Concrete components such as concrete sewer piping may be corroded by hydrogen sulfide and under some conditions may cause costly damage.

This article describes the possible corrosive effects of hydrogen sulfide on concrete tanks and concrete septic system components. It includes research results and possible variables that would affect the level of corrosion due to hydrogen sulfide.

Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide on the Corrosion of Concrete

Research indicates that hydrogen sulfide can contribute to the corrosion of concrete, possibly including concrete septic tanks and other components such as concrete piping.

This corrosion may shorten the expected life span of the concrete and, in extreme conditions, might cause enough deterioration in a concrete septic tank cover or lid as to make the system unsafe.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Really? Probably not. Of millions of septic tanks installed around the world, reports of hydrogen sulfide damage are rare.

Biogenic sulphuric acid corrosion is a phenomenon which occurs mainly in sewer pipes.

The process consists of four stages:

1. the reduction of sulphate to sulphide;
2. the transition of sulphide to hydrogen sulphide gas in the sewer atmosphere;
3. the re-oxidation of the sulphide gas to sulphuric acid in an oxidizing environment of the sewer pipe and finally
4. concrete attack by sulphuric acid.

The most influencing parameters for the model were the temperature, the BOD-content and the pH-value of the waste water, the depth of flow and the detention time. - (Beeldens 2001)

Furthermore, where concrete damage such as loss of material or softening or spalling has been reported at a septic tank or distribution box, we need more information before asserting that the damage is due to hydrogen sulfide.

That's because more common mistakes such as the simple improper mix of concrete when constructing a septic tank, cover, or lid can produce similar spalling or material loss damage.

We will continue to review research to help assess risk of hydrogen sulfide to septic systems; meanwhile there is no cause for panic among concrete septic tank owners.

Types of Concrete Septic Tank Damage & Common Causes

The most common types of concrete septic tank / D-box damage that we have found or that has been reported by our readers are given in the table below, sorted with the most frequent complaint first.

Notes to the table above

1. This table is an OPINION of the website editor, Daniel Friedman, based on reader Q&A from 2005 to present and from field investigations and septic system inspections at approximately 4500 homes in the Northeastern U.S. between 1986 and 2004, supplemented by a literature review of sources listed at the end of this article.
2. Watch out: a damaged concrete septic tank cover may be unsafe if its condition means that the cover could fall in or that a person walking on the cover could fall into the septic tank - usually fatal
3. Since 2005, only one InspectAPedia reader has reported that they suspected that damage to their concrete septic tank has been due to H₂S. We note that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence of a condition. H₂S damage could occur without being recognized as the cause.
4. Microbial corrosion in concrete refers to concrete corrosion caused by microbial metabolism, which can lead to surface damage, surface loosening, mortar shedding, aggregate exposure, cracking and steel corrosion in serious cases as well as shorten the service life of concrete structures. - (Xi 2019)
5. A principal component of concrete septic tank or D-box durability is the quality of the concrete mix itself and the aggregate used (e.g. slag vs stone).
   
   A low-water concrete mix tends to be stronger and more resistant to biogenic sulfuric acid attack in concrete sewer systems and therefore likely in concrete septic tanks as well.
   
   Both chemical and microbiological tests showed that the aggregate type had the largest effect on degradation. (Belie 2004)
6. The rate of material loss or damage compared with the typical thickness of a concrete septic tank is a significant consideration:
   
   In worst case situations, the degradation is in the order of several millimeters per year. Biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion has been studied since 1945 when Parker [1] discovered that bacteria were involved in the corrosion process.
   ...
   The bacterial and chemical activity in the sewers create a sulfur cycle, which can lead to the bacterial formation of sulfuric acid.
   
   When anaerobic conditions occur due to long retention time or slow flow of the sewage, sulfate reducing bacteria, e.g., Desulfovibrio, reduce sulfur-compounds to H2S.
   
   Due to turbulence and pH decrease, H₂S escapes into the sewer atmosphere. The transformation of H2S into sulfuric acid occurs under aerobic conditions, after the sorption of H2S from the sewer atmosphere into the concrete or into the biofilm on the surface of the pipelines above the water line.
   
