If you live in Denver, Boulder, Aurora, or the surrounding areas in Colorado, your home may be connected to the local sewer system. Occasionally, you may notice an unpleasant sewer gas smell which could indicate a serious underlying issue. This odor should never be ignored, and that’s why the team at High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electric provides a range of services to address your most pressing sewer-related needs.
Sewer Gas and Its Composition
Sewer gas is a result of the organic breakdown of organic matter like human and animal waste in sewer systems. This mixture includes toxic and non-toxic gases that contain methane, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Here are some more details about its composition.
- Methane: This flammable gas has a strong odor and is the most prevalent gas found in sewer gas.
- Hydrogen sulfide: Highly toxic and flammable, hydrogen sulfide gas is what gives sewer gas its unmistakable “rotten egg” smell.
- Ammonia: This toxic gas is extremely irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat when it’s inhaled.
- Carbon dioxide: This specific gas is non-toxic, but it can cause asphyxiation in high concentrations.
Common Causes of Sewer Gas Smells
What does sewer gas smell like? Most people say it has an extremely strong, foul odor that resembles the smell of rotten eggs. Here are some common causes of why you might notice sewer gas smells in your Denver area home.
- Clogged drains: Debris in your sinks, showers, or toilets can eventually lead to major clogs that prevent proper drainage, allowing the sewer gas to escape in your home.
- P-trap issues: The P-trap is a curved pipe under your sink that holds water to keep sewer gas from entering your home, but if it’s dry, sewer odors can escape.
- Leaks: If your pipes are leaking or cracked, sewer gases can eventually leak out and get into your home.
- Clogged vent pipes: A vent pipe is required to vent sewer gas outside the home, but if it’s blocked, those gases will build up and enter your house.
- Toilet seal issues: A loose or broken toilet wax ring may allow sewer gases to seep into your bathroom.
- Sewer line problems: Any issues with your main sewer line like cracks or blockages will also cause sewer gas odors.
Health Implications of Sewer Gas Exposure
Exposure to sewer gas can cause a variety of health issues that range from mild to severe. Health implications depend on the concentration of the gas and the duration of the exposure.
Mild health implications
Here are the health implications of short-term, low-level sewer gas exposure.
- Sore throat and cough
- Eye or respiratory tract irritation
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches or dizziness
- Nausea and fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Long-term low-level health implications
If you were exposed to sewer gas at a low level but over a long period, you may experience these health implications.
- Headaches and fatigue
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Poor memory and issues with concentration
Severe health implications
People exposed to high concentrations of sewer gas or who have had long-term exposure may experience the following health implications.
- Respiratory distress
- Fluid in the lungs
- Loss of consciousness
- Tremors or convulsions
- Shock, coma, or death
When to Call for Professional Help
If you suspect that you have a sewer gas leak, it’s important to know when to call a professional for help. Remember these tips to help you recognize the signs that it’s time to contact the professionals at High 5 for assistance with your sewer issues.
- Constant odors: If a sewer gas smell remains after you have cleared your drains and ventilated the area, there may be a much more serious underlying issue that requires expert attention.
- Health issues: If you or your family experience sudden, unusual health issues like strong headaches, dizziness, nausea, or respiratory problems, contact the professionals at High 5 as soon as possible to prevent further health implications.
- Major issues: Serious issues like a major leak, an excess blockage, or damaged pipes should be addressed by a professional plumber before the situation worsens and becomes more complicated and expensive to repair.
- Sudden sewer odors: If you notice that sewer odors appear seemingly out of nowhere, a professional plumber can use specialized tools and techniques to locate the cause and source of the odor and repair the issue before it gets worse.
Importance of Timely Repairs and Maintenance
Timely sewer repairs, thorough sewer inspections, and regular maintenance are key to preventing minor problems from becoming major. Here’s why getting maintenance and timely repairs are so important.
- Prompt repairs help prevent major problems like leaks, blockages, and pipe deterioration that could cause sewer backups or major water damage.
- Routine maintenance helps to protect your property and prevents significant damage to your home like a flooded basement or a damaged foundation.
- A damaged sewer line can negatively impact your property’s resale value and could lead to a lower asking price or a major delay if you’re planning to sell your home.
- Sewer backups can create a health hazard by contaminating water sources and posing a serious public health safety risk due to leaking sewer gas.
- Regular sewer maintenance helps you address minor issues early so they don’t turn into major problems and more costly repairs later.
Safety Precautions for Dealing with Sewer Gas
If you suspect a sewer gas leak, evacuate your home immediately and get fresh air. Open your doors and windows to encourage ventilation and dilute the concentration of gas. Avoid ignition sources by not smoking, using a lighter or matches, or using appliances that could create a spark. Call High 5 or your local emergency or utility services to assess the issue and to ensure that the appropriate action is taken.
Need Help Resolving Sewage Problems? Call High 5 Today!
Sewer gas smells should never be ignored. If you suspect a sewer problem in or near your Denver, CO area home, the team at High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electric is available to assist you. Our comprehensive, expert plumbing services focus on what’s needed and the most effective way to do the job. Contact us to schedule service today.
