Another morning has come and the first thing you wake up to is the obnoxious sewer septic tank odors from your bathroom. What a way to start the day. Well, it is the price that you pay if you have a septic tank that’s not maintained. Having septic tank odors in your house should not be a regular experience because the septic system is supposed to digest the smells of the wastes being dump into the system. Roots in the septic system can be a cause for concern because if you don’t do something, root infestation may lead to an even more aggravating issue such as water contamination.
The following are the causes of septic tank odors that you may want to discuss with your septic service man:
1. The vent is covered
There will be times when you would want to do some repairs or renovations in your home. It just might be possible that amidst all the hustle and bustle of the construction, the septic vent may have been discretely covered without being tied into the main sewage gas vent. Some vents are designed to give off their gas through the attic out onto the roof escaping into the environment. If that uncapped vent happens to be behind the new wall in the new room, then the new room owner may be subject to septic tank odors. There are also vents that have screen covers to keep small animals out because they may cause an obstruction. But the screens have a tendency to fall inside the vent and cause a blockage again. Inspect all vents to ensure they are clear of leaves.
2. The tank is full
When the septic tank is full, the most immediate solution to this is to have the tank pumped out. The size of the septic tank is determined by the size of the home and how much water you use. Most septic tanks are pumped every 3 to 4 years. Neglecting to pump out a septic tank can cause septic tank odors.
3. The vent is clogged
It is common sense to have a septic tank vent installed in your system. This is built so that the fumes from the tank could have someplace to go. This prevents the toxic buildup of the flammable and toxic gases that accumulate in the septic tank and home. There are times when the septic vent can have a blockage caused by ice formations, a wandering frog, or bug nests. These days, there are gas detectors that are capable of recognizing what gases odors are being spewed out into the atmosphere. But you could just smell with your nose if you’re more comfortable with it. Ask a professional to deal with what is really clogging your system.
4. No vent
There may be just one time that your contractor could have neglected installing a septic tank vent. Without the needed vent, the septic tank odors have no choice but to escape through the drains. This is a very off-putting scenario especially when you have guests in the house. The smells could be noticed after you use the bathroom or sinks.
5. Chemicals
If you allow various chemical wastes such as grease, paint, hygiene products, transmission fluid, medications, gasoline, anti-freeze, condoms, and cleaning products to go down your drains, then you will definitely disrupt the good beneficial bacteria and decomposition process in the septic tank. This will result to disarming septic tank odors that will backup into your house.
Seek a professional to help determine the cause of septic tank odors. Don’t settle for air fresheners when you know that it is only a temporary solution.