   The H2S may react with oxygen to elemental sulfur, which is deposited on the sewer wall. Sulfur is a substrate for many thiobacilli such as Thiobacillus thiooxidans, Thiobacillus neapolitanus, and Thiobacillus intermedius [8,9]. Those bacteria metabolise the sulfur into sulfuric acid, which causes concrete deterioration.- (Belie 2004)
7. Diagnostic tip: IF there were H₂S damage to a septic tank, it should be visible entirely above the level of the floating scum layer in the septic tank where the presence of oxygen would be critical on the process. (our reading of Belie 2004)

Mechanism of Concrete Sewer Damage from H₂S

Biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion has been studied since 1945 when Parker [1] discovered that bacteria were involved in the corrosion process.
...
The bacterial and chemical activity in the sewers create a sulfur cycle, which can lead to the bacterial formation of sulfuric acid.

When anaerobic conditions occur due to long retention time or slow flow of the sewage, sulfatereducing bacteria, e.g., Desulfovibrio, reduce sulfur-compounds to H2S.

Due to turbulence and pH decrease, H2S escapes into the sewer atmosphere.

The transformation of H2S into sulfuric acid occurs under aerobic conditions, after the sorption of H2S from the sewer atmosphere into the concrete or into the biofilm on the surface of the pipelines above the water line.

The H2S may react with oxygen to elemental sulfur, which is deposited on the sewer wall.

Sulfur is a substrate for many thiobacilli such as Thiobacillus thiooxidans, Thiobacillus neapolitanus, and Thiobacillus intermedius [8,9].

Those bacteria metabolise the sulfur into sulfuric acid, which causes concrete deterioration.- (Belie 2004)

Diagnostic Questions for Possible Hydrogen Sulfide Damage to Septic Tanks

Photo above: a cold pour joint in concrete: this is not damage and should not be mistaken for hydrogen sulfide or sulfuric acid attack on concrete.

• Was the tank made from an improper concrete mix or are there other corrosive factors?
• What does the damage look like?
• Are there cracks, spalling, or some other form of deterioration?
• What kind of septic system is this?
  • If aerobic tank, the O level is probably way too low.
  • If a conventional septic system, the tank may need venting.
• What's different about the septic system and how it's used?
  • What kinds of wastewater does the tank receive?
  • Load, detergents, cleaners, salt?
• What's the septic tank service history?
• Is there anything unusual in the water chemistry of water that becomes wastewater and is sent into the system?
• Do those answers cause worry about the drainfield condition and life?

How Long will Concrete Septic Components like Tanks and Piping Last?

A concrete septic tank can last 40 years to nearly indefinitely, though poor quality concrete or acidic ground water may result in deteriorated baffles or tank components.

The septic tank is only one part of an on-site wastewater system. It is designed to remove solids prior to the effluent entering the soil absorption field, provide for the filtration, digestion of a portion of those solids, and storage of the remaining solids.

Taking care of the septic tank, principally by pumping the tank on a regular schedule, will, however, extend the life of the costly second half of the onsite wastewater treatment system - the absorption system, leach field, or drainfield.

The septic drain field itself has a varying life as a function of the soil percolation rate, drainfield size, and usage level.

We [DF] have seen a septic drainfield, a large one in good soil with a well maintained septic tank, last for more than 50 years.

We have also seen a conventional septic drainfield fail within 24 hours of first use on a new system when piping was poorly installed.

See details of the factors in septic system and component life

at SEPTIC LIFE EXPECTANCY

and

at SEPTIC LIFE MAXIMIZING STEPS

What to Do if you have just moved into a home with a septic system

If you've just moved into a home with a septic tank you may not know the size of the septic tank, its maintenance history, or even where the septic tank is. In this case, you should have the tank pumped and inspected. The company pumping the tank will tell you its size, age, and condition.

Watch out: beware of pumping the septic tank before a septic system inspection or test, perhaps as part of a sale of a home. The purpose of this tank pump-out is to hopefully prevent the inspector from finding evidence of a failed drainfield. An empty septic tank prevents the test-inspector from pushing any effluent into the drainfield.

So perform any septic system loading and dye testing before emptying the septic tank.

But to thoroughly inspect the condition of a septic tank it will need to be pumped empty and its interior washed down with enough fresh water to permit inspection of the tank's sides and bottom for cracks or spalling or other damage.

The septic cover and its safety, access ports, and septic tank baffles should be part of this inspection.

