If you have a septic tank, you might notice an unpleasant smell after it rains. This odor often resembles the smell of rotten eggs which is definitely not something you’ll want to encounter frequently. If your septic tank smells when it rains, here are some reasons why and what you can do about it.
Why It Smells
Inside your septic tank is methane gas, which produces an extremely strong odor. When it rains, the air becomes heavier and prevents the methane gas from rising up and through the septic tank’s vent. As a result, the methane remains low to the ground, resulting in that all too familiar rotten egg smell. If you’re noticing this odor concentrated inside your bathroom, look for a loose gas ring around your toilet. Even a tiny hole in the ring can cause the methane gas from your septic tank to leak into your bathroom.
Other Reasons for Odor
When it rains, the ground becomes heavily saturated. This will slow down the naturally occurring leaching that takes place in your leach field. A rise in the tank liquid level causes back pressure on the gases inside of your septic tank. As a result, there will be increased levels of methane gas in the drain, waste, and even the vent system in your home. Another cause could be that the material inside your tank is not being broken down properly. This causes a backfill of waste, and when it rains the pressure brings the smell up to the surface.
How to Fix Septic Tank Smells
Thankfully, there are some things you can do to get rid of the unpleasant smell emanating from your septic tank whether it’s raining or not. First, add a special treatment directly to the tank that contains special enzymes. These enzymes will help to break down waste inside the tank. Every few months, run the water in all of your sinks, showers, and tubs simultaneously. This will ensure that there is a constant and correct level of water inside the traps of your tank. If the smell persists, it’s recommended that you contact your local septic company who can perform a thorough inspection and determine the root of the problem and how to correct it.
If you’re dealing with septic tank issues or just have general questions, contact Rooter Express located in the Greenville and Anderson, South Carolina area. You can reach us at 864-385-3933 where you can give us a call and schedule an appointment today.
