If you are noticing a foul smell coming from your home, it’s important to determine whether it is sewage gas or not. If the smell is persistent, even after checking to make sure your drains are clear of clogs and your air vents are not blocked by debris, it may be time to call a plumber. More info:gasleakdetector.com
Sewer gas is an obnoxious-smelling mixture of gases, including hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and methane, that is produced when bacteria decompose organic waste like food scraps, clothing, and toilet paper. Hydrogen sulfide is particularly toxic because it interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen. At high concentrations, it can lead to headaches, dizziness, and nausea. In extreme cases, it can cause unconsciousness and death.
DIY Sewer Gas Testing: Protecting Your Home and Health
The main way sewer gas gets into homes is through the plumbing system. This is typically due to a dry trap (sink, toilet, or floor drain) or a broken or missing clean-out cap or vent pipe. A simple, inexpensive fix is to run a pitcher of water down the sink or flush a toilet to refill the trap. You can also replace the clean-out plug or seal, or install a new wax ring around a toilet drain.
If these steps don’t work, a plumber can perform a smoke test. This involves blocking all drain openings, pressurizing the pipe system, and then introducing smoke. The resulting vapor will travel along the path of least resistance and appear at the area that is allowing sewer gas in.
