Dealing with septic tank smell
Your septic tank shouldn’t smell.
That means if you notice an odour, usually an unpleasant one reminiscent of rotten eggs or sewage, coming from your septic system or the drains at your home or business address, it’s possibly an indication there’s a problem needing investigation.
Does a septic tank smell?
If you’re wondering ‘Is it normal for a septic tank to smell?’, the answer is ‘no’.
Indeed, if a septic tank is installed and maintained properly then it usually does not emit an odour.
Although septic tanks can produce a slight smell due to the decomposition of organic waste, which is normal, when the odour is powerful or strong, it could point to a larger issue with the septic system.
What does it mean if I can smell my septic tank?
A bad septic tank smell usually indicates a problem with the septic system that needs to be identified and then fixed.
In this case, it’s better to contact a professional who’ll be able to investigate on your behalf rather than attempting to repair it yourself.
What causes a septic tank to smell?
If you’re curious about what causes a septic tank to smell, there are many possible explanations.
A bad smell from a septic tank could be due to poor waste digestion, anaerobic bacteria, or contaminants.
If waste isn’t processed correctly, it may gather and emit a foul odour.
Similarly, if your tank isn’t ventilated correctly, aerobic bacteria can become anaerobic which then struggles to digest organic waste.
As a result, sludge can accumulate, which is a build-up of solids that produce a strong, unpleasant smell.
If matter enters your septic tank that shouldn’t be there, such as fats and oils, the tank can become clogged, thus destroying the bacteria and slowing down digestion.
Can a septic tank make my house smell?
If you find yourself thinking ‘my septic tank smells’ and are worried, it’s important to note that it can impact the smell of your household.
For example, if a septic tank is too full, it can cause a bad smell inside the house.
This is usually because the waste isn’t being processed efficiently.
On top of this, blocked vents can stop septic gases from escaping, causing them to back up into the house.
Clogged drains can also result in gases from the septic tank coming back into the home and emitting a foul, unpleasant smell.
Can you get sick from smelling a septic tank?
While a strong-smelling septic tank may seem harmless, if you’re continuously exposed to the smell, it can cause a variety of health issues.
This is because septic tanks produce a fusion of gases such as hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia and carbon dioxide.
Hydrogen sulfide has a foul smell akin to rotten eggs that can cause irritation to the eyes, a sore throat, breathing difficulties and even the complete loss of smell.
If it’s at high concentrations, it can cause even worse health problems such as nausea, vomiting, disorientation and even unconsciousness.
In the event of prolonged exposure to septic tank gases, it’s important to keep your distance from the septic tank that has caused it and to get help from medical professionals.
To combat this problem, you will also need to reach out to a professional who will be able to inspect your septic system and identify the cause.
How do I get rid of a septic tank smell outside?
If you have begun to wonder ‘why my septic tank smells outside’ and want to know how to get rid of septic tank smell, there are some ways you can remedy the issue.
First, it’s advisable to check the manhole and access lids to see if they are tightly sealed to avoid gases escaping.
However, as many of these steps are complicated, it’s better to trust professionals who have the proper equipment and knowledge.
How to get rid of septic tank smell: DIY remedies
If you’re wanting to know ‘how do I stop my septic tank from smelling’ there are some DIY remedies you can employ.
Baking soda can act as a septic tank smell remover as it treats general odour issues with the tank.
It’s also advisable to avoid putting materials that aren’t organic such as cleaning products and paint down the drains as this can make the problem worse.
How do I stop my septic tanks from smelling?
Regular checks to ensure there are no blockages, as well as emptying the tank when full, can help you to on top of the septic tank smell.
However, the best course of action you should take is to contact experts in the field of septic tank installation and maintenance such as OMDI.
Contact OMDI today
At OMDI, we deal with a range of issues relating to septic tanks including foul smelling septic systems.
Our years of experience in the field of off-mains drainage is showcased in our extensive repertoire of installations for commercial and domestic properties throughout the UK.
So, why not give us your details via our contact form or give us a call on 01977 800 418?
