Sewer Gas Explained
If you have recently noticed a smell coming from sinks in your home, you may have a sewer gas problem. Below, we’re going to reveal everything you need to know about sewer gas and the common causes of this.
What gases are involved
Sewer gas is a complicated mixture of non-toxic and toxic gases, which can be present at different levels, which depends upon the source. Sewer gas forms when industrial waste and household waste decays. Ammonia and hydrogen sulfide are extremely toxic components of sewer gas. Sewer gas also includes the likes of nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and methane. Moreover, gasoline, industrial solvents, and chlorine bleaches are regularly present in privately-owned and municipal sewage treatment systems.
Common causes
There are a number of different reasons why you may have sewer gas at your home. Some of the most common causes are as follows:
You have broken, cracked, or degraded pipes in your home
Leaks in your plumbing system due to improperly placed vents or pipes
A loose toilet, which can cause there to be gaps in the pipework
Dry plumbing, which enables to sewer gas to leak into the property
Clogged drains
Air vents that have become blocked, meaning they cannot vent your property correctly
Remedies
There are a number of different ways that you can get rid of the sewer gas smell that may have taken over your home. This includes cleaning out the bacterial growth that has developed in your drains, caulking the toilet base, and cleaning the sink overflow. For those who are unaware, the sink overflow is the hole that is situated either across or underneath the faucet. It is also a good idea to schedule a professional drain inspection if you’re concerned.
When to seek professional help
You may be wondering whether or not you should get in touch with professionals for the sewer gas smell that you have in your home. If there is any risk of considerable damage to your plumbing, you should call a professional. If there is a cracked vent or any sort of issue that demands technical experience and expertise, you should also seek expert help. A professional will be able to get to the bottom of the problem quickly and save you money by maintaining the integrity of your plumbing system, ensuring that you do not have any further issues later down the line.
Is it dangerous?
Sewer gas is not dangerous in small quantities. However, if there is a high level of sewer gas, then it can be dangerous. It also depends on the make-up of the sewer gas. For example, if there is a high level of hydrogen sulfide, this can be a cause for concern. This is because hydrogen sulfide has been shown to be toxic to your body’s oxygen systems. Adverse symptoms can consequently arise if your body has high amounts of hydrogen sulfide, causing the likes of organ damage and sometimes even death. Ammonia exposure can cause throat, nose, and eye irritation. It can also cause organ damage and even death at very high levels.
If you suspect you may have a sewer gas problem, don’t hesitate to call Geno’s Sewer & Drain Cleaning at (217) 254-8077.
Schedule a Sewer Cleaning Service Today
The next time you are faced with clogged sewer lines and drains, you know who to call. At Geno’s Sewer and Drain Cleaning, we are always prepared to take care of your septic and drain clearing needs. You can receive a same-day appointment when you reach out to us. Free estimates are also available for all of your septic work. Drop us a line or shoot us a message today!