Sewer gas leaks are not a common problem in most homes due to modern plumbing systems. However, occasional plumbing failures are inevitable in any scenario. For instance, small leaks and other issues can release sewer gas into the home.
Aside from an unpleasant odor, the gases can be dangerous to your home and your family’s health. Knowing the warning signs and dangers of sewer gas leakage is a priority whether you own or rent your Indiana home.
What Is Sewer Gas?
When human waste breaks down in the septic system, it produces gaseous byproducts. The gas is a combination of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, methane, and carbon dioxide.
Hydrogen sulfide causes the rotten egg odor you smell. Breathing even low levels of this chemical can be harmful. Methane is non-toxic, but large amounts can be explosive.
The odor is a sign that something has gone wrong in the plumbing system. Until the problem is fixed, the smell will continue. This situation places undue risks on everyone in the home, so don’t wait too long to contact professional sewer gas leak detection services.
Finding the cause of the odor is the first step in sewer gas leak detection. Remember, sewer gas odor is more than a smelly annoyance. It can be dangerous to your family’s health.
Keep in mind that you can become desensitized to the smell of sewer gas. When this happens, you may think the problem went away. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help when you first notice the odor.
Sewer Gas Leak Detection: What We Look For
Sometimes, the cause of the smell is a simple issue that the homeowner can resolve themselves. However, it’s usually something more complex. Finding the source of the problem requires skill and specialized equipment.
Your best recourse is to contact Indiana Leak Detection. You may have a leak somewhere underground that only our expert technicians can locate.
Some of the things we look for during a sewer gas leak detection include:
Corroded or Cracked Pipes
These problems are often the result of cold weather or outdated plumbing. When pipes are damaged, sewer gas can escape into the home.
Clogged Drains
When drains are clogged, they prevent the transportation of toxic wastes through the septic system. Raw sewage can then back up into the home along with dangerous gases.
Blocked Roof Vents
Roof vents can become blocked with debris, preventing proper ventilation. Over time, the blockage will cause sewer gas to build up in the pipes and leak into the living areas.
Dry Plumbing
Septic systems rely on water moving freely through the pipes to keep things running properly. When drains or toilets aren’t used, they dry out. Without a water barrier in place, sewer gas can leak into the house.
Loose Toilets
Loose toilets can cause more problems than you may realize. Sure, they are an annoyance, but they can also be a safety hazard. When a toilet is wobbly, it creates a gap in the pipes allowing sewer gas leakage.
Symptoms of Sewer Gas Toxicity
Small amounts of sewer gas aren’t considered dangerous, but toxicity is possible with prolonged exposure to the gas. Symptoms can include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting
- Breathing problems
- Dizziness
- Memory problems
- Trouble concentrating
Severe symptoms from prolonged exposure to high levels of sewer gas can include seizures, coma, or death.
When to Call the Professionals
The best time to call in the professionals is when you first notice the telltale odor. If your family shows any symptoms of sewer gas exposure, call our local Indiana office right away. Our sewer gas leak detection services diagnose your sewer problems and recommend the best solution.
Routine Inspections Save Money
Many homeowners dread having to call a plumbing company. They worry about costs and aren’t sure they will get adequate results. You can avoid most of these worries with routine gas leak inspection services.
We recommend a yearly inspection to ensure your plumbing system functions as it should. With these preventative measures, we resolve minor issues before they cause major breakdowns.
If you’re interested in routine maintenance for your Indiana home plumbing system, give us a call today.
Contact Us for Sewer Gas Leak Detection Services Today
Plumbing problems can disrupt your family’s daily routine, and as a busy homeowner, you don’t need more stress. Make one phone call, and your sewer leak problems will be over.
Contact Indiana Leak Detection at the first sign of plumbing issues. Our technicians will respect your home and ensure a prompt resolution to your plumbing problem.