If you own a septic system, you may sometimes notice unpleasant smells. These odors often stem from gas by-products formed during the breakdown of waste by anaerobic bacteria in the tank.

Common gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen sulfide, which has a “rotten egg” smell. These gases can be toxic, irritating, and even flammable, with incidents of septic tank explosions reported in places like Barcelona and the United States.

While these gases usually don’t reach dangerous concentrations outdoors, they can still be bothersome. Here’s how to deal with them.

Why Your House Smells Like a Septic Tank

A septic smell within your home could indicate a plumbing issue and may pose a health risk. Several factors could contribute to this:

• Drying a floor drain trap in the basement could let septic gases enter your home.
• An improperly sealed ejector sump pump cover in the basement could also be a culprit.
• Failure of the plumbing vent, which typically resides on your roof and balances pressure in the drainage system, can lead to indoor septic odors. Such vents may become blocked by leaves or freeze in colder climates.

Luckily, you can tackle the problem by following these tips:

1. Regularly pour water into basement floor drain traps to keep them full, which prevents the escape of septic gases.
2. If the issue persists, consult a plumber to inspect your cleanout access plug; a loose one could let gases escape.
3. For frozen plumbing vents, either wait for a warmer day or use a jetter or hot water to thaw them.
4. Ensure the ejector sump pump basket cover is tightly sealed; replace the seal if necessary.

By following these guidelines, you can maintain a safe and odor-free environment in your home. If you continue to experience issues, it may be wise to consult a professional for a more thorough evaluation and solution.

Why There is Bad Odor Near Your Septic Tank

Various factors can contribute to unpleasant odors near your septic tank. These can include inefficient waste breakdown within the tank, an overly full tank in need of pumping, or loose covers that allow odors to leak out.

One specific cause of the “rotten egg” smell is sulfate-reducing bacteria. These bacteria are typically present in septic systems and convert sulfate to hydrogen sulfide as they metabolize organic matter.

While odors are a normal part of the septic tank operation due to the release of gases like carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and methane, these smells are generally contained within the tank.

However, if the tank cover is loose or damaged, or if the drain field becomes clogged, these odors may escape. It’s worth noting that some homeowners continue to experience odor issues even after regularly pumping their tanks.

In such cases, utilizing biological additives can help facilitate better organic waste digestion and manage odors more effectively.

How to Manage Septic Odors Near the Tank

To address odors near your septic tank, consider the following steps:

1. Make sure that risers and manhole covers are tightly secured to prevent any escape of odors.
2. If you’re using outdated or damaged lids, consider replacing them with modern plastic versions that come with rubber seals specifically designed to contain odors.
3. If you have a concrete lid that is leaking odors, weather stripping can serve as a temporary fix by creating a seal. Remember to replace this after maintenance work.
4. Always pump your septic tank according to schedule to prevent it from becoming too full, which can lead to odor issues.

By taking these measures, you can help contain and eliminate bothersome odors near your septic tank. If problems persist, consult with professionals for more advanced solutions.