When there is something wrong with your septic system it is bound to start smelling.
The presence of a septic tank odor is a sign of malfunction.
The problem may vary from damaged vents to leakage from the tank to drain field problems.
The most common cause of septic tank odor is an over-filled tank.
To solve the overflow issue you need to call a septic system pumping company immediately.
They will check to see if septic system is failing or just over-full.
If it is too full, then they will pump it out for you.
Normally, a septic system should be pumped every 1 to 3 years depending on how many people use the system.
Another common cause of septic tank odor is an improperly sealed or covered tank or a damaged septic tank vent.
No matter the reasons, septic tank odor is a definite sign of a serious problem that can create an unhealthy environment especially for children and the elderly.
These problems need to be addressed as soon as possible.
Let us start with the vent.
The septic system in any house should have roof vents to balance the pressure, which stops the weird gurgling noises of water flow that can emanate from toilets and sinks.
So, if you suddenly begin to hear these gurgling noises then you know there is something wrong with the pressure in the septic system.
Be sure to go out and check the septic vent for damage or blockage or hire someone to check it for you.
If, after cleaning the vent, odor is still coming out, then you can try filters.
These filters are easy to install in the vent and are available in most local hardware shops.
The filters are generally activated-carbon based which has been proven to remove odors from the air.
If all the above solutions do not give the desired result then there is probably a more serious issue which must be solved as soon as possible.
First of all, try to recollect how long it has been since you pumped your septic system.
As a rule of thumb, a septic system needs to be emptied every one to three years.
An over-full or over-flowing tank can cause odors to escape the tank.
If it has been a long time since the last emptying then I recommend you contact your local septic system cleaning company to have them pump out the tank.
Unfortunately, septic tank pumping is not a do-it-yourself project.
If you have your septic system pumped out and you are still experiencing septic tank odors then you may have a drain field problem on your hands, which may become a very expensive issue to resolve.
A septic tank inspector can determine if your drain field is healthy or not.
In a nutshell, septic tank odor should not be ignored.
You have to try whatever correction is required to solve the issue as this odor is just a sign and there can be major problem inside your tank.
The odor and leakage of wastage is unhealthy for your family, environment and can also spoil your house décor and plants.
If by chance the leakage goes unattended untreated waste can percolate into the drinking water.
The good news is it can be fixed easily and there are professionals available to solve the issue.
You simply need to access your local directory to find the list of local septic tank cleaners.
Fix your septic tank odor problem as soon as you can.