how to fix it. Here are a few places to check and solutions if that’s the sewer gas culprit!
First, check all of your home’s plumbing vents. Make sure they are clear of debris and snow. If not, clear it out. You may need to use a ladder to reach the vents on your roof.
Next, check all of the traps in your home’s plumbing. If any of them are dry, try to pour some water into them to see if that solves the problem.
Finally, sewer gas can enter your home if there is a gap or crack in the foundation. This is pretty challenging for someone to identify, so if you still notice a smell after taking the first two steps, we recommend calling a plumber to inspect your pipes and make any necessary repairs.
Once the source of the sewer gas smell has been identified, it is important to take steps to fix the problem. In some cases, this may be as simple as fixing a leaky pipe or sealing cracks in your plumbing. In other cases, more extensive work may be necessary. If your home has an outdated sewage system, it may need to be replaced. This is a major project that should be done by a professional.
Preventing Sewer Gas Smells
The best way to deal with sewer gas smells is to prevent it from happening in the first place. This can be done by properly disposing of water and waste products, and by keeping your plumbing in good working condition. The best way to prevent sewer gas smells is performing regular maintenance to identify problems before they become serious.
If you do smell sewer gas in your home, take action immediately to ventilate the area, inspect your home for anything you can fix on your own, and call a plumber to inspect your plumbing.
Sewer gas can be a nasty surprise. But by taking some simple precautions, you can prevent it from becoming a problem in your home.
Your Can Trust Santa Cruz’s Expert Plumbing To Help with Sewer Drain Repair
Smelly sewer gas is not just bad-smelling, it’s also dangerous. We’ve reviewed what causes sewer gas smells, how to manage and remove them, and how to prevent them in the future. However, if the problem persists, you may need to call a professional plumber for help. Professionals will be able to quickly identify the cause, fix it, and keep your home safe.
If you’re suffering with sewer gas smells or any other plumbing issue, we’d love to help. Contact us today!