Raining often causes atmospheric pressure changes, which can lead to the air becoming heavy. As such, the methane gases typically found in the septic tank don’t flow through the vent as they normally would. Instead, they stay low to the ground, causing a foul smell similar to rotten eggs.
How do I stop my septic tank from smelling when it rains?
Run water through your drains frequently. Typically, houses with more than one bathroom suffer from septic smells more often when it rains because one of the bathrooms is used less often. By running water in all your sinks, showers, toilets, and drains every couple of months, you can prevent this kind of issue.
How do I get rid of sewer smell outside?
While you can’t stop the creation of septic and sewer gases, you can eliminate the odor that is caused as they exit the roof vent pipe or septic tank vent by installing a Wolverine Brand® carbon filter on top of your sewer vent.
Is it normal to smell septic outside?
Odor Near the Septic Tank Outside the Home It’s normal to occasionally notice a weak smell near the septic tank, but a strong odor could be a sign of a leak from the manhole. Check the risers and manholes to make sure they’re covered securely.
Why does it smell like rotten eggs outside my house?
Natural gas, which is primarily methane, doesn’t actually have any odor at all. So for safety, most gas companies add small quantities of a compound call Mercaptan. It’s what gives it the smell of rotten eggs and this is for safety so people know when there is a gas leak.
Why is my septic tank smelling?
Smelly septic tanks are a result of the presence of gases in the system, including hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and methane. The pH levels in these gases are too acidic for the microorganisms in the tank to digest the organic matter, causing the tank to smell.
How do you know when your septic system is failing?
The first signs of a failing septic system may include slow draining toilets and sinks, gurgling noises within the plumbing, sewage odors inside, continuing drainage backups, or bacteria in the well water. The area of the strongest odor will point to the location of the failure in the septic system.
How do you tell if your drain field is failing?
If so, here are the eight signs of septic system failure.
- Septic System Backup.
- Slow Drains.
- Gurgling Sounds.
- Pool of Water or Dampness Near Drainfield.
- Nasty Odors.
- Unusual, Bright Green Grass Above Drainfield.
- Blooms of Algae in Nearby Water.
- High Levels of Coliform in Water Well.
Why does it smell like sulfur outside after rain?
Sewer Gas. The gas itself can be both non-toxic and toxic gases. This mixture can produce some very bad smells and include sulfur dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and other gases. When your house smells like sewer during a rainstorm or just after a rainstorm, that is a sign you have some plumbing issues.
Why do I smell sewer gas outside my home?
Partial Septic Blockage If your pipes become clogged, they can produce an odor both inside and outside your home. You’ll usually notice the sewer smell during times of heavy water usage or if it’s very windy outside because the gas is forced toward areas that it wouldn’t normally occupy.
Why does sewer smell come and go?
One of the most common causes of sewage smells is a clogged drain. When your home’s wastewater has nowhere to go, the odors will come back up the drain they should be going down.
Why Septic Tanks Smell When It Rains
1) When it rains, your septic tank stinks because the air is thick and does not enable the methane emissions to escape through the venting system. Because of the air pressure, it tends to linger low to the ground and has a rotten egg smell, which is not uncommon. Following aseptic pumping, there will be a stench similar to rotten eggs, also known as methane gas, which will disappear in about a half-hour. In addition, if the septic system smells like rotten eggs in the bathroom, it might be due to an aloose toilet gas ring around the toilet.
If the scent persists even when it is not raining, the wax rings should be replaced.
The Septic System Smells in Your Home
When it rains, the ground becomes saturated, which causes the leaching operation in your leach field to be slowed down. As a result, the liquid level in the tank rises in the tank. Due to the rise in pressure, the gases in the tank experience increased backpressure, which in turn momentarily increases the amount of gas present in the drain, waste, and vent systems throughout your home. What we’ve discovered is that any property with more than one bathroom may experience this unwelcome odor from time to time, which we believe is common.
Consequently, the water in those traps has evaporated, leaving the drain lines accessible to the outside of the home.
How to Get Rid of the Septic Smell in Your Home
Water in all of your sinks, baths, showers, and drains should be run at least once every couple of months, according to the easy DIY remedy we propose to our consumers. This ensures that the water level in the traps is maintained at an appropriate level. It is recommended that you fill each drain with a few quarts of water or use an anti-clog liquid system (CCLS) in the event that you have floor drains in your cellar.
Septic System and Septic Tank Smell Not Going Away?
The evaporation theory isn’t necessarily right in all cases, though. It’s possible that something more dark and complicated is at work. However, until a septic professional can come in and check your surroundings, it is quite impossible to determine the extent of the problem. We recommend that you contact a reputable septic service provider to get your system inspected as soon as possible. Furthermore, we recommend that you get your septic tank serviced on a regular basis to keep it running smoothly.
Contact us now to learn more about our services, inspections, and maintenance in Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, Taunton, Dighton, Mattapoisett, Raynham, Berkley, and Freetown, MA, as well as the rest of Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
The Reason Your House Smells Like Sewer When it Rains
At some point in our lives, we’ve all experienced it: you wake up in the morning on a gloomy day or enter into your home after driving in the rain and notice that something doesn’t smell quite right. When it rains, your house takes on the smell of a sewer rather than a fresh, clean, natural fragrance.
Because of some unknown reason, you’re overcome by a foul odor that reminds you of sewage backups. What exactly is going on? What is causing your home to smell like a sewer? We’ll go through some of the probable reasons, solutions, and preventative strategies below.
My House Smells Like a Sewer When It Rains! What’s Going On?
A sewage stench in your home may be incredibly bothersome, especially if there is no obvious reason for it to be there in the first place. There are several plausible reasons for this, and we’ll go through each one in further detail below.
Bacteria and Decomposing Waste
The bacteria and decaying trash in your sewer system are the initial and most prevalent causes of a sewer smell in your home, and they are the most difficult to eliminate. Water, human waste, and drainage make up the majority of sewers’ content, which can result in an exceedingly unpleasant odor. The off-gassing may be dangerous, which is why sewer systems are engineered with sewer traps to prevent the escape of gas from the system. Residential toilets feature an au-shaped sewage trap in their system, which collects water and acts as a barrier between sewer gases and your house, preventing them from entering.
