Why does septic tank smell

About the author Sara Heger, Ph. She presents at many local and national training events regarding the design, installation and management of septic systems and related research. Ask Heger questions about septic system design, installation, maintenance and operation by sending an email to kim.

By Sara Heger, Ph. March 25, Sign Me Up! Join your colleagues who already get great content delivered right to their inbox. If you don't want to bring your iPad into the bathroom, we can send you a magazine subscription for free! Popular Stories. March 13, Cutter pumps used to replace antiquated wastewater system. June 11, Arizona installer sees big future in ATUs and maintenance packages. Septic tank odours in the house can be a real nightmare.

If you notice smells in the house, that your toilet or bathroom basins, shower or bath is emitting odours or that things are starting to flush and drain slowly, it indicates that you have a problem. If you have an internal vent in a bathroom or toilet, you may need it replacing. Check if that is the source of the smell. External vents very occasionally can block, thanks to leaves or birds using them for nesting.

Seals as well as vents can be a culprit when it comes to septic tank odours in the house. If you suspect any of these, contact your plumber.

Drains can become blocked between the house and the tank or treatment plant. In such cases, you can experience slow drainage or air pressure build-ups, resulting in air in the drains pushing back up through u-bends and waste traps, along with septic odours. Checking the tank levels will help identify whether that is the case. Not only are these odors unpleasant, but a high concentration of a combination of these gases can be explosive or even toxic.

Luckily, septic tank odors may be remedied relatively easily using a few common household products. A dry trap is the most common source. The trap usually provides a seal to keep out sewer gas. A smell will start to grow if the sink, shower or toilet goes unused for an extended amount of time and the water in the trap evaporates, allowing the sewer gases to come in and start smelling. Get in contact with us if you need more help.

If your septic tank has an unpleasant smell coming from it regularly, there is something that you need to investigate. If the septic tank is working as it should, you should not be able to smell it a majority of the time. There are other reasons too, however the above are the most common options that occur in residential septic tank systems. The first step is to figure out what is causing your septic tank to smell and where the smell is coming from.

Is it coming from the tank itself, the ground around it or outside in general? Once you have located the problem, try the following.