Does your home have a sudden rotten egg smell? While the sulfur-like odor could signal several different problems (such as a natural gas leak), a foul scent is also a red flag for a septic tank issue. If your home smells off, take a look at what you need to know about septic systems and odd odors.

Is an Off Odor a Reason for Concern?
Your home’s plumbing system doesn’t always smell fresh. The bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, or anywhere else with a drain can have a somewhat strange scent on occasion. If a drain or a room with a drain smells off, the septic system is possibly at fault. But the problem could come from:

  • A fixture malfunction. An old toilet, worn wash tub, or strained sink could pose a problem to your home’s plumbing system. Before you assume the problem is with the tank, contact a professional plumber to check the fixtures for clogs or damage.
  • Poor ventilation. Bathrooms often have odd or off odors. A properly functioning ventilation system draws the strange smells out of the room. But if the room has poor air circulation or the vent doesn’t work, an unpleasant odor could linger.
  • Trash or rotten food. How well does your garbage disposal work? A clog in a sink drain or a poorly working disposal could allow food to linger and rot. This can create a strong odor that may mimic a septic system problem.

An odor with an unknown cause, a strong smell, or a stench you can smell throughout your home are all causes for concern. While you can sniff out a cause in some cases, you need a qualified plumber to inspect the system and diagnose the issue — especially if you suspect the septic tank is at fault. Never attempt to explore septic tank odors on your own or repair the system.

What Can Cause a Septic Tank Odor?
You’re certain the smell in your bathroom, basement, or kitchen is from the septic tank. But you’re not sure about the cause of the odor. The key to successful treatment is diagnosing the problem. While you need a professional plumber to inspect and explore the problem, it can only help you to learn more about the potential causes.

The better informed a homeowner is, the better able they are to quickly pick up on a potential problem. Beyond the ability to notice an issue and quickly call for help, a knowledgeable homeowner is better equipped to discuss plumbing problems with the contractor.

If you’re not sure what could cause your home’s septic tank to smell, learn more about possible causes such as:

  • Non-flushable item clogs. Does someone in your household regularly flush cotton swabs, diapers, or feminine hygiene products? These items should never go into your septic system. If they do make it to the tank, the products can cause odor-releasing clogs.
  • Wastewater backup. Along with non-flushable item clogs, other types of clogs, poor maintenance, and system failure can cause a foul-smelling wastewater backup in your yard or the surrounding area.
  • The wrong cleaners or chemicals. Some harsh cleaning products and chemicals can throw off your hoe’s septic system’s bacterial balance. This can result in off odors in or around your home.

Even though an odor is one of the most noticeable signs of a septic system or tank problem, it isn’t the only red flag to note. Backed-up or slow drains and pooling water in the yard are also symptoms of a septic system issue.

What Should You Do About a Septic System Odor?
An air freshener or chemical cleaning product won’t eliminate a septic tank odor issue. Never attempt to simply cover the odor. While an air freshener or scented candle can pump your home full of fresh florals or fruit smells, it won’t solve the plumbing problem.

If you smell a foul odor coming from your home’s septic system you should:

  • Call a professional. Again, this is not a job for a novice DIYer. A qualified plumber has the knowledge, experience, and equipment to effectively and safely find and correct the problem.
  • Get help as soon as possible. Not only will the foul smell linger in your home or yard, failure to promptly repair the problem could lead to a more serious issue.
  • Wait to use the system. Before you flush or wash anything down your home’s drains, talk to the plumber. The contractor may want you to wait to use the system until they’ve inspected and repaired the tank.

Some septic smells are overpowering. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or just can’t stand the odor, leave your home as soon as possible. You can return when the plumber is ready to inspect your septic system.

Does your home need septic system service? Contact Easy Rooter Plumbing for more information.