An appropriately functioning septic tank should be odor-free, so if you notice a bad smell inside your home or near the leach field, it’s a sign that something is wrong. When a clog forms, it dries out the pipe, and that means there’s no ventilation that’s essential to combatting odor. Dry drains can’t filter the gases building in the tank. Instead, the gas can seep into the home, causing a bad smell. If you think a clogged drain (or drains) could be part of the problem, contact a plumber in your area to take a look. (1)

If there is a problem with waste digestion, septic tanks will begin to emit foul odors. If your waste isn’t properly processed, it will begin to accumulate, resulting in a foul odor. Some people believe that having the tank pumped out is the best solution. This will work in the short term, but there is a good chance that it will result in more smells in the near future. 

The bad odors will return, and you will most likely end up with another unnecessary and costly pump-out. However, a foul odor does not always indicate that the septic tank needs to be pumped. Gases in the system, such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and methane, cause septic odors. These gases can be toxic and possibly eruptive in high concentrations. 

The following are the most common causes and solutions for septic tank odor.

Septic Odors in the Home’s Interior

A septic odor in your home usually indicates a plumbing issue. You should contact Chattanooga, TN, septic tank repair services in this case. 

• Your basement’s floor drain trap may have become dehydrated, allowing septic tank gases to enter your home. Filling the drain traps with water regularly will solve the problem.
• The cleanout access plug, which is located within the drain, may be loose, allowing sewer gas to leak. Make an appointment with an expert in septic tank installation Chattanooga, TN, to clean the line and inspect the plug.
• The roof plumbing vent could be clogged or congested. As wastewater flows through the drain pipes, the vent equalizes the pressure. This could cause gurgling in your tub, sinks, and toilets. If the vent has only recently frozen shut, it will thaw as the temperature rises. However, if leaves or other debris are clogging the vent, they must be removed. Take precautions to avoid falling when climbing on the roof.
• It’s possible that the ejector sump pump basket isn’t properly sealed. To prevent further leaks, inspect the cover and replace the seal.
• If the odor is strongest in the bathroom, it may simply be a dry toilet wax seal. Simply take out the toilet and replace the wax ring. If the toilet flange is not raised above the ceramic tile floor, you can stack two seals on top of each other.
  

Odor Outside the Home and Near the Septic Tank

It’s normal to occasionally notice a weak odor near the septic tank, but a strong odor could indicate a leak from the manhole.

• Inspect the risers and manholes to ensure they are securely enclosed. The tank manhole cover is typically made of concrete but could also be made of metal or plastic. Except for tanks with sump pumps, which must be at the surface so the pump can be repaired or replaced, a septic tank manhole can be buried under the soil’s surface.
• A rubber seal on a plastic manhole lid will keep odors inside the tank. Fasteners such as lag screws are also used to secure the lid.
• A leaking concrete manhole lid can be temporarily sealed with weather stripping to keep odors at bay until the tank can be repaired. You will have to replace the permanent seal after servicing the tank.
  

Leach Field Odors

Odors in Different Areas Outside the Home

If your yard or outdoor areas have a general sewage or septic odor, the plumbing vent pipe may not be long enough to fully disseminate the odors.

• If your house is in a low-lying area, a valley, or is surrounded by a dense forest, there may not be enough wind to blow the odors away from your outdoor living space.
• Extending the plumbing vent pipe can help the wind better diffuse odors.
• To reduce septic odors, install a carbon filter at the top of the plumbing vent. The filters should be changed every one to five years for maximum efficiency.
  

Improper Tank Chemistry Causes Odors

Microbes in the septic tank work to separate waste solids. The pH level must be maintained between 6.8 and 7.6 for this bacteria to survive and do its job. It can produce a strong gas odor (similar to rotten eggs) if it becomes too acidic. To eliminate this problem, do the following. 

• Never flush any non-organic waste down the toilet, such as feminine hygiene products or waste.
• Don’t pour fats, oils, coffee grounds, cleaning products, paints, or other chemicals down the sink or tub drain. These can interfere with sewage breakdown inside the tank and emit a foul odor.
• Add baking soda to the sink drain or toilet weekly to maintain the proper pH level.
  

Endnote

Septic systems are simple to maintain, and if you take care and follow the above simple steps, you can forget about septic tank smells. You should also consider working with a septic tank installation Chattanooga, TN professional to ensure your septic tank is properly installed from the word go. Furthermore, if you can’t follow the above steps to minimize your septic tank’s odors, you should hire a licensed plumber to do the job for you.

For more information on Flush Fellas Septic & Excavating and our services, feel free to reach us via phone today: (423) 498-9839.