A sewer gas leak is something no one wants to experience. Typically, the foul stench is filtered from your home via plumbing and ventilation; however, if you’ve started smelling sewer gas in your own home, it might be time to take action.
Check The Basement
If your basement has a drain, you may want to check and make sure it isn’t the source of the odor. Often times the issue is a simple fix, such as a dry water seal in your floor drain; however, if the smell doesn’t dissipate after repairing the seal, you may be facing a burst sewer line or vent. In order to find the exact problem a sewer line inspection may be required. This will allow a plumber to detect exactly where the break or leak is, so that repairs can be adequately made.
The Dangers Of Sewer Gas
Hydrogen sulfide, the main component of sewer gas, can be hazardous even at lower levels. Being exposed to this gas for prolonged periods of time can cause a range of issues, such as:
- Headaches.
- Bronchitis.
- Dizziness
- Memory loss.
- Fatigue.
A sewer gas leak isn’t something to play around with or ignore. The sooner you rectify the issue, the sooner you can breathe a whole lot easier.
Signs Of A Burst Sewer Line
Along with a sewer gas leak, you may be on the lookout for a few tell tale signs of a larger issue.
- Unusual Sounds. If your toilet has started making strange gurgling noises, it may be a sign that sewer line repair is needed. The sound happens because air is being introduced into the line and becoming trapped, it is then released when you flush.
- Slow Drains. There is always that one problem drain in your house that gets clogged and becomes slow; however, if all the drains in your home are suddenly slowing, that may be a sign of a larger problem. If you’ve tried on your own to make them run better, it’s probably a good idea to call in a professional to address the issue.
- Sewage Back-Up. One of the most obvious, and disgusting, signs is sewage back up into the toilet or bathtub. The good news is that this issue is usually due to a clog, and not a complete break.
- Green Patches In Your Lawn. While you may think the grass is greener on the other side, unusually green patches of grass may indicate a leaking or burst sewer line. The sewage acts as a great fertilizer, which causes grass to grow greener over the source of the leak. It’s best to get the line repaired quickly though, because despite the fertilizing, the bacteria in fecal matter will eventually become more harmful than helpful to your lawn.
- Displaced Soil. If you’ve noticed that parts of your lawn have become displaced or indented, it may be due to a burst pipe underground. The sewage causes the lower soil to shift and the top layer to cave in over time.
If you suspect you have a sewer gas leak, or leaking sewer line, it might be time to call the experts. A sewer line inspection is a quick and easy way to help identify the problem and put your mind at ease.
Don’t wait too long after signs start to appear, a leaking pipe can quickly lead to a pipe bursting without intervention. This not only will be more costly to fix, but it can lead to additional damages that no one wants to clean up.