Biogenic Sulfuric Acid Corrosion of Concrete: Research

• Alani, Amir M., & Asaad Faramarzi, Mojtaba Mahmoodian & Kong Fah Tee (2014), "Prediction of Sulphide Build-up in Filled Sewer Pipes", Environmental Technology, 35:14, 1721-1728, DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2014.881403, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09593330.2014.881403
  
  Abstract:
  Millions of dollars are being spent worldwide on the repair and maintenance of sewer networks and wastewater treatment plants. The production and emission of hydrogen sulphide has been identified as a major cause of corrosion and odour problems in sewer networks.
  
  Accurate prediction of sulphide build-up in a sewer system helps engineers and asset managers to appropriately formulate strategies for optimal sewer management and reliability analysis.
  
  This paper presents a novel methodology to model and predict the sulphide build-up for steady state condition in filled sewer pipes. The proposed model is developed using a novel data-driven technique called evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR) and it involves the most effective parameters in the sulphide build-up problem.
  
  EPR is a hybrid technique, combining genetic algorithm and least square. It is shown that the proposed model can provide a better prediction for the sulphide build-up as compared with conventional models.
• Beeldens, A., & D. Van Gemert, Biogenic Sulphuric Acid Attack of Concrete Sewer Pipes: A Prediction of the Corrosion Rate (2001) ACI Symposium Publication, Vol. 200, pp. 595-606, American Concrete Institute, retrieved 2023/03/15, original source: concrete.org/publications/internationalconcreteabstractsportal.aspx?m=details&i=10604 https://doi.org/10.14359/10604
  
  Abstract:
  Biogenic sulphuric acid corrosion is a phenomenon which occurs mainly in sewer pipes. The process consists of four stages: the reduction of sulphate to sulphide; the transition of sulphide to hydrogen sulphide gas in the sewer atmosphere; the re-oxidation of the sulphide gas to sulphuric acid in an oxidizing environment of the sewer pipe and finally concrete attack by sulphuric acid.
  
  Different models are developed to predict the sulphide formation and the corrosion rate. The model of Pomeroy, according to which the rate of sulphur production and the rate of corrosion can be calculated, is used in this paper.
  
  Different parameters are taken into account and case studies are described. Comparison of the calculated corrosion and the measured corrosion indicates the accuracy of the formula. Additional, a sensitivity study is carried out on the formulae to distinguish the influence of the different parameters.
  
  A realistic variation of the different parameters is made, based on measurements at the inlet of purification plants.
  
  The most influencing parameters for the model were the temperature, the BOD-content and the pH-value of the waste water, the depth of flow and the detention time.
• C. Parker, "The corrosion of concrete. Isolation of a species of bacterium associated with the corrosion of concrete exposed to atmospheres containing hydrogen sulphide", Aust. J. Exp. Biol. Med. Sci. 23 (3) (1945) 14 – 17.
• De Belie, N. ; Monteny, J. ; Beeldens, A. ; Vincke, E. ; Van Gemert, D. ; Verstraete, W. EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH AND PREDICTION OF THE EFFECT OF CHEMICAL AND BIOGENIC SULFURIC ACID ON DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMMERCIALLY PRODUCED CONCRETE SEWER PIPES [PDF] (2004) New York, NY: Elsevier Ltd Cement and concrete research, 2004, Vol.34 (12), p.2223-2236 ISSN: 0008-8846 EISSN: 1873-3948 DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconres.2004.02.015 CODEN: CCNRAI
  
  Abstract:
  New equipment and procedures for chemical and microbiological tests, simulating biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion in sewerage systems, are presented. Subsequent steps of immersion and drying, combined with mechanical abrasion, were applied to simulate events occurring in sewer systems.
  
  Both chemical and microbiological tests showed that the aggregate type had the largest effect on degradation.
  
  Concrete with limestone aggregates showed a smaller degradation depth than did the concrete with inert aggregates. The limestone aggregates locally created a buffering environment, protecting the cement paste. This was confirmed by microscopic analysis of the eroded surfaces.
  
  The production method of concrete pipes influenced durability through its effect on W/C ratio and water absorption values.
  
  In the microbiological tests, HSR Portland cement concrete performed slightly better than did the slag cement concrete. A possible explanation can be a more rapid colonisation by microorganisms of the surface of slag cement samples.
  
