Odors emanating from the sewer line in a home can be annoying and sometimes also scary. The musty smell of sewage can grip you as you walk into your basement or first-floor bathroom. Illnesses caused by poor waste treatment systems are unpleasant to talk about, but they can cause severe discomfort not only for those living in these homes but also for neighbors. Here are several causes sewer odors:

1) Waste Not Flushed Properly

Through cracks or lack of maintenance, sewers allow gases and solids to escape into the surrounding environment. These wastes come straight out of toilets and drains and could contain substances that can make you very sick if inhaled over a long period. Poorly maintained and cracked drains and pipes can even be a health hazard.

2)Sewer Blockages

When waste is not flowing through the sewer pipes, it stagnates, decomposes, and begins to smell very quickly. Often the cause of this is vegetation that has been flushed down toilets or drains. In addition, if blockages are found in sewers, the wastewater will back up into homes, causing health hazards and damaging property.

3) Poorly Lined Trench Drains

Poorly lined trench drains fail to hold waste material in place, which then flows into nearby waterways, polluting them with sewage gases and solids, creating a risk for anyone living around these areas. Waste materials do not undergo any treatment before reaching the waterways, so they are extremely dangerous to anyone who comes into contact with them.

4) Sewage System Line Issues

Every sewer system has different points of entry where it connects to the existing wastewater lines coming from homes and businesses and main lines that carry large flows of water. These areas are especially susceptible to blockages caused by grease build-up, roots penetrating through cracks, or other problems that may arise due to how old or poorly maintained these systems are.

5) Failing Grinder Pump Systems

If your home drainage system is not strong enough, it can leave debris behind, which creates backups and can lead to clogging issues within your septic tank as well as breakouts on the surface of your lawn.

6)Overflowing Septic

A septic tank is not supposed to overflow. Still, it can happen when excess solids are building up in the bottom of the tank. That then blocks flow into the drainfield area where wastewater can be properly treated before being released into local waterways. The best defense against this issue is preventative maintenance and proper treatment protocols within your home.

7)Dripping Toilet/ Flapper Valve

Any sort of leak related to a toilet or flapper valve can cause sewer gases to become trapped in your home, creating unpleasant odors throughout the residence as well as potentially introducing dangerous sewer gases into areas containing humans and pets. Although not dangerous to touch, these materials are very dangerous to inhale and can cause serious illness.

Conclusion:

There are many causes of sewer odors in your home. Using preventative maintenance and creating a regular schedule to inspect for problems can be the best way to ensure that you will not have to deal with sewage backups, floods, or other issues related to poor wastewater management.

 

For more information, contact Vinny’s Jersey Plumbing, located in Wayne, New Jersey.  We also service other cities in New Jersey, such as Verona, Franklin Lakes and Butler.