If you notice a foul smell in your home and you suspect it is sewer gas – you may be wondering where is it coming from?

Truthfully, sewer gas can be coming up from a floor drain, from your toilet or even a cracked or broken pipe.

What is Sewer Gas?

Sewer gas is a complex mixture of toxic and nontoxic gases produced and collected in sewage systems by the decomposition of organic household or industrial wastes, typical components of sewage. – Wikipedia.org

What Is The Main Cause Of Sewer Gas In A Home?

There are many causes for a sewer smell but the most likely one is from missing or not well fitted sewer trap plugs. Either it’s come completely off or it’s become loose.

A sewer trap is a U shaped pipe like the ones that are often found underneath sinks. When water gets into the trap it naturally sits at the bottom of the trap. That water’s purpose is to act as a barrier between the sewer gases generated by the city sewer and your home or business.

If the sewer trap is not properly sealed as it should be with a sewer trap plug or the plug has come loose, then the sewer gas will escape and you will reap the benefits of it’s odor.

You or your plumber will find these plugs in the sewer access pit which are usually in the basement of your home.

To fix this issue, simply replace or tighten them and the problem of the foul smelling gas leaking out will be resolved.

Another cause of sewer gas that is fairly common is a problem in your sewer line.

You can confirm this if you hear gurgling sounds from your drain. That is usually a very common tell-tale sign that there’s a problem in the sewer line that carries the wastewater from your home to your town’s sewer system.

How Do You Get Rid Of Sewer Gas?

Identifying the cause of the sewer gas will dictate what has to be done to get rid of it, but generally speaking the things that you can do to rid your home of that terrible sewer gas smell are:

  • Replacing or repairing the sewer trap or the sewer trap plug
  • Repair or replace the wax ring and/or the caulk around the base of your toilets
  • Get a camera inspection of your pipes to identify if there are any cracks or problems with your pipes
  • If bacterial growth is found in your pipes – clean them out

Does Sewer Gas Make You Sick?

Sewer gas is made up of hydrogen sulfide which IS dangerous to humans and animals even in small amounts. It has been reported that prolonged exposure to sewer gas can cause symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, poor memory, dizziness and several other minor ailments as well.

All these combined can make you (and your household pets) feel miserable and fatigued.

If you have any questions about sewer gas, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-443-8229. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.