The consequence will be a foul odor that is unbearable to be around.
Dried-Out Water Barrier
In the event that your home smells like sewer after a rainstorm, another probable cause might be a dried-out water barrier in the sewer trap, which is typically produced by a lack of usage of the sewer trap. It is possible for the water barrier within the sewage trap to get dehydrated if you have a seldom used fixture in your house, such as a bathroom shower in the basement, to become dehydrated. In this case, the easiest solution is to run some water from that fixture to fill the trap belly and rebuild the water barrier.
It is possible that gas will escape and settle within your home, which will have a negative impact on the health and well-being of your family.
Water and Pressure
In the event that your home smells like sewer after a rainstorm, another probable source might be a dried-out water barrier in the sewer trap, which is typically produced by a lack of usage of the sewer trap. You may notice the water barrier within the sewage trap drying out if you have a fixture in your home that isn’t used very often, such as a bathroom shower in the basement. The easiest approach to correct this is to run some water from that fixture to fill the trap belly and re-establish the moisture barrier.
It is possible that gas will escape and gather within your home, which can have a negative impact on the health and well-being of your family.
If You’re on a Septic Tank
There are a variety of factors that might contribute to an unpleasant smell inside your home when it rains. If you live on a sewage system, any of the following factors could be at fault:
- Rain frequently causes changes in atmospheric pressure, which can result in the air being heavier as a result. Consequently, the methane gases ordinarily contained in the septic tank do not pass through the vent as readily as they would otherwise. Instead, they remain low to the ground, emitting a horrible odor that is comparable to that of rotten eggs. Downdrafts from plumbing vent stacks can be created by extremely cold temperatures. If the weather is windy, you will notice that the odor changes throughout the day in this situation. If the odor diminishes as the temperature rises, downdrafts are the most likely source of that foul sewage stench in your home
- If the septic tank is overflowing, this can cause the pump to malfunction. As a result, new wastewater will not be introduced to replace the old wastewater, resulting in a foul odor being produced. One further probable reason of an odor associated with a sewer in your home is a blocked venting system in the septic tank. This is common if you’ve had work done on your house or landscape and the vents are no longer functioning correctly after the repair is completed. In the end, you’ll have sewage gases that can’t escape from the wastewater, so they’ll build up in your home and give off a bad stench.
Other Causes of a Sewer Smell in Your Home
- Cracked pipes: Pipes that are degraded, damaged, or cracked might allow sewage gas to escape and into your home. Dripping pipes and vents: Improperly positioned pipes and vents can create leaks in your plumbing system, which can result in sewage gas escaping into your house. Similarly, sewage gas might seep into your house if the vents are positioned too close to a window or an air intake, or if the vents are not built at all. Occasionally, leaks from surrounding septic systems might seep into your home through gaps in the foundation
- In these instances, you should seek professional assistance. Dripping or clogging drains: Drains are responsible for the transfer of hazardous material via the septic system. Sewage backup produced by objects that shouldn’t have been poured or flushed down the toilet is the most prevalent reason for clogged drains. If the blockage is not handled immediately, it might continue to disintegrate and emit an exceedingly terrible odor throughout your house. Gas leaks in your house might be caused by loose toilets that aren’t firmly connected to the sewer pipes.
Is Sewer Gas Dangerous?
Yes, inhaling sewage gas is not healthy and, in fact, may be rather deadly if the problem is not treated immediately. Sewer gas is really a mixture of several gases and molecules, including hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, and carbon dioxide, amongst other substances. When used in tiny amounts, sewage gas is not harmful; nevertheless, several of the gases included in its composition can significantly contribute to high-level toxicity when used in large quantities. Sulfur dioxide (H2S): According to recent research, hydrogen sulfide can be hazardous to the body’s oxygen systems and should be avoided.
Ammonia is a component that you may already be familiar with because it is commonly found in cleaning products.
When exposed to low quantities of ammonia, it can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
Both methane and carbon dioxide are relatively benign and nonhazardous to people when they are released into the atmosphere.
When methane is present in significant quantities, it may become exceedingly combustible. Due to the fact that ammonia is also extremely flammable, there is little doubt that sewage gas at larger concentrations may pose a major fire threat.
What Are the Symptoms of Exposure to Sewer Gas?
If you are breathing sewage gas, you should know that it is not healthy and can even be hazardous if the problem is not treated immediately. A mixture of numerous gases and chemicals, including hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, and carbon dioxide, is produced by the breakdown of wastewater. When used in tiny amounts, sewage gas is not hazardous; but, several of the gases included in its composition can significantly contribute to high-level toxicity when used in large quantities. Hydrogen sulfide is a gas that is produced by the breakdown of sulfur.
- Your familiarity with ammonia as a chemical ingredient that is commonly found in cleaning products is likely to be limited.
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat can result with exposure to low amounts of ammonia.
- Both methane and carbon dioxide are largely benign and nonhazardous to people when they are released into the environment.
- The fact that ammonia is also extremely flammable means that sewage gas at greater concentrations can pose a major fire threat.
- Headaches, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, poor focus, and poor memory are all symptoms of migraine.
If excessive quantities of sewage gas get into your house, you should expect far more serious symptoms, such as the ones listed below:
- Loss of sense of smell
- Inflammation of the mouth, throat, and lungs (induced by excessive amounts of ammonia)
- Eye discomfort, pink eye, seizures, coma, and death are all possible outcomes.
Because of the high quantities of ammonia in the air, people may experience a loss of smell, mouth, throat, and lung discomfort. Irritation of the eyes, pink eye, seizures, coma, and death
How to Prevent Sewer Smell in Your House When It Rains
When it comes to dealing with the nasty odor of sewage gas in your house, prevention is the key to success. Here are three preventative actions you may take to keep sewage gas leaks from entering your house and from emitting a foul odor as a result of the leaks.
