Septic tank odors are unpleasant and embarrassing. However, they can also be more serious. The consequences of ignoring septic smells range from mild stink to serious indoor air quality issues. To combat odors, start with more frequent inspections and pumping when needed. Ensure all tank access points are sealed and pipes are clear. Adding enzymes/bacteria also helps break down waste. In severe cases, the underlying cause like cracked tanks or flooded drain fields should be fixed. Taking timely action reduces health risks and keeps septic systems odor-free.
What Causes Septic Tank Odors
There are a few common culprits behind unpleasant sewage smells around your septic setup. The buildup of solids over time leads to solid materials accumulating in the tank. As sludge and scum increase, less space remains for liquid waste to flow into the tank, which can stir up odors from the accumulated solids. Improper venting prevents gas byproducts from the natural breakdown of waste in the tank from escaping, trapping gases, and allowing smells to waft around the tank.
A clogged drain field, overloaded tank, or blockage can cause backups that enable odors to escape into the environment. Cracks or damage leading to leaks of waste materials can directly release unpleasant smells around tanks and pipes and lead to the need for a new septic system installation.
Managing Septic Smells
If you deal with periodic septic smells, there are ways you can get the issues under better control. Getting your tank pumped every three to five years by a licensed septic professional prevents excessive solid buildup and helps control odors. Inspect vent pipes coming out of the tank and drain field to ensure they are clear, intact, and extending properly above ground level.
Don’t overload your system with excessive water use that can stir up smells or lead to backups by spreading laundry and other heavy water use over multiple days. Avoid commercial drain cleaners and other degreasing chemicals that kill the bacteria breaking down waste, which can throw your tank out of balance and worsen smells.
When to Call a Professional
Persistent odors over multiple days may signal serious issues requiring professional attention, such as a cracked tank, broken piping, or a non-functional drain field needing repair. Very foul or intense odors suggest sewage backups or leaks needing urgent servicing. Upon opening covers and smelling very strong odors coming directly from the tank and components likely signals solids and sludge have excessively built up and need pumping.
Prevention is Best
A properly maintained septic system should not produce foul odors. However, occasional septic tank odors can occur due to a buildup of solids, inadequate ventilation, or a full tank. Some steps to prevent unpleasant septic smells include having the tank pumped regularly every three to five years to remove excess solids and scum, using water efficiently to avoid overloading the system, and avoiding dumping grease or harsh chemicals down drains that could clog the leach field. Ensure all plumbing has functioning p-traps to prevent air transfer, seal cracks and pipe penetrations with waterproof caulk, and ventilate soil and drains with vent pipes to allow gas release.
Talk with the septic system installer about installing an effluent filter, replacing deteriorated tank lids and inspection pipes that allow air movement, aerating and landscaping over the soil absorption area to promote airflow, and having an annual inspection to check for leaks or blockages before major issues arise. Addressing minor problems promptly can go a long way in preventing unpleasant sewage gases and enjoying odor-free wastewater drainage from your septic system.
By understanding the causes of septic smells and taking proactive maintenance steps, you can help control occasional odors. However, don’t ignore stubborn or very strong sewage odors, as they indicate it’s time to call in professionals. Addressing underlying issues quickly helps get smells under control while preventing costly damage later on.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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