The odor of untreated sewage is not only annoying, but it can also be harmful to one’s health. For instance, causing shortness of breath and worsening respiratory problems, and allergic reactions. Its odor can result from a lack of water in the sink trap. Water serves as a deterrent, preventing toxic sewage gasses from entering the drain pipe. Several cleaning solutions can help you quickly and safely remove the stench of raw sewage from your home.
Properly constructed plumbing fittings and their associated devices are generally unscented. However, even the best plumbing can occasionally allow sewage gas into your home owing to a simple fault that can be readily identified and resolved. However, before you hire a plumber, you can do a few simple steps to solve the issue fast and for little or no money. Possible causes include; clogged drain pipe, among others. Also, remember to refer to the manufacturer’s manual guide.
The guide below gives a step-by-step process of getting rid of the sewer smell in your house. It will help you find the main cause of sewage smell in the house. Also, it shows how to fix the issue immediately. But, if the problem persists, seek help from a professional plumber. You may contact the original sewer maker for more information.
Main causes of sewer smell in the house
The root causes of sewer smell in the house include the following;
1. A blocked toilet, shower or kitchen drain.
2. Leakages from the sewer drain.
3. Pipe connections are becoming loose, allowing sewer smell to be emitted.
4. Toilet wax ring failing to function.
5. Insufficient water in the toilet.
6. A dry trap.
7. Using wrong vent pipes that are too short.
8. Sewer back-up.
Steps of fixing the sewer smell
There are different ways to eliminate the bad odor within the house with or without using water. The information below gives some of the methods.
Step 1: Open all the windows
To get rid of the odor of untreated sewage, open all of the windows in the house.
Step 2: Use vinegar to remove the sewer smell
To eliminate the raw sewage smell in your house, load a plastic spray bottle with concentrated white vinegar. To minimize sewage and other odors, position your spray bottle some inches away from your furnishings and sprinkle. In addition, sprinkle hard surfaces to remove sewer smells in the same manner. After a few hours, the vinegar smell dissipates.
Step 3: Use baking soda
To remove the untreated sewage odor, put baking soda on your floor, let it lie overnight, and vacuum completely using a vacuum cleaner. Baking soda, much as in your refrigerator, removes bad scents on your floor. Ensure you use the correct amount and remember to open the windows in the morning for fresh air.
Step 4: Use charcoal pieces
Cut the charcoal into smaller pieces that are recommended. Arrange the charcoal pieces in a small saucepan and place numerous bowls throughout your house. Charcoal removes odors and helps to purify the air.
Step 5: Use some scented agents such as sprays
To eliminate intense sewage gas scents, sprinkle a perfumed odor remover into the air and soft surfaces. These items come in a range of smells and can be found in most supermarkets. Ensure you use the best spray that does not increase allergic reactions, especially for those people within the house with allergy issues. If there are any, first, let them get out or choose moderate perfumed odors.
Step-by-step guide on how to clean a house with sewer smell
- House sink smells
Sinks in both the kitchen and the bathroom can emit foul sewer smells. Water shortage in the trap, like in shower facilities and toilets, can cause sewage odors to rise via the sink drainage. These smells are most likely to be created in sinks that are rarely used, such as in the house base, sheds, or washrooms.
If organic waste is causing your sink to stink like a sewer, eliminating and properly cleaning the fragments may help eradicate the stink. The sink components such as the p-trap and pivot rod can all be removed from the sink and soaked in a solution of warm white vinegar. Pour hot down the drain after rearranging the pieces to eradicate any leftover microbial debris.
- House toilets
Flush a medium stockpot of hot water down the toilet, then add the baking soda to the water-filled drain. Allow it to sit for a time. Allow at least 25 minutes for 2 cups of white vinegar to dissolve in one cup of boiling water. Flush more water down the drain or toilet. Because toilets link directly to a septic system, sewer odors are generally the worst in the house.
- House shower drains
Fortunately, all you have to do to get rid of biofilm in your shower drain is clear out your pipes. Clear drains to the p-trap with detergent, warm water, and a brush before rinsing with lukewarm water to get rid of future odors. Sewer odors are most usually caused by rarely used shower drains.
The water in the p-trap can dissipate if not used frequently enough; sewage gasses can enter without water in the trap. As a result, keep your shower clean and disinfected to avoid any unpleasant scents. This type of stink usually goes away after a few minutes of running water.
Frequently asked questions:
- Is sewage gas a hazard in your home?
Sewer gas comprises a complex mix of gases and chemicals, some of which are hazardous to people. Hydrogen sulphide, methane, ammonia, and carbon dioxide are the main components of sewer gas. While sewer gas isn’t dangerous in small amounts, these constituents contribute to sewer gas toxicity at high levels. It can cause many health effects, including the following;
a) Result in death.
b) Frequent headaches once inhaled.
c) Suffocation if not dealt with soon enough.
d) Interferes with the concentration, especially for those students studying at home.
e) Triggers with the correct functioning of the memory.
f) Dizziness.
g) Vomiting.
Conclusion
Despite the sewage being effective in eliminating waste from the house, sometimes, it may be harmful. If there is a sewer smell in your home, follow the steps above to eliminate it. For instance, baking soda uses scented sprays, among others. You may also use white vinegar or any detergent to clean places with the smell. Finally, seek help if the smell persists.
Finally, take some precautions to prevent the occurrence of sewer smells in the house. First clean all places such as sinks, showers and toilets. Check them often to ensure the pipes are in good condition. Also, provide a continuous water supply into the house for use in sensitive areas like toilets. Lastly, use the recommended detergent and unclog all pipes before seeking help from a professional plumber.
Are you noticing a sewer smell (sewage) in your bathroom or around a drain? For fixing easily you should watch this video below! enjoy