Make Sure Water Stays in the Sewer Trap(s)
Once you’ve identified the locations of all of your home’s plumbing traps, you can ensure that they are kept at the proper water level to avoid dried-out water barriers from forming. To keep the traps from drying out in fixtures that are used only seldom or never, sprinkle a few tablespoons of vegetable oil on top of the water to decrease the evaporation rate and prevent the trap from drying out.
Clean Out Your Drains
Drains being clogged are quite common. A variety of materials, ranging from garbage to hair to toys and a variety of other items, can make their way into your drains. Drain stoppers should be removed and cleaned of debris on a regular basis in order to prevent blockages in your drains. Then they should be placed away. If you have a pipe waste cleaner, you may put it down the drain and it will draw out all of the junk that is trapped inside. Otherwise, you may just bend a little hook at the end of a wire and use it to remove trash as a substitute.
You can continue this process as many times as necessary until there is no more debris blocking the drain. At the end of the process, flush the drain with 4-5 litres of hot water and reinstall the stopper (s).
Make Sure the Toilet Isn’t Loose
As previously said, a leaking toilet can not only cause water to spill directly onto the floor, but it can also allow sewage gases to enter your home through the crack. Check your toilets for any loose joints or bolts to ensure that the stink does not have a means to accumulate in your residence.
DIY Shower and Sink Drain Sewer Smell Removal
Because of the reasons we’ve already stated, a leaking toilet can not only cause water to flow onto the floor, but it can also allow sewage gases to enter your house. Check your toilets for any loose joints or bolts to ensure that the stink does not have a chance to build in your home and spread.
When to Call a Specialist Plumber
It is not recommended that you attempt to address the problem yourself unless you are an experienced DIYer or have dealt with sewage gas odor in the past. Because of the potentially hazardous nature of the problem, it is preferable to get it addressed by a professional plumbing firm. Best San Diego Leak Detection provides a comprehensive variety of skilled plumbing services that are meant to find the specific source of the sewage stench in your house and correct it in the shortest amount of time with the least amount of disturbance to you as possible.
When it rains, your house may smell like a sewer, and Best San Diego Leak Detection can assist you in resolving the issue quickly and efficiently.
20th of January, 2020 Categories:
Why Does My Septic Tank Smell When It Rains – Greenville Sewer Septic
You may notice an unpleasant stench coming from your septic tank when it rains if you have one. This stench is typically compared to the scent of rotting eggs, which is not something you’ll want to be exposed to on a regular basis if at all possible. This article will provide you with some information on why your septic tank stinks when it rains and what you can do about it.
Why It Smells
Methane gas is present in your septic tank, and it has a pungent stench that is difficult to ignore. Rain causes the air to become heavier, which prevents methane gas from rising to the surface and exiting via the septic tank’s vent. This causes the methane to stay close to the earth, resulting in the all-too familiar rotten egg odor. Check around your toilet for a gas ring that has come free, if you are finding this stench concentrated inside your bathroom. It just takes a little hole in the ring for methane gas from your septic tank to get into your bathroom and cause damage.
Other Reasons for Odor
It is extremely important to keep the ground moist when it rains. In your leach field, this will have the effect of slowing down the naturally occurring leaching that occurs. A rise in the liquid level of your septic tank creates back pressure on the gases that are trapped inside the tank. Consequently, there will be greater quantities of methane gas in your home’s drainage, waste disposal, and even vent system as a result of this.
One other possible explanation is that the substance contained within your tank is not being broken down adequately. This results in a backfill of garbage, and when it rains, the pressure pushes the odor to the surface of the ground.
How to Fix Septic Tank Smells
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to get rid of the foul odor originating from your septic tank, regardless of whether it is pouring or snowing outside. The first step is to immediately add a specific treatment to the tank that contains unique enzymes. These enzymes will aid in the decomposition of waste within the aquarium. Run the water in all of your sinks, showers, and tubs at the same time every few months to clean them. This will guarantee that the level of water inside the traps of your tank remains consistent and at an appropriate level.
They will be able to do a full check and establish the source of the problem, along with recommendations for how to solve it.
Our phone number is 864-385-3933, and you may reach us and arrange an appointment with us right now.
Yard Smells Funky When It Rains-I have a Septic System
It has little to do with the amount of rain that falls, but rather with the atmospheric conditions that exist when rain falls. Anaerobic bacteria are responsible for the breakdown of waste in septic tanks. Their activities release foul-smelling pollutants into the atmosphere. It is normal for gaseous waste to make its way up the main drainage line to the venting system and out the roof. These gases are carried away unobserved by the normal circumstances of the atmosphere. When particular circumstances are met, the air above the roof holding the foul odor is heavier than the surrounding air, resulting in the bad smell being trapped.
- There isn’t much you can do to change the situation.
- The house trap would prevent aromas from escaping through the roof; instead, all odors would be expelled through the house trap’s vent.
- Depending on where the tank is located, you may be able to directly vent the tank.
- Tank venting is mandatory in certain areas, and in others it is only recommended.
- Septic tanks have a foul odor.
Why Does My Home Smell Like a Sewer After It Rains?
Being able to live in Santa Rosa without having to deal with snow is one of the many things we appreciate about living here. In fact, when compared to the rest of the country, California’s winters are very mild. There is still a winter in Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, despite this. Our winters are often characterized by heavy rainfall, with an average of 38 inches per year.
Unfortunately, for some homeowners, their home begins to smell like a sewer after a heavy downpour of rainfall. In the event that this occurs to you, don’t be concerned; there are steps you can do and reasons why your home smells like a sewer when it rains.
First, Blame Bacteria
Your plumbing system was designed to function as a waste disposal system. Specifically, when we speak of waste in this context, we are referring to both human and organic waste. The vast majority of organic waste originates from things that are thrown down the drain, such as food scraps and coffee grounds. When a large amount of water is put down the sink and there is a backup, an unpleasant odor might emerge. If you notice a stench, have it repaired right once because this scent might be harmful.
It is the location where all of your wastewater is stored.
Over time, the u-trap might get clogged, resulting in a foul stench emanating from your property when it rains, which is caused by sewage gas.
