Sewer gas is created by the action of bacteria breaking down the waste, particularly bodily waste. This gas then goes down your drainpipes. It’s made up of carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen and nitrogen. There might also be a small amount of ammonia. However, the gas that delivers the awful smell is hydrogen sulfide, the gas that gives rotten eggs their smell. This is actually a benefit, as the other gases, save ammonia, are actually odorless. It’s the H2S that lets you know there’s a problem with your plumbing. But what causes these problems?

You May Have a Dry Trap

A trap is that U-shaped length of pipe beneath your sink. It’s supposed to hold on to a little bit of water to prevent sewer gas from getting into your house. It might go dry if you don’t use the drain very often. This lets sewer gas enter your home.

The Trap May Be Cracked

On the other hand, the drain may be used regularly, but its trap has a leak that lets it dry out. This also lets sewer gas come into your home.

There May Be a Problem With Your Vent System

The vents in your plumbing system help maintain enough atmospheric pressure to prevent the water in the traps from being siphoned off. They also let sewer gases vent to the outside air above your roof. If a vent is broken or plugged, even by an animal nest, it won’t be able to do this job, and sewer gas can come into your house.

A Damaged Drain

If a drain pipe found between a trap and the main drain is cracked or broken, gases as well as wastewater can escape. You’ll know this is the case if you check the pipes beneath your house and find areas of raw sewage. It’s time to call a plumber and have the mess cleaned up and the pipes repaired.

What Can Be Done to Keep Sewer Gas Out of the House?

Sewer gas may not be dangerous but it makes living in your home really uncomfortable. It can also make entertaining guests impossible. To keep it out of your home, have a professional plumber fix the above problems right away. A plumber can also install traps if your floor drains lack them. Regular plumbing system maintenance services can also ensure that no sewer gas fouls the air in your house.

Do You Smell Sewer Gas? Call Professional Plumbers Right Away

The smell of sewer gas is a problem that needs to be seen to promptly. If you detect a sewer gas leak or need sewer line repair services in Corvallis, OR, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our plumbers at Evenflo Plumbing.