Your septic tank plays a significant role in your home. Like any other system, you should take time to service and clean your septic to ensure it operates optimally throughout. A smelly septic tank is one of the most common problems many people report about their septic systems.
A well-maintained septic tank should not smell. So, if you notice any bad smells around the septic tank or the leach field, your septic tank could have problems. These smells may not only affect your quality of time outdoors but also cause health problems for the people in that home.
Why Do Septic Tanks Smell?
A foul smell doesn’t always mean that your septic tank is full. Septic odors are mainly caused by gases in the system such as hydrogen sulfide, methane, Sulfur oxide, and carbon dioxide. When these gases accumulate in your septic, they can become toxic and even explosive.
If your waste is not processed effectively, it can build up, rot and cause microorganisms to grow, resulting in smells. In this case, you can pump out your septic system to remove the waste and eliminate smells. There are two main reasons for septic tank odors.
-
Contaminants
Most septic tank odors are caused by things you shouldn’t flush down the system, such as oils, grease, hygiene products, and multiple chemicals. These contaminants often clog, overload the tank, destroy bacteria or reduce digestion efficiency.
-
Anaerobic Processes
When your tank is out of oxygen, anaerobic bacteria will thrive, which are ineffective at digesting organic waste. The result is more waste and sludge build-up.
Tips for Maintaining Clean Odorless Septic Tank
Here are a few things you can do to maintain a clean-smelling septic tank.
Pump Your Septic Tank Regularly
One of the most common causes of a smelly septic tank is too much waste build-up that clogs and leads to rotten smells. Pumping regularly may not fully solve the problem if thorough servicing is not done. Consider getting help from a professional to check the tank, clean it, and pump it.
Watch Out What You Flush
The surest way to keep your septic tank from smelling is by not flushing unwanted products and materials down the drain. Avoid flushing bleach, vinegar, laundry detergents, and other chemicals down the drain as they kill good bacteria that break down the waste in your septic tank.
Use Activated Carbon Cover
An activated carbon cover can help remove strong unwanted odors. You can place this carbon cover over the top of the vent. This is an excellent way to cut-off odors after having a professional check and service the septic.
Conduct Regular Maintenance
Experts recommend servicing your septic every three years and pumping it every five years, depending on home size and use. Be sure to work with a professional who will follow up on the progress of your septic system.
Need Septic Tank Services in Minnesota?
At Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services, we handle everything from septic pump replacement to drain cleaning and routine repairs and maintenance. Feel free to contact us, and our expert team of professionals will be happy to work with you.