  A new method for degradation prediction was suggested based on the parameters alkalinity and water absorption (as a measure for concrete porosity).
• EPA, DETECTION, CONTROL, AND CORRECTION OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE CORROSION IN EXISTING WASTEWATER SYSTEMS [PDF], "Detection, Control, And Correction Of Hydrogen Sulfide Corrosion In Existing Wastewater Systems", U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, retrieved 03/15/2023, https://nepis.epa.gov/
• EPA, HYDROGEN SULFIDE CORROSION: CONSEQUENCES, DETECTION & CONTROL [PDF], U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, retrieved 02/20/2023, https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi/200048ZZ.PDF?Dockey=200048ZZ.PDF
• EPA, HYDROGEN SULFIDE CORROSION IN WASTEWATER COLLECTION AND TREATMENT SYSTEMS [PDF], "Hydrogen sulfide corrosion in waste-water collection and treatment systems", Report to Congress, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, retrieved 03/15/2023, https://nepis.epa.gov/
• Gutiérrez-Padilla, Ma. Guadalupe D.; Bielefeldt, Angela ; Ovtchinnikov, Sergue ; Hernandez, Mar ; Silverstein, Joann, BIOGENIC SULFURIC ACID ATTACK ON DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMMERCIALLY PRODUCED CONCRETE SEWER PIPES [PDF] (xxxx) Cement and concrete research, 2010, Vol.40 (2), p.293-301 Elsevier Ltd. ISSN: 0008-8846 EISSN: 1873-3948 DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconres.2009.10.002
  
  Abstract:
  Laboratory experiments were conducted to compare the degradation of low and high quality concrete under conditions simulating sewer pipes with and without bacteria.
  
  Small concrete samples were exposed to hydrogen sulfide, multiple species of bacteria found in corroding sewer pipes and artificial wastewater. Experiments without bacteria were used as controls.
  
  The corrosion rates of the concrete samples exposed to bacteria over 227 days were 0.08 mm/yr (millimeters per year) for the concrete from a domestic manufacturer with moderate strength and a lower water–cement ratio (Low-w/c) versus 0.208 mm/yr for the concrete samples from a foreign country with low strength and a higher water–cement ratio (High-w/c).
  
  The (Low-w/c) concrete was more resistant to the biodegradation even though a lower pH was attained for its bioactive systems.
  
  Experiments showed the influence of biogenic sulfuric acid production on short term corrosion rates.
  
• Idriss, A. F., et al. EFFECT OF HYDROGEN SULPHIDE EMISSIONS ON CEMENT MORTAR SPECIMENS [PDF], "Effect of hydrogen sulphide emissions on cement mortar specimens." Canadian Biosystems Engineering 43.5 (2001). Retrieved 03/14/2023, https://library.csbe-scgab.ca/docs/journal/43/c9921.pdf
• Ling, Alison L., & Charles E. Robertson, J. Kirk Harris, et al, "Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen Sulfide Associations with Regional Bacterial Diversity Patterns in Microbially Induced Concrete Corrosion", Environmental Science & Technology, American Chemical Society, Jul 1, 2014, retrieved 03/13/2023, https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/es500763e
• Monteny, J, E Vincke, A Beeldens, N De Belie, L Taerwe, D Van Gemert, W Verstraete, CHEMICAL, MICROBIOLOGICAL, AND IN SITU TEST METHODS FOR BIOGENIC SULFURIC ACID CORROSION OF CONCRETE [PDF] Cement and Concrete Research, Volume 30, Issue 4, 2000, Pages 623-634, ISSN 0008-8846, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(00)00219-2. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0008884600002192)
  
  Abstract:
  Biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion is often a problem in sewer environment: it can lead to a fast degradation of the concrete structures. Since the involvement of bacteria in the corrosion process was discovered, considerable microbiological research has been devoted to the understanding of the corrosive process.
  
  Mechanical engineers have focused on experiments comparing the resistance of several concrete mixes against biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion. Because of a lack of standardised methods, different test methods have been used, and various parameters have been modified to evaluate the resistance of the materials.
  
  The research done on sulfuric acid corrosion of concrete can roughly be divided in three groups: chemical tests, microbial simulation tests, and exposure tests in situ. In this article, an overview of the recent developments in the test methods for biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion and the obtained results are presented.
  
  Possible differences between biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion and chemical sulfuric acid corrosion are delineated.
  