Don’t Disregard the Septic Tank
Is your house built on a septic tank system? This might explain why your home smells like sewage after a wet day, in which case you should call a professional. If you live on a septic tank and notice sewage odors in your house, there is a good chance that your septic tank is the source of the problem. Septic tanks become old and worn out over time, and they begin to collapse as a result. In order for rainfall to absorb itself into the earth, it must find the lowest position possible, which is typically at the bottom of your septic tank.
If you have any reason to believe this is the case, contact a professional plumber immediately.
Your Water Barrier or P-Trap is Dried Out
Every one of your plumbing fittings is equipped with a p-trap, which is also known as a water barrier in certain circles. Do you have any plumbing equipment in your home, such as a shower or a sink, that aren’t used very often? The presence of sewage after heavy rains may indicate the presence of sewage. It is possible for the p-trap to become clogged when a plumbing appliance or fixture in your house is not frequently used. In the event that you have a sink or shower in your home that does not get used very often.
The flow will rewet the water barrier and aid in the removal of the sewage stench from the area.
Cracked Pipes and Clogged Drains
After a rainstorm, damaged pipes and clogged drains are two of the most prevalent causes of sewage smells in the house; however, other factors can play a role. It is normal for tree roots to produce cracks or breaks in pipes in yards where there are many trees. Tree roots, on the other hand, can cause cracks in your septic tank. A blocked drain is one that has been backed up due to the accumulation of biological material, which includes food scraps, hair, and cleaning agents.
Whenever your sink becomes blocked, the pressure from the rain may drive the odor of everything that has become trapped in the blockage to waft throughout your home.
Does Your Home Smell Like a Sewer After it Rains? Call Us.
When you wake up in the morning and your house smells like sewage, there’s nothing worse. As a result, at Moore Home Services, we only use plumbers who are experts in their field. We are confident in saying that our plumbers have seen it everything. If you live in Santa Rosa, Sonoma, or the North Bay, call or email us immediately to book an appointment. Call the number at the top of the screen to schedule an appointment, or click here to book an appointment online.
Why Does My House Smell Like Sewer When It Rains
Who doesn’t enjoy a nice downpour, am I right? Rain is both appreciated and required in the majority of the country’s regions. The rain purifies the air around us and contributes to the preservation of the environment’s natural beauty. Rain, on the other hand, might cause issues with your home. The roof is one of the first things that homeowners are concerned about. Does the roof appear to be completely covered with shingles, or does there appear to be a leak around the flashings? What most people don’t consider is how rain might have an impact on the plumbing in their residences.
- It’s not nice, and you’ll want to call a plumber to come out and take a look at the situation as soon as possible.
- There are certain concerns that are evident, such as blocked outdoor drainage systems.
- When it rains, you will notice that those outside drains become puddles, which can eventually transform into little ponds in your yard.
- In any case, if you discover that your drains are not functioning correctly, you should call a plumber to come out and clean the debris.
Sewer Gas
The first step is to have a grasp of what sewer gas actually is. Sewer gas is a type of gas that comes from your sewage system and is formed as a result of waste combining with other home goods that are flushed down the drain. The gas itself can be either non-toxic or harmful depending on its composition. This combination, which contains sulfur dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and other gases, has the potential to emit some really foul odors. When your home smells like sewage during a rainfall or immediately after a thunderstorm, it is a clue that you have a plumbing problem on your hands.
Faulty Water Trap/ P-Trap
First and foremost, it is necessary to comprehend sewage gas. When you have sewer gas flowing from your sewage system, it means that trash has mixed with other household goods and is being flushed down the drain. Both non-toxic and poisonous gases can be produced by the gas itself. In addition to sulfur dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and other gases, this combination is known to generate some really foul odours.
When your home smells like sewage during a rainfall or immediately after a thunderstorm, it is a clue that you have a plumbing problem on your hand. Some of the various conditions that might generate sewer gas are discussed in further detail below.
Septic Systems
Septic tanks and septic systems can survive for a long period, but they will not last indefinitely. Septic tanks can fail for a variety of reasons, including improper maintenance by homeowners and tree roots causing difficulties. When a pipe bursts, it is one of the most prevalent problems that can occur. It is natural for rainwater to seek the lowest spot, and if you have a gap in your sewage line, your septic tank may begin to fill up with rainwater. If you have a cracked or broken pipe, the sewer gas will rise as the septic tank fills with rainwater.
Due to the fact that the scent may readily migrate to your neighbor’s yard, this can be an uncomfortable and humiliating situation.
Wax Ring
When you have a toilet, the wax ring at the base of the toilet serves to maintain a tight seal between the toilet and drain pipe. When a seal is damaged, it might result in a toilet that leaks and has an unpleasant odor. Sewer gas can flow up through your sewer pipes and, if the wax ring around the pipe is damaged, it can escape into your home, causing an unpleasant odor. How to Correct: If your wax ring becomes damaged, it will need to be changed immediately. This necessitates the draining and removal of the toilet in order to have access to the ring.
Using cleanser or vinegar, clean the area surrounding the toilet flange before installing a new wax ring to ensure that it is free of debris.
Floor Drains
At the base of your toilet is a wax ring, which aids in maintaining a tight seal between your toilet and the drain pipe. When a seal fails, it can result in a leaking toilet as well as a foul odor. In the event that the wax ring on the inside of your sewer pipes breaks, sewer gas might leak into your home, causing an unpleasant odor. Fixing the problem: Your wax ring will need to be changed if it becomes cracked or damaged. The toilet must be completely emptied and removed in order to access the ring in this situation.
Preparing the area surrounding the toilet flange with cleanser or vinegar may be necessary prior to replacing the old wax ring with a new one.
Final Thoughts
Sewer gas can seep into your home through your existing sewer pipes in any location where there is a drain. When it rains, this can exacerbate the situation by forcing gases out of the ground. When you smell sewer in or around your home, it’s a sign that you have a plumbing problem that needs to be addressed immediately. In the vast majority of circumstances, you will want the services of a professional plumber to come out and analyze the issue. Henley’s PlumbingAir is led by Billy Henley, who serves as the Vice President of Operations.
