Do you have a smelly septic tank? It may be a simple fix. It may be a messy one. 

A septic tank is usually something that homeowners and cabin owners don’t think about until something goes wrong. A septic system that’s smelly can be a minor nuisance or a major issue. It’s important to know how to resolve issues of a smelly septic and how to avoid getting into a bad situation.

Septic odors don’t always require a plumber, but you can only know that if you know what you’re looking for. 

Is the floor drain trap in your basement dried out? 

Some homeowners think they need to remove all the water from their drain trap. Some have actually attempted to take a shopvac to it! In actuality, that water is necessary for your septic. Without that water, your septic can reverse harmful, toxic, and even explosive gases back into your home. 

Is your plumbing vent (sometimes called a “Stink Pipe) on your roof clogged? 

In the winter, your plumbing vent — the pipe that comes from your roof that vents outside — can become clogged with snow. In other seasons, it can be filled with debris, leaves, and nests. Your system relies on this ventilation to release the gases and fumes that are otherwise trapped inside. Generally, the best way to tell if it’s clogged is if your pipes, drains, and toilets are gurgling. If they are, getting that vent cleaned out can clear up the smell and take care of the problem. 

Is your toilet’s wax ring needing replaced?

If the septic smells are strongest in the bathroom, you may simply have an issue of an old, worn out wax ring. Over time these rings tend to compress and get worn down. While a slightly messy job, it’s generally not a terribly invasive or pricey one. It’s a relatively easy fix to a rather unpleasant issue. 

Are there plumbing joint, drain line, or sink leaks? 

Sometimes the odors you’re picking up in your home are coming from faulty plumbing or worn out lines behind the walls of your home. While much more rare, these issues can be costly and cause significant damage if not caught. Once you’ve eliminated the simpler fixes like those mentioned above, it may be worth hiring a professional to come inspect what you can’t see. 

You don’t always have to call a septic professional when there’s a smell coming from your septic system. Sometimes the problems are refreshingly cheap and simple to fix. You just need to know what you’re looking for. 

And anytime the problem seems bigger than you’re able (or willing) to address, let Septic Check help you out.