Do you smell that? If it smells like rotten eggs, your home might have a problem.

Septic tanks and the plumbing systems are designed to keep foul odors out of your home, but malfunctions can occur. When septic odors come wafting into your house, it’s not only extremely unpleasantbut can be dangerous. Learn about the common causes of nasty sewer smells emanating from your septic tank and steps you can take to remedy them.

Septic tank odors should never be ignored. If you smell sewage within your home, it’s time to call a professional. To schedule an appointment with CW Service Pros, call 972-395-2597.

Problem #1: Full Septic Tank

The most common cause of a septic tank smell within the home: the tank is full and needs to be pumped out. Aside from the smell, you may also notice:

• Gargling sounds coming from your sink or toilet, or
• Your washing machine draining much slower, or
• A sluggish flushing toilet

Failing to clean out your septic tank on time can also cause the sewage to overflow back into the showers, baths, and even flow out underneath flooring.

Solution to a Full Tank: Empty It

A septic tank should be emptied every one to two years. This is a good rule of thumb, but your particular schedule will depend on:

• The tank’s size
• The size of your family
• Your family’s needs

Regular maintenance could make it possible to go longer before you need to empty the tank. Using a biological agent, like BioOne, in your septic tank will prolong how long you are able to go between empting the tank. BioOne is also a non-caustic solution that is also safe for the environment. Contact CW Service Pros if you would like to purchase this product.

Problem #2: Dry Drains

The drains of a septic tank have a U-shaped bend in the pipe, known as the trap. This is designed to hold water and keeps gasses from rising up where you don’t want them. If the water and the drain dry up, the odors begin to travel up the pipe into your home.

Solution to Dry Drains: Pour Water Down the Drains, and Clean the Pipes

You can help keep water in the trap by running water monthly through the drains, especially in areas that don’t get a lot of use, like a guest bathroom. Create a schedule, so you don’t forget.

Keeping these pipes clean is also important, but you should contact a plumber for assistance with cleaning. Plumbing mistakes can cause costly damage.

Problem #3: Vent Stack Clog

The vent stack is the pipe that releases all the gases that build up in your septic tank and sewer system. The stack should send these gases out through your roof so the smells don’t affect you. Unfortunately, leaves, small animals, and other fallen debris can get jammed inside the pipe and cause odors to be trapped in you pipes and leach into your house.

Solution to a Vent Stack Clog: Clean the Roof, Gutter, and the Vent Stacks, Lengthen the Pipe, and Remove Debris

Debris can be carefully removed from the vent stack to restore proper functionality. In general, try to keep the area around your vent stacks clear of leaves, garbage, and other items. This means cleaning your roof and gutters of debris every so often. Following a regular plumbing maintenance plan can help.

The vent stack itself may also need to be lengthened or modified to prevent future build-ups. Some septic systems have their vents situated at ground-level. These can be extended away from the house if odor is a consistent problem.

Problem #4: Cold Weather

If you live in an area like North Texas that can have the occasional cold snap, then the weather could be causing your odor problem. In extreme cold or ice storms, ice can build up around venting areas and trap odors inside, similar to a clog caused by leaves or other debris.

Solution to Ice Traps: Monitor the Area, and Remove the Ice

Your best bet in this case is to keep a close eye on the area in question and check for ice. In some cases, it can be helpful to lengthen the pipes, so they don’t end up covered in a layer of snow or ice on the ground. Talk to a plumber about the best options for keeping your vents safe.

If you find your vent pipes have been covered in ice, chip away at the ice to help get warmer air to the area so the sun can help to clear the ice blockage.

Problem #5: Defective Gaskets and Seals

An improperly sealed or broken connection around one of your pipes can also cause smells where you don’t want them. A common area for this to occur is near the base of the toilet. If you notice the sewer smell in your home is particularly strong in the bathroom, check the toilet wax seal. Seals or gaskets can be loose or rotted and need to be repaired.

Solution to a Defective Gasket or Seal: Call a Plumber

This problem is a common issue for a plumber to fix. If a toilet is the culprit, a new wax ring can be installed by removing the toilet, replacing the seal, and resetting the toilet. Have a professional plumber go through each of your home’s bathrooms and check out the entire plumbing system to detect any loose or rotted seals or gaskets.

Septic tank odors are unwelcome and extremely unpleasant and can be dangerous if not corrected. If you smell sewage inside your home, it’s important to call a professional plumber right away. CW Service Pros is always available to help you identify the cause of the stench and rid your home of the nasty odor. Give us a call anytime at 972-395-2597.