Prior to his appointment as vice president, he spent six years working in the field as a service technician, and he has more than ten years of industry experience. Billy frequently contributes to industry magazines, where he shares his expertise on plumbing and HVAC difficulties.
Why Does my Septic Smell When it Rains?
The presence of a drain might cause sewage gas to leak up via your existing sewer lines. In addition, when it rains, gases are forced out, which might aggravate the condition. It’s a clue that you have a plumbing problem when you smell sewer in or around your house. You should have it addressed as soon as possible. A professional plumber will be required to come out and analyze the condition in the majority of situations. His position as Vice President of Operations at Henley’s PlumbingAir is Billy Henley.
Industry magazines are where Billy frequently offers his expertise on plumbing and HVAC difficulties.
Why it happens when it rains
Rain is typically accompanied by low air pressure, which has an influence on the way gases exit from your system. The air becomes less dense when it rains or when there is a drop in air pressure, which means that gases do not ascend as easily and instead remain closer to the surface of the earth. As they remain in the air, you’re more likely to detect the more potent scent. The scent that is emanating from within your home might be the result of a problem with your plumbing system. It is possible that the seals surrounding your plumbing are loose or cracked, allowing sewage gases to seep into your home.
What you can do
If the scent is only detectable outside your house when it rains and is only heavier when it rains, you may not need to do anything because this is quite natural. However, you may want to have a wastewater professional come in to make sure everything is in working order. As soon as you discover the scent within your house, you should call a plumber to have your indoor plumbing checked. If you notice a persistent odor emanating from your septic system even when it is not raining, it is likely that there is a problem with the biological operation of your system.
- Please get in contact with us if you would like to learn more about how we can ensure that your system returns to optimal functionality.
- We have been using the product in our septic system for more than 15 years.
- Gerry Kelly is a well-known Irish actor.
- As a result of being assured that it was really healthful, we have been using it for 11 years and have only pumped it once.
- EcoCare is used on both of our septic systems, which are both in good working order.
- This is a fantastic product.
Provides the solution that we desire in a timely and straightforward manner. There is no mess, no trouble, and no smell; in fact, the odour from our grease trap is completely eliminated. It has been a decade or more since our system has been pumped. Larry Greetham is a well-known actor.
How to Reduce Septic Tank Odor
Septic tanks that are properly maintained should be odor-free, therefore if you notice an unpleasant smell inside your house or outdoors near the leach field, this is a clue that there is a problem. A bad odor, on the other hand, does not always indicate that the septic tank needs to be flushed. Several gases, including carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and methane, accumulate in the septic system and generate smells. Not only may they be irritating, but a high enough concentration of these gases can be poisonous or even explosive if present in sufficient quantities.
Septic Odors Inside the Home
A septic stench in your house is typically indicative of a plumbing problem, but not all plumbing problems necessitate the hiring of a plumber.
- Because the floor drain trap in your basement may have dried out, septic tank gases may have been leaking back into the home and into your living space. Drain traps should be refilled with water on a regular basis to solve the problem. It is possible that the cleanout access plug, which is positioned within the drain, has become loose, enabling sewer gas to seep. Obtain the services of a qualified plumber to clean the pipe and inspect the clog. It is possible that the plumbing vent on the roof is clogged or obstructed. As wastewater passes through the drain pipes, the vent helps to equalize the pressure in the pipes. If your bathtub, sinks, and toilets are gurgling, this might be the source of the problem. If the vent has only recently become frozen shut, it will melt as the temperature rises in the room. If, on the other hand, leaves, a bird’s nest, or any other material is obstructing the vent, it will need to be cleaned out completely. Always use caution when climbing up to the roof to avoid falling off the edge. It is possible that the ejector sump pump basket is not securely sealed. To avoid additional leaks, inspect the lid and replace any damaged seals. If the stench is most evident in the bathroom, it may simply be the result of a dried out toilet wax seal. Simply remove the toilet and replace the wax ring with a new one. The toilet flange does not have to be elevated above the ceramic tile floor in order for two seals to be stacked on top of each other. A hole or leak in a plumbing junction, drain line, or under a sink is a less probable source of the problem.
Odor Near the Septic Tank Outside the Home
It’s usual to notice a faint odor near the septic tank every now and again, but a strong odor might indicate a leak from the manhole.
- To make certain that the risers and manholes are securely covered, inspect them. In most cases, the tank manhole cover is made of concrete, but it may alternatively be made of metal or plastic as well. It is possible to have a septic tank manhole hidden under as much as a foot of dirt, except in the case of tanks equipped with sump pumps, which must be visible at ground level in order for the pump to be maintained or replaced. A rubber seal will be installed on the inside of a plastic manhole cover to keep smells contained within the tank. In addition, fasteners such as lag screws are used to secure the lid. It is possible to temporarily seal a concrete manhole lid with weather stripping to keep the smells contained until the tank can be restored. After the tank has been maintained, it will be necessary to replace the permanent seal.
Leach Field Odors
It is necessary to have a soil treatment area, also known as a leach field, in order to properly treat sewage. There should not be a strong sulfur smell in the soil treatment area unless there is an issue.
- Make certain that your septic system pipes are not crushed or cracked by having them examined. A skilled plumber should inspect your pipes for roots that are growing into them and causing obstructions. Carry out a visual assessment of the leach field to search for patches of soggy or damp soil, which may indicate that sewage is rising to the surface of the earth. However, regardless of the reason, leaking sewage is regarded to be a serious hazard to the health of both animals and people, and as such, the problem should be addressed as soon as possible by an experienced plumber.
Odor in Other Areas Outside your Home
If you’re experiencing a general sewage or septic smell in your yard or outdoor spaces, it’s possible that the plumbing vent pipe isn’t long enough to completely diffuse the smells.
- The plumbing vent pipe may not be long enough to completely distribute the scents if there is only a broad sewage or septic smell in your yard or outdoor spaces.