  Keywords: Corrosion; Durability; Sulfate attack; Ettringite; Biogenic sulfuric acid
  
• Nielsen, Asbjo/rn Haaning, & Henriette Stokbro Jensen, Thorkild Hvitved-Jacobsen, Jes Vollertsen, "New Findings in Hydrogen Sulfide Related Corrosion of Concrete Sewers", from the book, Pipelines 2009: Infrastructure's Hidden Assets, https://ascelibrary.org/doi/epdf/10.1061/41069%28360%2932
  
  Abstract:
  This paper summarizes major findings of a long-term study of hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) adsorption and oxidation on concrete and plastic sewer pipe surfaces. T
  
  he processes have been studied using a pilot-scale setup designed to replicate conditions in a gravity sewer located downstream of a force main. H2S related concrete corrosion and odor is often observed at such locations.
  
  The experiments showed that the rate of H2S oxidation was significantly faster on concrete pipe surfaces than on plastic pipe surfaces.
  
  Steady state calculations based on the kinetic data demonstrated that the gas phase H2S concentration in concrete sewers would typically amount to a few percent of the equilibrium concentration calculated from Henrys law.
  
  In plastic pipe sewers, significantly higher concentrations were predicted because of the slower adsorption and oxidation kinetics on these surfaces.
  
  Finally, the paper demonstrates how the kinetic data can be used for prediction of concrete corrosion in real sewer systems based on H2S measurements from a conventional gas detector.
  
• Sand, Wolfgang, IMPORTANCE OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE, THIOSULFATE, AND METHYLMERCAPTAN FOR GROWTH OF THIOBACILLI DURING SIMULATION OF CONCRETE CORROSION [PDF], "Importance of hydrogen sulfide, thiosulfate, and methylmercaptan for growth of thiobacilli during simulation of concrete corrosion." Applied and Environmental Microbiology 53.7 (1987): 1645-1648. Retrieved 03/14/2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC203924/pdf/aem00124-0259.pdf
  
  Abstract:
  Biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion of concrete surfaces caused by thiobacilli was reproduced in simulation experiments. At 9 months after inoculation with thiobacilli, concrete blocks were severely corroded.
  
  The sulfur compounds hydrogen sulfide, thiosulfate, and methylmercaptan were tested for their corrosive action. With hydrogen sulfide, severe corrosion was noted. The flora was dominated by Thiobacillus thiooxidans.
  
  Thiosulfate led to medium corrosion and a dominance of Thiobacillus neapolitanus and Thiobacillus intermedius. Methylmercaptan resulted in negligible corrosion. A flora of heterotrophs and fungi grew on the blocks. This result implies that methylmercaptan cannot be degraded by thiobacilli.
• Swab, Bernal H. , F.ASCE, San. Engr., Camp, Dresser and McKee, "Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide on Concrete Structures", retrieved 03/13/2023, https://ascelibrary.org/doi/epdf/10.1061/JSEDAI.0000344
  
  Abstract:
  Process of disintegration is explained; probable factors which cause disintegration in certain areas while in other areas, with seemingly same conditions, no disintegration occurs; more research is needed to determine all causes; protective measures in design; new acid resisting cements and aggregates; use of plastic sewers.
• Elke Vincke, Ellen Van Wanseele, Joke Monteny, Anne Beeldens, Nele De Belie, Luc Taerwe, Dionys Van Gemert, Willy Verstraete, "Influence of polymer addition on biogenic sulfuric acid attack of concrete", International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, Volume 49, Issue 4, 2002, Pages 283-292, ISSN 0964-8305, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0964-8305(02)00055-0. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964830502000550)
  
  Abstract:
  A simple and reproducible microbiological simulation procedure in combination with a chemical procedure was used to test concrete for its potential resistance towards biogenic sulfuric acid.
  
  Concerning fundamental aspects of the corrosion reaction, it was shown that particularly the penetration of H2S inside the concrete crevices accelerated the corrosion process. The influence of different polymer types and silica fume additions on the resistance of the concrete samples was determined.
  
  The addition of the styrene acrylic ester polymer resulted in an increased resistance while the addition of the acrylic polymer or silica fume caused less resistant concrete. For the vinylcopolymer and the styrene butadiene polymer, no significant effect was observed on the resistance of the concrete samples.
  
  The results of the two different test methods confirmed the difference between corrosion due to purely chemical sulfuric acid and corrosion due to microbiologically produced sulfuric acid. Keywords: Concrete; Sewer pipe; Biogenic sulfuric acid attack; Polymer
• Xie, Yudong et al. COMPARISON OF CORROSION RESISTANCE MECHANISM BETWEEN ORDINARY PORTLAND CONCRETE AND ALKALI-ACTIVATED CONCRETE SUBJECTED TO BIOGENIC SULFURIC ACID ATTACK [PDF] Construction & building materials 228 (2019): 117071–. Web.
  
