Smelling sewage or rotten egg smells within your home can be a sign of a problem within your drains and plumbing. Sewer gas can be dangerous, so it’s important to understand why you might be experiencing these smells and how to fix the issue.
The thing you can smell is hydrogen sulphide; a gas that is created from decaying organic matter, aka sewage. In most homes, hydrogen sulphide exists in low levels and can occur further is a plumbing issue occurs. When a home’s drains and pipes are working as they should be, the naturally occurring hydrogen sulphide is directed out of the home via a vent system, which usually exits via the roof, and no smell would be present.
Smelling gas in your home could be caused by small issues, like a dried-up water seal. Other times it could be a sign of a bigger problem, like a broken sewer or vent. Hydrogen sulphide can be dangerous even at low levels. If someone is prolonged to hydrogen sulphide for a long period of time, they could experience irritability, headaches, tiredness, sinus infections, pneumonia, loss of appetite and many more symptoms.
Hydrogen sulphide is a heavy gas that is unlikely to go unnoticed and will smell strongest near the floor or ground. However, once someone has become exposed to the smell, they may become desensitised to it, potentially making them think the issue is no longer present. Hydrogen sulphide will never occur in high levels within residential homes, simply because of the small amount of sewage leaving the home and the amount of fresh air available.
In places where hydrogen sulphide is in larger levels, like sewers and industrial settings, it can cause sudden death. There are strict regulations in place at industrial settings where proper equipment must be used to measure the levels.
Don’t worry, though! If you do smell sewage in your home, you won’t need to leave. It is important, however, that you call a professional at your nearest opportunity.
Luckily, we can help. We can conduct a CCTV drain survey on your home to find any issues and the best way to fix the issue. For more information, get in touch with the team by visiting our contact page or by calling us on 0800 849 8099.