Odors Caused by Improper Tank Chemistry
Throughout the septic tank, bacteria are hard at work breaking down waste materials. The pH level must be kept between 6.8 and 7.6 in order for these bacteria to thrive and perform their functions. If the solution becomes too acidic, a strong hydrogen sulfide gas odor (similar to that of rotten eggs) might begin to emerge.
- Never flush non-organic waste down the toilet, such as cigarette butts, feminine hygiene products, or trash
- Instead, use the garbage disposal. Pouring fats, oils, coffee grinds, cleaning products, paints, or other chemicals down your sink or tub drains is not recommended. – These can interfere with the breakdown of sewage inside the tank, resulting in a bad odor. It is recommended that you add a cup of baking soda to a sink drain or toilet once a week to assist maintain the proper pH level in the septic tank
A professional plumbing business, such as Bailey Brothers, should clean out your septic tank every three to five years to maintain it odor-free and functioning correctly.
septic gas smell in house – Forum
Drafthorsegirl11:55 a.m., January 6, 2005Member since: January 5, 2005Member with a total of 151 lifetime posts Help! We purchased an ancient farmhouse with a septic system that was installed in the 1970s. We have a leach field, often known as a drain field. In any case, every time it rains, we have a foul sewage stench that permeates the entire residence. I don’t believe it is due to a problem with the drain or toilet vents because we wouldn’t smell it all of the time if that were the case. It only happens when it rains heavily.
- Is there anyone out there that knows what is going on?
- thanks!
- 01/06/05Member Since: 09/06/045 lifetime postsMember Since: 09/06/045 lifetime posts As a result, I discovered that there is a five-foot-long pipe coming out of my septic tank and leading to the drain field, which I had not previously discovered.
- This might explain why you only smell it when it rains, because the drain field is unable to manage the volume of water that falls on it.
- Once you’ve located the tube that links the septic tank to the drain field, you may disconnect it and dispose of it.
- Your drain field is in good condition if you put water through it for about ten minutes and nothing comes back up.
- I would go there first before doing something that would need a significant financial investment.
LonnythePlumber 04:44 p.m.
In Wichita, a house blew up in the summer of this year due to an improperly functioning septic system.
Open a few windows to allow for some fresh air circulation while keeping the heat on.
It is made worse by surface water that seeps into the lines, filling them and the tank with water and preventing the free flow of air through them.
Their issue is that they have a tendency to suck all of the water out of the trap at times, allowing the sewage smell to enter.
Also, attempt to figure out which fixtures have vents and which ones are enabling odors to escape via them.
BV00171610:17AM|
For more than a month, we’ve gotten a lot of rain.
Is it possible that my tanks are simply overflowing and that everything will return to normal once the weather clears?
The systems have been in operation in South Carolina for 18 years, in soil with modest clay content.
BV00990210:10PM|
When the toilet below is flushed, the sewage scent rises through the kitchen sink in the upper apartment.
When we flush the downstairs toilet, we hear a gurgling sound in the upstairs sink, which tells us that the toilet isn’t ventilated properly, right?
Due to the fact that my mother is now residing below, we are more aware of the stench, which is exacerbated by rain.
We had our septic tank pumped, and the septic tank technician informed us that the tank looked to be performing its function well.
The fact that we have this scent while spending all of this money on a kitchen redesign definitely “stinks,” especially because we are in the process of redoing our kitchen.
Venting the downstairs toilet will involve cutting a hole through the basement wall, which is underground, so I don’t expect this to be a “simple” remedy!
BV01179503:17PM|
BV01179503:17PM Using a funnel, pour water down the drain where the stench is coming from.
Eventually, the water in the cup of the float/ball evaporates, and the float opens up the line, allowing you to smell sewage gas.
Maintain the water level in it, and the float/ball will prevent gas from entering the pipe. This happens a lot when it rains or when I have the air conditioner set to the highest setting and evaporation takes hold.
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- Member since: January 5, 2005 with a total of 151 lifetime posts. Drafthorsegirl11:55 a.m., January 6, 2005 Help! When we acquired the house, it had an outdated septic system that was installed in the 1970’s. Fortunately, we have a leach or drain field on our property! In any case, every time it rains, we get a foul septic stench that permeates the entire household. I don’t believe it is due to a problem with the drain or toilet vents because we would smell it all of the time if that were the case. During periods of heavy rainfall, this is the case alone. We have poorly draining soil, and when it rains, our leach field becomes a puddle. Who knows what’s going on, if anyone does. After spending the night in the home because it was raining, I’m beginning to feel nauseous. thanks! 01/06/05/12588315:56PM| 01/06/05Member Since: 09/06/045 total posts in his/her/their lifetime As a result, I discovered that there is a five-foot-long pipe leading from my septic tank to the drain field, which I had no idea about before. A root system had smothered this plant, but it was a simple replacement. As a result, the drain field may be overwhelmed during heavy rains, resulting in a noxious odor only while it is raining. You will need to locate your septic tank, which will have a tube flowing into it and another tube leading out of it at either end. As soon as you locate and remove the tubing that runs from your septic system to your drain field, you will be done. If the water comes back up after a few minutes, you have a collapsed drain field. To test this, connect a hose to your drain field entrance and pour water through it. Your drain field is in good condition if you run water into it for about ten minutes and nothing comes back up. In most cases, the plumbing should be located no more than three to four feet below ground level. I would go there first before embarking on a project that might incur significant financial outlay for me. You should consider having your tank cleaned while it is exposed to the elements. LonnythePlumber On January 6, 2005, at 04:44 p.m., Besides making you sick, methane gas has the potential to cause an explosion. It was this summer in Wichita when a house blew up due to an inoperable septic system. Although it is not common, it does occur. Make use of the heat by opening a few windows to allow for air exchange while keeping the heat turned up. The lack of venting and/or S traps, in addition to 125883’s sound advise, is a common source of concern. In addition, surface water that leaks into the pipes and fills up the tank makes the issue worse by interfering with the free flow of air. Rather than going through the wall, S traps go through the floor. It is their fault that they will occasionally suck all of the water out of the trap, allowing the sewage smell to infiltrate the house. Regarding ventilation, take note of the number and size of vents that are protruding from your roof. Identify which fixtures have vents and which ones are enabling odors to escape by looking for vents. If you have a crawl space, it might potentially be caused by a ruptured pipe in the ceiling. 