  Abstract:
  The difference of corrosion resistance mechanism between alkali-activated concrete (AAC) and ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPC) under biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion was compared.
  
  By measuring the local surface morphology, mass loss, compressive strength and Ca2+ dissolution of OPC and AAC specimens, the corrosion resistance of these two kinds of concrete to biogenic sulfuric acid (BSA) was studied.
  
  The hydration products and corrosion products of OPC and AAC were studied with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and environmental scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (ESEM-EDS).
  
  The results show that under BSA corrosion, the thickness, roughness and porosity of the corrosion layer of OPC are obviously greater than those of AAC. The main corrosion products of OPC and AAC is gypsum.
  
  The amount of gypsum produced on the surface of OPC corrosion layer is larger than that of AAC. In addition, the bacterial effect on the surface of AAC corrosion layer is greater than that of OPC, which makes the corrosion path of BSA shorter than that of OPC. Therefore, the corrosion resistance of AAC to BSA is better than that of OPC .
  
  Excerpt: Microbial corrosion widely exists in all aspects of nature, which is also related to the construction industry, mainly concentrating in sewage treatment facilities, marine buildings and other microbial enrichment areas [1–4].

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Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2023-02-27 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@John M,

We've read, as perhaps you have as well, of H2S corrosion and damage to public sewer systems as well as its ability to corrode and damage electrical components and other metals (explained at CHINESE DRYWALL OUTGASSING HAZARDS)

But H2S Hydrogen Sulfide corrosion of residential septic systems is unusual in my opinion and experience [DF] - as the volume of sewage and sewer gases are so much less than in municipal systems.

What steps have you taken to prove that the problem you're seeing is due to hydrogen sulfide gas? What inspections and tests have been done, and by whom? Any written reports, documentation, photos? If so, what's different about your septic system than others in your area (where are you: country, city) and what do you know about the chemistry of your water supply?

Has anyone inspected for concrete spalling or similiar damage that could be from a poor original mix when that specific concrete septic tank was cast?

Where is the "eating away" of your concrete septic tank visible - or actually - where is it present? To answer, you'll need the tank inspected after it's pumped.

Those diagnostic questions might help us determine what's going on and then what action is needed.

Meanwhile, as we warned before, keep people away from the tank - roping off or barring the area if necessary - lest someone fall into the tank.

Our research suggests that it's quite unlikely that hydrogen sulfide has caused noticeable damage to your concrete septic tank - as you will read in the article above on this page.

So a closer look at your septic tank damage: what is its nature, where is the damage seen, and whether or not there are collapse or other safety issues should be your top questions for an immediate and more complete inspection.

Above on this page we describe inspection points for your septic tank.

Watch Out: there is a very high risk of fatal falls into septic tanks due to open covers, tanks or tank covers in poor condition, and from high levels of methane gas CH4 or hydrogen sulfide H2S.

Watch out: you or someone else could die working around or falling into a septic tank or cesspool.

See more at

SEPTIC TANK SAFETY

On 2023-02-27 by John M - Hydrogen sulfide gas is eating away my concrete septic tank

Hydrogen sulfide gas is eating away my concrete septic tank.

We don't have a garbage disposal and are very careful about what goes down the drain. We pump our 1000 gallon tank every 2 years.

I'm afraid the tank will collapse before there's any problem with the drain field. Is there any way of reducing the level of H2S gas in the tank?

...

Continue reading  at SEPTIC TANKS, CONCRETE  or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS & ODORS
• CONCRETE CORROSION DUE TO HYDROGEN SULFIDE
• CONCRETE DELIVERY & MIXING
• HYDROGEN SULFIDE GAS
• METHANE & SEWER GAS HAZARDS
• PYRRHOTITE INCLUSION CRACKING
• SEPTIC LIFE EXPECTANCY
• SEPTIC SYSTEM ODORS
• SEPTIC TANK COVERS
• SEPTIC TANK INSTALLATION, CONCRETE
• SEPTIC TANK LEAK CAUSES
• SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE
• SEPTIC TANK SAFETY
• SEPTIC TANK TEES
• SEWER GAS ODORS - home
• SEWER LINE LEAKS & ODORS
• SULPHUR & SEWER GAS SMELL SOURCES 

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