Finding the Source of a Sewage Smell in Your Home
Septic systems are standing tanks that receive sewage and break down solid waste for deposit into a drain field. Septic systems have been a particularly toxic problem in recent years, with 1 in 5 American homes from California to Kentucky depending on them yet being left vulnerable to health and safety risks.
Town and city sewers, on the other hand, transport sewage to a decontamination facility before redistribution into the local water supply. Knowing which of these two systems services your property is the first step in locating the sewage issue.
The burden of septic tank repair rests on the owners, and the municipality is responsible for town/city systems. You can’t always wait for the authorities to solve things, though. Indoor problems may be at fault even if your home is connected to a municipal sewer, exposing people to the same harm as sewage smells from septic tank issues.
How Sewage Smells Affect Indoor Spaces
Sewage Fumes Are Toxic
Residents May Display Exposure Symptoms
Homes Can Become Fire Hazards
Sewage Smells Can Precede Water Damage
What to Do When Your Home Smells Like Sewage
1. Air Out Every Room in the Home
2. Try to Identify the Common Septic Tank Issues
3. Call Professionals Immediately if Sewage Water Breaches a Floor
4. Have Experts Inspect the Plumbing
5. Check Your Home’s Ventilation System
6. Tighten Appliances
Common Mistakes of Tackling Sewage Smells Alone
- Cleaning a septic tank can directly expose you to the risks of noxious fumes, flames, and falling into the tank. Such falls can be fatal through asphyxiation or tank collapse.
- Improper maintenance of a septic tank can also lead to contamination of your home’s drinking and bathing water.
- Airing out your home may have been enough to remove sewer gases, or you may have simply become desensitized to the aroma, which happens after a short time. Desensitization means you’re still vulnerable to health risks and fire hazards even when you feel safe.
- Drain and sewer cleaning can be dangerous even for professionals. Review these occupational risks if you feel a DIY fix is all you need.