One in four American households have an individual septic systems. Onsite septic systems are effective methods to treat and clean wastewater, returning clean water to the groundwater system. This groundwater is the source of drinking water for millions of people; we all want it to be clean and safe.
Homeowners need to provide maintenance on a regular basis for septic systems. From time to time, odors may appear. Here are some guidelines on how to control and manage odors.
Sewage Odors in the Yard Near the System
If there is a sewage odor in the yard near the tank, that is often an indicator the tank needs pumping. Have tank pumped, wait a couple of days. The problem is managed if the odors have disappeared. Be sure to pump the tank at least every three years.
Walk around the system, checking all inspection pipe covers. Make sure the PVC covers are not cracked or missing. Replace if needed. This should be done every spring and fall.
House Vent Stacks
Odors outside close to the house may indicate a problem with the roof vent stack. It may be plugged, which involves a trip to the roof to inspect. If the cover is gone, squirrels or birds may nest.
Houses in hilly and/or wooded areas may have problems with air currents. The air currents should pick up the sewer gas coming out and dissipate in the air well above the house. But, in hilly or wooded areas, the air currents may actually push the odors down to the ground. A good solution is to raise vent stack, making it taller. Add additional metal pipe or flashing to do this, make sure the screen cover is also raised.
In the winter, frozen vent stacks can cause problems. Condensation freezes in the pipe, plugging it. A plumber may be needed to thaw the pipes. One idea to help prevent freezing is to paint the pipe black to absorb heat from the winter sun.
Occasionally, these ideas do not solve the problem. Then, add a charcoal or carbon filter to the stack. But, these filters can freeze when damp, causing more problems. In colder climates, consider filters to be seasonal – they generally only last about 1 year anyway.
Sewage or Sewer Gas Smells Inside the Home
At times, there are sewer gas odors inside the home. In the winter, frozen vents may be the culprit.
Often, it is a dry trap in a sink, toilet or floor drain rarely used. Simply dump some water down the drain to move the gases out to the tank. If the sump pump drains into the septic system, the odors may be caused by a bad seal on the sump pumps or basket.
Understand Septic System to Ensure Treating Wastewater
Homeowners who understand and maintain septic systems help ensure a clean drinking water supply. Review these articles for more tips and help. Individual Septic Systems: Water, Product Use, Maintenance for Individual Septic Systems, Landscaping Septic System Drainfields and Mounds.
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Valerie Prax - Valerie Prax recently retired after nearly 35 years with University of Minnesota Extension. She served as an Educator and Professor for 27 ...
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