Eliminating Septic Odors in Tallahassee, FL: Causes & Fixes

Being dependent on septic systems means you must have dealt with stinky systems and pungent odors that won’t go away. Septic systems keep your home healthy and safe from contamination and damage from wastewater and prevent the environment from getting polluted. So, when it starts to give funny smells, it should raise red flags. These smells resemble rotten eggs or sewage and could be the result of underlying problems. Bad odors are not the disease, but are symptoms that your septic system might not be as healthy as it seems.  Understanding the causes and sources of the odors helps you detect the problem early before it escalates into a crisis. 

Understanding the Sources of Septic Odors

Anaerobic Bacteria

Septic odors are produced when anaerobic bacteria decompose waste products inside the septic tank, releasing hydrogen sulfide. The stinky smell of rotten eggs is from those gases. In a healthy septic system, there is a balance between aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. However, if the system gets overloaded, it could leave the bacteria oxygen-deprived and smell to backflow into the house. 

Septic Tank Overload

Overloading the septic system can also produce pungent smells. Excessive use of water, such as long showers and running toilets, flushing down items that shouldn’t be, such as plastic, toiletries, and feminine products, can exacerbate this problem. The tank can also overload due to the lack of proper maintenance or regular pumping. 

Clogged or Saturated Drainfield

A clogged drainfield is also a primary reason for pungent odors. The drain field is an interconnected network of pipes that filter the effluent into the soil. If the drainfield is clogged or saturated with waste materials, then the effluent may accumulate and cause pungent odors. Sometimes the drainfield can be clogged by tree roots infiltration or animals burrowing underground. 

Dry or Cracked Plumbing Traps

Plumbing traps under the toilets or sinks prevent pungent smells from entering your main plumbing system. Sometimes the traps dry up or form cracks due to infrequent usage. These cracks let the gases escape and cause pungent odors to spread throughout the house. 

Ventilation Issues

There are multiple ventilation systems installed along the drain pipes that let out gases produced during wastewater treatment. If these vents are obstructed for some reason, gases can build up and backflow into the house. A malfunctioning ventilation system can also be responsible for the issue. 

Chemical Imbalance

Using harsh chemicals for cleaning and other purposes can disrupt the healthy balance between different types of bacteria that keep the system running. Harsh chemicals such as antibacterial detergents can kill both harmful and useful bacteria, which interrupts the whole process. This causes the septic system to malfunction, and pungent odors build up. 

Immediate DIY Fixes for Minor Smells

Check the plumbing traps: Investigate the health of the plumbing traps and check whether they are intact.

Ventilation check: Check the ventilation system of the drainage field and the septic tank. Ensure the vent pipes are clear and unobstructed.

Baking soda: Pungent odors can be removed by pouring one cup of hot (not boiling) water mixed with baking soda. 

Check for leaks: Ensure the pipes or parts of the ventilating system are not leaking. If you find a leak, repair it promptly. 

If none of the above works, then you might have to call your local professional septic service. 

Conclusion

Septic odors can be a nuisance, but they can be managed with understanding and awareness of the causes and solutions. These odors are caused by gas buildup from the growth of anaerobic bacteria, poor ventilation, harsh chemicals, and other factors. Checking for broken components and using baking soda are common ways to deal with minor smells. If the odor persists or returns, contact your local professional septic service providers. Apalachee Backhoe & Septic Tank LLC is a trusted septic service provider that can help eliminate septic odors. With decades of experience, transparent pricing, and quick response times, they are a reliable choice for solving any septic odor issues.