Sewer gas is more than just a foul smell; it’s dangerous to your health. A mix of methane, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia, prolonged exposure to sewer gases can cause eye irritation, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, or even death. If you suspect that you have a leak, call your local pipefitting pro right away to take care of it before it gets worse. Check this out:gasleakdetector.com
Sewage and other noxious gases can come from many places, and the unmistakable rotten egg odor is usually a good indicator that you do indeed have a problem. If you’re not sure, ask your plumber to conduct a sewer smoke test. This test uses equipment that injects inert smoke into the drain and vent system through a manhole or sewer cleanout. The vapor will seep through any separations in the system and appear at the area where the leaking gases are entering your home, thus pointing your plumber to the source of the problem.
The Silent Threat: How to Safely Test for Sewer Gas Leaks
The most common source of a sewer gas leak is a toilet with a wax seal or neoprene seal that’s gone bad and allows the toilet to directly connect to the sewer line. This is also the most common source of a sudden sewer gas odor in the house, and it typically means that you have a serious problem that will require immediate attention.
Another common source of sewer gas is a water heater that’s been used for too long, which can dry up the water trap. This is easy to fix by adding water to the tank or by pouring a pitcher of water down every drain in the house for a few seconds. Another common cause is a plugged or missing air vent, which can allow sewer gas to back up into the house.