31st of July, 2013 | BV00171610:17AM The septic systems for my home are two separate systems. Over the course of a month, we’ve received a lot of rain! Every system, with the exception of the toilets, has a strong gas scent. Is it possible that my tanks are simply overflowing and that everything will return to normal when the weather clears? Or do I need to have both tanks emptied and re-filled with fresh water? Systems in South Carolina with mild clay soil are 18 years old and have been in operation for 18 years. It appears that removing the outer cleanout caps had a positive effect on the situation. On the 28th of December, around 10:10 p.m., BV0099021010 This is an issue that we are experiencing. When the toilet downstairs is flushed, the sewage smell rises through the kitchen sink in the upper apartment to the second floor. When it rains, everything appears to be more worse, and we have had a lot of rain recently. Whenever we flush the downstairs toilet, we hear a gurgling sound in the upstairs sink, which informs us that the toilet isn’t ventilated properly, right? Right. We were unaware of it because we only used this toilet on a very seldom basis prior to this. Given the fact that my mother now resides below, we are more aware of the scent, which is exacerbated by the rain. Despite the fact that we are located in a low-lying location We had our septic tank pumped, and the septic tank technician informed us that the tank looked to be performing its functions properly. Originally constructed in 1954, our home now stands. The fact that we have this scent while spending all of this money on a kitchen redesign definitely “stinks,” especially because we are in the midst of redoing our kitchen. Our renovation company has discussed venting the downstairs toilet, but they wanted to be sure it wasn’t the “p” trap or the toilet itself that was causing the problem. Because venting the downstairs toilet will entail digging through the basement wall, which is underground, it is unlikely to be a “simple” repair. Do you have any suggestions for us? On June 2nd, 2016, at 3:17 p.m., BV01179503:17 was published. Pour water down the drain where the stench is coming from, and the float/ball should “drop” down, preventing sewage gas from entering your home. Eventually, the water in the cup of the float/ball evaporates, and the float opens up the pipe, allowing the sewage gas to escape. Maintain the water level in it, and the float/ball will prevent gas from entering the pipe. The evaporation of water occurs frequently when it rains or when the air conditioner is set to high.
- It appears that you have a clogged trap. Are there any drains that aren’t being utilized on a regular basis? Pour water down their throats
- Everyone in the home uses their drains at least once every other day. Isn’t it true that if it were a dry trap, it would stink all the time? It appears to be coming from the master bathroom, which is ironic because it is the one we use the most.
- After a hard rain, my home behaves in the same way. My understanding is that the leach beds full up and the gas has nowhere to go, so it returns to my neighborhood. I was advised that the only thing that could be done was to pour bleach down the drains while running water down them. In the event that you work it out, please let me know. Do you have a catch pan beneath your water heater or washing machine? Those are also connected to the sewer system and contain traps that must be emptied periodically. Isn’t it true that it’s a prefabricated mobile home? It’s possible that a malfunctioning vent is causing water to flow through a wall. That’s something I’ve seen, and attempting to track it out can drive you insane. Assuming that all of your traps are operational and that all of your vents are properly sealed, there is no reason to have gas in the home, regardless of whether or not it rains. The water heater does have a drain hole under it, but the washing machine does not. The laundry room is located on the far end of the home, directly next to the second bathroom, and that portion of the house is not much affected by the odor. It appears to be concentrated on the other end of the home, where the master bath is located, which also happens to be the closest point of connection to the sewage system. When I come home today, I’m going to examine all of the connections beneath the house, as well as everything under the sinks and under the floors. I’ve been advised that all it takes is a loosened pipe beneath one of the sinks to cause the problem.
- Leaching chambers are something I despise. The entire design, in my opinion, is terrible. I’m going to have to dig mine up at my house since they won’t be coming back in. Pipe and rock are the only options available
- Is there a maximum number of bedrooms in your home? It is only suitable for a two-bedroom house if you utilize three-foot leaching chambers, as mentioned in your article. If you’re having to dig them out, it’s because someone didn’t put them in correctly (leaching chambers), because their design works considerably better than rock and pipe and will last much longer
- However, at the end of one of my laterals, the water rushes out to the top of the earth. You may be correct. In that case, I may just build a 100-foot trench at the end of the property and fill it with rock
- Do you know what kind of distribution box is in your possession? The box may have become unlevel as a result of the equal flow, and you will need to install speed-levelers on the output pipes to restrict the water flow to each lateral line if this is the case. Due to the fact that it is the most straightforward, it is always the first item we examine. The next step would be to examine your water use to ensure that you do not have a leaking toilet or that you are not just overloading the system. Alternatively, it is possible that one of your leach-lines was not constructed on contour, resulting in all of the water flowing downhill until it reached the end of the line, exerting pressure on the end of the line and driving your sewage water to the surface of the earth (Figure 2). You may also assist with this if you have an equal flow distribution box in conjunction with the speed levelers I described above. It is also possible to build atop hillside distribution boxes, however it is a little more difficult
- 3 bedroom, 2 bath. For the time being, it’s just myself and my wife
