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Can septic fumes hurt you.

Asked Nov 9, 2007, 01:38 PM — 3 Answers
Can septic fumes hurt you?

3 Answers
shygrneyzs's Avatar
shygrneyzs Posts: 5,029, Reputation: 4842
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#2

Nov 9, 2007, 01:56 PM
A well-maintained septic system shouldn't create any odor, and the smell of sewage coming from drains is a distinct warning sign that something is wrong. Coupled with toilets that suddenly flush slower than usual, sewage smells may indicate that the tank is full and must be pumped. If you have sewage smells even though your tank isn't full and the plumbing seems to be working all right, you may have a problem with a sewer vent pipe.

Sewer vent pipes vent sewer gas from plumbing fixtures to the outside of the house. If the vent pipes aren't installed correctly, if they aren't high enough or if they become clogged, you may wind up with sewer gas in the house. Sewer gas is dangerous on two counts: first, it contains methane, which is flammable and explosive. Second, sewer gas can suck the oxygen out of the house and cause death. Either way, you're in big trouble, so if you smell sewer gas, don't wait—open the windows, leave the room, and call a licensed plumber
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labman's Avatar
labman Posts: 10,673, Reputation: 3050
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#3

Nov 9, 2007, 03:38 PM
While yes sewer gas is toxic, I see no reason to panic. Do a search of plumbing and you will find numerous questions about sewer smell and successful DIY fixes. Sometimes is is as simple as dumping some water down a seldom used drain. So if you have a problem with sewer smell, post back with the details and wait for an answer or 2.
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plumberjames83's Avatar
plumberjames83 Posts: 100, Reputation: 20
Junior Member
 
#4

Nov 9, 2007, 06:05 PM
Shy green eyes wanted me to answer theis question in short yes that they can hurt you that is the propose of p-traps and wax rings to seal off gas vaper from entering the air that we breath ..... If you are smealling gas (in general ) check to make sure your p-traps are full by running water down them to fill them up ... Drain that are not used very often will dry up and thus permiting gas to come though
Also check to make sure that you don't have a sewer leak somewhere such as is your crawl space or something like that somethimes people mistake that for a vent leak ... Other then this general info without spaicfics I can't help ... Also know this it is hard to diagnose smells without being there smells are very hard to track down
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