If you need to stop sewer gas from entering your home, you’re probably already well aware of how crucial this problem is. After all, the odor is unmistakable and can permeate your entire premise.Your plumbing contains built-in safety features to stop sewer gas from tainting your indoor environment. However, simple malfunctions in these safeguards may result in noxious odors pervading your living space. Here are some possible causes and cures:
The U-shaped traps in drain pipes under sinks contain water at all times in order to seal out sewer gas from flowing into your home. If a sink isn’t utilized for a long period of time or there’s a leak in the trap coupling, water inside the trap may dry up or leak out. Run water into all sinks to make sure all traps contain water and check underneath them to make sure they’re not leaking.
Check for a sewer cleanout plug in your basement floor drain. Remove the floor drain grate and make sure the plug is intac and tightened.
Sewer gas may infiltrate through a defective wax ring seal around the base of your toilet. The wax seal may have deteriorated if the toilet feels loose or rocks. The services of a professional plumber will be required to remove your toilet and replace the seal. Also, while the trap normally contains water, if the toilet hasn’t been used for an extended period, the trap may go dry.
Sewer vent pipes extend through the attic and terminate at the roof. When functioning properly, these vents intake air to equalize pressure in sewer pipes as waste material passes through. If a sewer vent is blocked by leaves, birds nests or other obstructions, air intake is obstructed. The resultant vacuum in the sewer line may suck water out of sink traps, allowing sewer gas to infiltrate your home. A plumber can access your sewer vents from the roof and clear obstructions.
For professional plumbing service in Broken Arrow, contact Air Assurance today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “pockygallery/Shutterstock”