- There are no children. Our former abode was little more than a 500-gallon metal tank with a leach bed made of who knows what. I’ve been there for five years and have never had a problem with any of the plumbing. The Environmental Specialist from the Health Department really came out and looked at our property, took the information you requested about the house, and created a list of what we required. While I don’t recall the exact specifications, it called for a 1000-gallon tank, a distribution box with speed-level inserts, and two leach beds that were hundreds of feet apart and hundreds of feet apart, with no more than a 3-inch change in elevation either way along the entire length of the ditch. Because I have a large extended family, we were able to complete the installation ourselves. Everything was graded with the help of one uncle’s backhoe and another uncle’s transent (is that a spelling error?). Everything, with the exception of the leach chambers, was completed exactly as the Health Department’s schematic had been laid up for us. My father-in-law had 10 additional chambers he had purchased but never used and never returned, resulting in my leach beds being far longer than they were intended to be. Before we covered anything up, the health inspector came out and inspected everything over. We took some measurements and determined that everything should be alright. I understand that he most likely just followed the rules and that everything worked out OK on his end. The actual operation, on the other hand, may be quite different. The most recent edit was made on September 13, 2013. That’s what he said. The only way you may be obtaining sewage gas or odor through your interior plumbing in your house is if there is a leak or a leak is not properly sealed. Which, if I were to guess, would be. The wax seal on the commode is a typical source of leaks, so I’d start there. I’ve seen them release gasodor from the system, but it hasn’t always been in a situation where there was any evidence of water leaking. Particularly appealing are the wax seals with horns embedded in them. Consequently, with the exception of your commodes (which are the traps), all of your other fixtures should be trapped inside the pipe network. As a result, sinks are very simple to examine, but tubs and showers require a more involved inspection under the mobile home. Alternatively, There are a few other things to consider. As previously stated, any water heater pans or relief valves that may have been plumbed directly into the system would fall into this category. According to Kentucky regulations, they should not be used and should instead discharge on the ground or into a floordrain / open receptacle. When it comes to mobile homes, the situation is different. They are up to code in the state in which they were made, but they do not necessarily fulfill Kentucky requirements. As a result, everything is conceivable. The trap for the washer drain is located above the ground level. 12″ is the usual, and more often than not, this is the case. Over time, you’ll see signs of leaking on the wall or floor of your home. Another location. It’s not likely, but don’t ignore the connection to the dishwasher. I’ve seen them fixed in a variety of ways, including techniques that go beyond the trap. If you have an airgap on the top of the sink, it may be enabling gas or odor to pass through at times under certain conditions. As previously stated, there are other locations. The ventilation system is one example of this. They are difficult to come by. even if it’s anything as little as a nail or drywall screw that has caused the problem. Finally, if you have examined the obvious but still suspect the stench is coming from the plumbing system, you should call a plumber. Have a plumber inspect the system and do an air test. He will block the vent on the roof as well as the cleanout before the septic system, and he will install a water box. Most of the time, it’s at one of the restrooms. He put a tube through the commode and sucked air into the closed system to flush it. This will be a transparent tube trap on the box, and he will use the air pressure to increase the water column to around 1 inch in height. The water column will gradually decrease in height. Alternatively, you may not receive a raise at all. You’ve developed a leak. As a result, he is able to pump more air into it. You will be able to find the leak by listening for the sound of air escaping from the system. Overall. There are several ways for scents to infiltrate a building. If the package unit is located outside your home, one method of entry is through the HVAC unit. It has the ability to take up nasty odors, such as those from your septic system, and bring them into your home through the ductwork. Although unlikely, it is nonetheless feasible. Wishing you the best of luck. If they are correct, X-2. With the standards and norms that we have to deal with today, it’s likely that you couldn’t design a better system. Because of the limitations of any pipe or rock system, depth and the inability to penetrate beyond the clay line will be the most significant issues to overcome. As a result, and XI is more knowledgeable than I am when it comes to ecological needs. However, if the slope does not allow for this, you may be forced to use a pump and pressured system instead. It’s simply going to be additional headaches. As a result, the rock is more likely to silt up over time, causing the water to rise to the surface. Unless you are willing to have your system pumped on a yearly basis. In this case, the biggest difficulty here, unless you “sneak” it in, is that you are unable to install a system using the old traditional methoddepth that you are accustomed to doing it in. Having to keep above the clay line in order to comply with current norms and rules has its own set of challenges
- Based on your description, I would guess that the distribution box has settled and that the speed levelers need to be re-adjusted. That would be the first thing I’d look into if I were you. Check your monthly water use as well. If you have group 3 (silty-clay loam) soil, a three-bedroom house should have a minimum of 270 feet of three-foot leaching chambers constructed, according to him. My money is on the wax ring as well, especially if it includes a plastic reinforcing horn to help it hold together. It’s true that I just repaired this same problem in a friend’s house less than one week ago
- Yet,
Sewer Smell in House After Rain. How Come?
The stench of sewage in your home after a period of heavy rain is really unpleasant. After a severe downpour, the well-known sewage odor, which smells like rotten eggs, might become more noticeable. Other odors may also be present, however the stench of rotting eggs is the most prevalent of them. This odor is caused by H2S (hydrogen sulphide), which is not only offensive to the senses but also harmful to one’s health. Drainpure, on the other hand, can be a solution!
Sewer smell in the house after rain, why is that?
The anaerobic breakdown of organic compounds is responsible for the sewage smell in the house after a rainstorm and the sewer air from drains in general. These are, without a doubt, abundantly prevalent in the wastewater system. Anaerobic decomposition is defined as decomposition that occurs without the presence of oxygen. The dirt particles in the water are degraded and deposited on the drain walls as a result of this process. In the course of this process, degradation by-products are emitted, one of which is the well-known rotten egg smell, which is generated by H2S as well as other gases.
When it rains severely, on the other hand, the air pressure in the sewer varies fairly radically.
The water lock will then be restored as soon as the drain is utilized again once this has taken place.
Is there a solution against sewer air in the house after rain?
Yes, Drainpure may be used to keep sewer air from entering the house after a rainstorm. After a rainstorm, this will considerably limit the sewer air that enters the house. Drainpure coats the interior of the drain pipes with a coating that totally covers and dissolves the filth particles that have accumulated there over time. As a consequence, after a few hours, the amount of polluted air will be significantly decreased. Drainpure will organically break down the layer that has accumulated against the walls of the pipes if the product is used for an extended period of time (maintenance dose).
After a rainstorm, the sewage air in the house will be almost non-existent.
- It eliminates the smell in 99 percent of instances within 3 hours
- However, certain cases may take longer. One bottle will treat a drain for a year’s worth of use. Drainpure is a product that is used as a preventative measure.