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Septic field sketch (C) Daniel FriedmanDiagnosing and Curing Sewer Gas Smells and Septic Tank Odors Caused by Site Problems

This article describes how to diagnose, find, and cure odors in buildings including septic or sewage or sewer gas smells or "gas odors" in buildings with a focus on homes with a private onsite septic tank but including tips for owners whose home is connected to a sewer system as well.

What makes the smell in sewer gas? Sewer gases are more than an obnoxious odor.

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Site Conditions, Weather Conditions, or Failing Neighboring Septic Systems or Plumbing Can Produce Local Sewer Gas Odors

Flood waters rising at Wappingers Creek (C) Daniel Friedman

Watch out: Because sewer gas contains methane gas (CH4) there is a risk of an explosion hazard or even fatal asphyxiation.

See METHANE GAS SOURCES

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Sewer gases also will typically contain HYDROGEN SULFIDE GAS (H2S). In addition some writers opine that there are possible health hazards from sewer gas exposure, such as a bacterial infection of the sinuses (which can occur due to any sinus irritation).

Depending on the sewer gas source and other factors such as humidity and building and weather conditions, mold spores may also be present in sewer gases.

Also see SEWER GAS ODORS in COLD / WET WEATHER for additional odor tracing and cure advice for odors occurring during wet or cold weather.


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Continue reading  at SULPHUR & SEWER GAS SMELL SOURCES or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Septic & Sewer Odor Articles

Suggested citation for this web page

SITE WEATHER or NEIGHBOR'S SEWER ODORS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.


Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

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Citations & References

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