Help! My Septic Tank Smells Outside!
Preventing sewer smells outside of your home starts with understanding what causes these unpleasant odors in the first place and then identifying and implementing strategies to mitigate such problems. Taking proactive steps like keeping drains clear, getting your septic system pumped, scheduling preventative maintenance, and having a septic system inspection could help you to get ahead of potential issues before they start affecting the quality of air around your home.
If you’re having septic system issues, call Wind River Environmental at (877) 560-9007.
How Your Septic System Works
Understanding how your septic system works is essential for keeping it running properly and knowing what steps to take to prevent sewer smells. At the most basic level, septic systems are composed of a septic tank and drain field. All the water running from your house is collected in the main pipe and sent to the septic tank.
Inside the tank, organic matter is decomposed naturally: solids sink to the bottom of the container, and floatable material hovers above. The resulting effluent (or wastewater) is finally released into a leach field below the ground. The soil naturally cleanses and purifies the water, completing the cycle of your septic system!
Causes of Sewer Smells Outside Your Home
If you notice a sewer smell outside your home, it could mean something is wrong with your septic system. Too much scum or solids in the tank is a common cause of odors, but it can also occur if certain drains are not being used often. Noxious gases build up over time and can become intense enough to cause an unpleasant odor.
Another potential issue is the drain pipes becoming blocked or clogged with debris and no longer allowing wastewater to pass through. This can cause smelly gases to waft upwards from beneath the ground.
Knowing what might be causing the odor is critical to getting rid of it quickly and effectively.
How to Get Rid of Sewage / Septic Tank Odors Outside
Maintaining the health of your septic system can prevent unwanted odors from coming out of it. You can keep foul scents at bay by correctly disposing of household waste, avoiding flushing items that can damage the system, having the tank pumped regularly, and getting the system inspected.
Let’s look at these in a bit more detail.
1. Keep Drains Clean and Clear
Nobody wants their home to smell like a sewer, and you can take one simple step to avoid this: keep your drains clear. Therefore, be mindful of what you put down the drain. Things like hair, grease, and food particles don't belong there. They can block the drainage system leading to your septic tank, causing backups that will create unpleasant odors.
2. Have Your Septic System Pumped
A septic system collects, treats, and disperses wastewater generated by a home. The key to a healthy, reliable residential septic system is regular septic pumping service. This will ensure that solid waste, or sludge, doesn't build up beyond what is safe and manageable.
Sludge can cause backflow of liquids, increasing the risk of odors, clogs, and potentially hazardous situations.
Remember: regular pumping service can prevent sewer odors from coming from the septic tank!
3. Get a Septic System Inspection
Regular checkups are an essential part of your septic system’s maintenance. An in-depth inspection isn't needed too frequently. However, a cursory check should still be completed occasionally to identify potential issues.
A good inspection can go a long way toward preventing damage. It can help identify signs of a potential problem and deal with the issue before it gets too big to manage.
The inspection should also include a check for any crushed or broken spots in the leach field. These can lead to leaks and unwanted odors near your home if not addressed quickly enough.
4. Schedule Preventative Maintenance
Routine maintenance is key to keeping septic smells away from your home. A proper checkup can help assess your system's condition and ensure the tank's levels aren't raising alarms. Regularly maintaining your tank can eliminate the build-up of liquid or waste. Maintenance may also include filter cleaning, which helps mitigate foul odors.
5. Schedule Regular Drain Cleaning
Regular drain cleaning can help prevent sewer smells from around your property. By using advanced cameras to identify any potential blockages in the septic system, a professional can figure out what’s clogging the lines so they can be addressed appropriately.
Then, a powerful snake or jet is used to remove the blockage, protecting your system from further harm and ensuring that it continues working as it should. In short, regular drain cleaning is essential for keeping a healthy septic system free from disruptive (and stinky) odors!
What to Do If You Experience Sewer Smells Outside Your Home
If you've ever noticed an unpleasant sewer smell lingering around your home, it can be an upsetting experience. The best first step is to contact a local professional specializing in septic tanks and sewage systems. They'll be able to quickly inspect your system and ensure that any blockages or problems are immediately resolved.
While you may think the smell is just an annoyance, it might indicate a much bigger problem down the line. Taking preventative measures now can save you from an expensive repair bill later.
At Wind River Environmental, we help customers from New England to Florida with their septic tank issues. Contact us today.
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