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Suspicious Sewer Odors


sewer odors


It is common for sewer odor to reside within sewer systems. However, when a sewer pipe becomes full or the sewer changes its underground elevation, it can aggravate waste water. This aggravated waste water allows sewer odors to build up so heavily that it can escape to the outside world. Sewer odors can escape through several different places. Some of these places include, but are not limited to:

  • Vents
  • Floor drains
  • Utility Sinks
  • Connection points
  • Openings in pipeline
  • Maintenance covers

Sewer odors do not typically enter homes because plumbing traps create a tight water seal at several points of entry. Sewer odors and gases are also exhausted outdoors through plumbing system vents. Sewer odors become a problem when the water that resides in your trap has evaporated. One trap that commonly dries out in homes is a floor drain. This occurs more often when the floor drain is located near a hot water heater or heating system.

What are Sewer Odors?

It comes as no surprise that sewer gases smell awful. Not only do they smell bad, but that can be extremely hazardous to your health. They often cause homeowners and their families to experience bad headaches or bacterial infections of their sinuses although more serious ailments can follow along with it. Sewer odors are combined with nontoxic and toxic gases to create an obnoxious smell. Sewer odors can be comprised of several different types of gases. These gases include, but are not limited to:

  • Methane
  • Ammonia
  • Sulfur Dioxide
  • Nitrogen Oxide
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Hydrogen Sulfide

Mineral spirits and gasoline can also be mixed in and aide in sewer gas ingredients. Not only do they produce a foul odor and pose a risk to your health, they can also be explosive! That’s right, methane gas is combustible and poses a high explosion risk. It can also cause asphyxiation that can be severe, or even worse, it can be fatal.

When You Smell Sewer Odors…

If you experience an unusual smell in an area of your home, the first thing you want to do is identify the smell. The type of smell will determine whether you need a plumber or an expert in another field such as HVAC. If you are experiencing a smell that reminds you of rotten eggs, this is most likely a sewer odor. However, if you are experiencing the smell of a skunk, this is most likely a natural gas smell that will require a heating technician. (Technically the smell is a specific chemical called Mercaptan. It is added to the odorless natural gas to warn homeowners of a problem.)  Regardless of the unusual smell you are experiencing, it is important to immediately pick up the phone and call the appropriate technician. If you are unsure of the smell, the professionals at Suburban Plumbing Experts can help you identify the smell and either promptly take care of the situation or direct you to the person who can help you. Sewer odors are hazardous to your health and pose a high threat of explosion.

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Location: Brookfield, IL, USA

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