Many people call for a septic tank service when they notice a smell. If you haven't had septic tank cleaning performed in a while, it may well be time to make an appointment. Often there might still be a smell after having your septic system serviced. Here are a few items to check:
Circulate The Air In Your Home
Removing wastewater from your septic tank mixes the gases in the tank and can cause them to backtrack to your home. The odor should disappear in a few hours. You can speed up the process by running water down every drain. Drains are required to have water in the curve of the pipe. This water stops gas from coming back up into the building. You can also open some windows to allow air exchange.
Spills while Pumping Your Tank
Your septic contractor should be courteous to avoid spillage. But if your septic technician does a lousy job, it could leave you with septic waste near your house. No matter how disgusting the spillage looks and smells, please do not attempt to clean it yourself. It's hazardous. Contact the original septic company to correct their mistake or consult a more competent septic provider such as the Poop Dudes.
Toilet Seal Might be Damaged
Toilets are attached to the floor with an airtight wax seal or ring. This seal prevents the flushed sewage from escaping onto the bathroom floor. It also inhibits the pungent gasses from filling the room. This seal can crack over time, and as a result, you might have a foul-smelling bathroom. The odor may be there until your septic tank is full again, and the process will also make the smell stronger. In this scenario, you should swap the toilet wax ring with a plumber for you. The smell is likely to be present before having your septic tank pumped, and the process can often worsen the smell. In this case, you can have a plumber replace the toilet wax ring for you.
Plumbing Vents Might Be Defective
When plumbing vents work correctly, they help to remove gases and odors from your plumbing system. The ducts are connected to vertical pipes branching from your mainline. These pipes lead to a vent on the roof that allows the gases to flow out of your home. When your ventilation vents work correctly, they regulate the air pressure in your septic system. However, when the vent is blocked, the gases are stuck in the system. This will disrupt air pressure and push foul odors through the drain, worsening after pumping. You will want to contact an experienced plumber to solve the problem.
If the smell doesn't resolve or you notice other symptoms you should schedule septic tank service.