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    afrmags's Avatar
    afrmags Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Mar 12, 2010, 05:34 PM
    Are Sewage Fumes Dangerous
    I have been experiencing daily sewage fumes and occasional sewage odours in my home.
    The environmental health dept. have investigated the sewers and in & outside my home.
    As there is nothing visible and was unable to detect the odours on their visits they have dicontinued the investigation stating they the problem - in their terminology,
    " not considered to be a nuisence" and closed the case
    The fumes are present all the day but are extremely strong in the evening and during the night. Sometimes I have to leave the house at night to escape the fumes.
    These are now causing health problems i.e.. Breathing problems,headaches,etc.
    I have disinfected the sinks,bath,toilet with drain cleaner, flushed the outside grates
    With water and pressure washed the main outside drains in the drive with no effect.
    This problem startd two years ago and is increasing by the day
    I would be extremely grateful for any suggestions to resolve this PLEASE
    Thank you in anticipation for your kind assistance
    [email protected]
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #2

    Mar 12, 2010, 06:09 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by ;
    the investigation stating they the problem - in their terminology,
    " not considered to be a nuisence" and closed the case
    A Nuisance? Read on! To answer your question.
    Sewerr gas smell is a indication that your home has a direct, unprotected connection with the city sewer or your septic tank.
    Sewer gas is a health hazard to your family and the methane content makes it explosive.

    Check all the traps in the house for liquid, especially the floor drain.
    Try to track the smell down to a single location.
    the fumes are present all the day but are extremely strong in the evening and during the night. Sometimes I have to leave the house at night to escape the fumes.
    Sewer gas will raise with the heat of day and descend durning the night which gives me a clue.
    Do this, go up in the attic and start checking the vent pipes going through the roof.
    Are there any vent pipes that were left open and not connected to anything.
    Let me know what you find. Good luck. Tom
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
     
    #3

    Mar 12, 2010, 06:17 PM

    Add to Tom's list; keep bathroom doors closed at all times. Periodically check each bathroom, does one start smelling stronger first. Could also be a bad toilet wax ring
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
     
    #4

    Mar 12, 2010, 07:37 PM

    I know it was said pretty cleary 2 x already, but anyways: Yes, sewer fumes are health hazard. Deal with the problem without delay.

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