If you are smelling sewer gas in your house then there could be a serious danger to your health and safety. The smell may remind you of rotten eggs due to the content of hydrogen sulfide. Sewer gas also contains ammonia, methane, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxides. The gas develops from decomposing organic household and industrial waste products that accumulate in the sewer system. The presence of improperly disposed of gasoline and other petroleum products make sewer gas especially hazardous, as it is flammable and explosive.
If the smell is skunkier then it might be a natural gas and not sewer gas, in which case you should call the gas company. A rotten egg smell is probably sewer gas, so continue reading to learn what to do about sewer gas and how your plumber can help you stop sewer gas from leaking into your home.
If you smell sewer gas it is important to act fast and call a plumber. While you wait it is wise to add water to the sewer gas traps. Sometimes these dry out and allow sewer gas to enter the home. This happens if you have a toilet or sink that is infrequently used, so the water in the sewer gas trap dries out and the trap isn’t able to function properly. Pouring some water into the trap is always a good idea, but a plumber can assure you about the true source of the sewer gas. Other possible sources are broken drain lines and clogged drains.
Taking prompt action to address sewer gas problems is very important. A plumber can help you make sure that your home or business is safe from any dangerous sewer gas and can give you any necessary tips on how to keep sewer gas where it belongs – in the sewer!