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Whether your home is connected to the city sewer system or a private septic tank, you should never smell sewage outside the house. This unpleasant odor indicates a problem that requires attention before it becomes a much larger sewage line repair.
What Causes Sewage Odors Around Your Property?
Sewer systems transport wastewater. Homes served by a municipal system have a sewer line that connects drains to the city sewer main. If your home has a septic system, wastewater flows into a buried tank before being filtered through the drain field.
Under normal conditions, wastewater and sewer gases stay contained within these systems. When you notice sewage odors around your property, it means wastewater or sewer gases are escaping. You may need a plumber’s help to pinpoint the cause and recommend a solution.
Other Warning Signs You Need Sewage Line Repair
A bad smell is just one clue that you have a plumbing problem. Watch for these other common warning signs that may indicate it’s time for a main sewer line repair:
- Slow drains
- Gurgling plumbing fixtures
- Sewage backups
- Wet spots or unusually green patches in the yard
Common Sewer Line Problems That Cause Sewage Smells
Not sure if your home is connected to the city sewer system? If you’re in an urban area or suburban neighborhood, chances are you’re on the municipal system. Check your utility bill for a sewer charge, or call your local provider to confirm.
In a traditional sewer system, problems anywhere along the underground pipe may allow unpleasant odors to escape. Consider these possible causes.
Cracked or Broken Sewer Pipes
Aging materials, shifting soil, freezing temperatures, and corrosion all take a toll on underground pipes. As cracks or breaks develop, wastewater and sewer gases leak out. The smell is usually strongest directly above the damaged section of pipe.
Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots naturally seek out moisture, and a tiny crack or loose pipe joint is an enticing invitation. Tiny hair-like roots can sneak inside and continue growing within the sewer line.
As the roots expand, they restrict wastewater flow, snag debris, and create additional cracks. This combination leads to recurring clogs and sewage odors.
Main Sewer Line Blockages
Every toilet, sink, and shower drain in your house feeds into the main sewer line. When grease, food scraps, wipes, and other foreign debris accumulate in the pipe, wastewater drains more slowly.
Sewer gases can then escape, creating unpleasant odors around your property. As the blockage worsens, wastewater may back up into your home, resulting in a messy, expensive cleanup.
Septic Tank Issues That Can Cause Sewage Odors
If your home is in a rural area, has a private well, or was built before municipal sewer services reached your neighborhood, you likely have a septic system. Confirm that your utility bill lacks a sewer charge, or contact the county for information about a septic permit or maintenance records.
Septic systems require regular maintenance to keep wastewater flowing properly. When something goes wrong, odors may get out of control.
Full Septic Tank
Every septic tank eventually fills with solid waste that should be pumped out every three to five years. Maintaining a routine pumping schedule reduces the risk of sewage odors, backups, and major septic tank repairs.
Damaged Sewage Lines
Homes with septic systems have an underground sewer line that carries wastewater from the house to the septic tank. Then, an outlet pipe transfers water from the tank to the drain field.
Cracked pipes or collapsed sections allow sewage to leak into the soil. In addition to creating unpleasant odors, damaged lines may contaminate your yard.
Drain Field Problems
The drain field is where filtered water safely absorbs into the soil, completing the wastewater treatment process. If the soil in the drain field is overly saturated or compacted, wastewater has nowhere to go. Drain field problems affect the entire system and should be addressed promptly.
Traditional vs. Trenchless Pipe Repair
Sewer problems vary widely, which is why most plumbers perform a sewer camera inspection before recommending a repair method. A high-definition camera travels through the pipe to locate cracks, blockages, root intrusion, or collapsed sections. The findings reveal which repair method best fits your situation.
Traditional Sewer Repair
The traditional method involves digging a trench to expose the piping. While many homeowners hesitate to excavate their yard, traditional sewer repair or replacement is the best solution for certain types of damage.
Excavation may be necessary if:
- The pipe has completely collapsed
- Large sections of pipe must be replaced
- The sewer line has extensive structural damage
- Aging pipes have reached the end of their service life
Trenchless Sewer Repair
When conditions allow, trenchless sewer line repair is a less invasive method that still gets the job done. It involves relining the pipe or breaking apart the old one and pulling a new pipe into place. With only one or two small access holes required, plumbers can repair underground pipes with far less disruption to your landscaping, sidewalks, and driveway.
Trenchless sewer line repair may be feasible if:
- Minor to moderate cracks need repair
- Pipe joints have become slightly offset
- The pipe still has structural integrity despite tree root intrusion
- Corrosion or deterioration has not compromised the pipe
- The damage is inaccessible beneath concrete surfaces
Trust Apex Pros for Sewer or Septic Repairs in Dayton & Columbus, OH
If you notice sewer odors on your property, call Apex Pros Plumbing, Electrical, Heating and Air for timely service. Our plumbers can diagnose sewer line problems accurately and recommend reliable, cost-effective solutions. For those who would rather avoid needing main sewer line repair, we recommend routine drain cleaning, septic tank pumping, and sewer inspections.
Contact us today to schedule septic or sewer line repair in Dayton or Columbus, OH.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs that my septic tank requires replacement?
The key signs to look for that indicate your septic tank needs replacement include slow-moving drains, contaminated water, gurgling or bubbling sounds, standing water, spongy grass, and foul odors. If you suspect your septic system is failing, contact one of our plumbers to inspect it.
How much does it cost to have a septic tank pumped?
The average septic tank pumping cost is between $250 and $1,250. However, the total cost will depend on the tank’s size, location, and usage. While you may feel tempted to skip the maintenance cost, it’s important to have a professional pump your tank regularly. When you book with Apex Pros, we’ll provide an up-front, no-obligation quote before your service.
Can you repair cracks or holes in a septic tank?
Yes, our team can repair holes and cracks in septic tanks. The process often involves draining the tank completely and cleaning the area around the crack or hole. We then use an adhesion material to fill the damaged area. The type of material used will depend on the size and location of the damage.
