One thing that no one wants in their home is the presence of sewer gases seeping up from the depths below. They can emit a foul odor and even present a danger to you and your family. If you suspect that sewer gases are entering your home, take immediate action to eliminate the bad odor.
Kinds of Sewer Gases
First, it’s essential to understand what you’re actually dealing with if you have a sewer gas problem. Common sewer gases that homeowners may encounter include:
- Ammonia
- Carbon dioxide
- Hydrogen sulfide
- Methane
- Nitrogen oxide
- Sulfur dioxide
One of the most common gases, hydrogen sulfide, is responsible for the smell of rotten eggs that homeowners may encounter. It is also toxic. Other gases can be just as dangerous. Methane is flammable and can cause sudden explosions if ignited. Ammonia is also toxic and can be harmful to humans in sufficient amounts. Overall, any sewer gas leak into a home is abnormal and should be addressed promptly.
What Causes Sewer Gas To Enter a Home?
There can be many causes for sewer gas entering a home. Some of the more common causes include:
- Blocked vent pipes
- Blocked sewer line
- Cracked pipes
- Dried out plumbing traps
- Leaking pipes
- Septic tank problems
- Sewer backups
Most of these issues are related to wear and tear on pipes; however, proper maintenance can also address other causes. This is why, for example, you should have your septic tank pumped every three years. Waiting longer than that could lead to a full tank, which may cause sewage backups into your home. In other cases, you should perform maintenance on your plumbing traps by occasionally detaching them, cleaning them, and ensuring they remain sealed.
How To Prevent Leaks
Preventing leaks is possible for homeowners. Simple steps can protect your plumbing system: regularly clear vent pipes, clean and deodorize drains to avoid blockages and odors. Ensure drain traps are filled to block sewer gases. Inspect your plumbing for leaks or damage to address problems early and avoid costly repairs.
Seeking Professional Help
Unfortunately, in some cases, troubleshooting the problem may be too difficult. For example, you probably don’t have the ability to properly inspect the sewer line on your own. Additionally, repairing plumbing issues should generally not be left to a novice. If you’re concerned that you can’t handle the job on your own, you probably shouldn’t attempt it. You could inadvertently cause even more serious problems by damaging your own plumbing system.
We can provide you with the sewer services you need to identify and remove the source of the problem as quickly as possible. Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you live near Ormond Beach, FL, and require sewer services due to the presence of a gas leak, give our company, Andy’s Plumbing, a call for help.
