septic odor
#1
06-16-13, 12:03 PM
septic odor
The last few years I have had an increase in frequency and the strength of septic odor from my roof vent pipes. It is often bad enough that we cannot even enjoy being outside. I have tried numerous treatments recommended by local plumbers as well as the local big box stores. Nothing seems to help. Recently I contracted a local "expert". They pumped and cleaned the tank, dug up the yard and did an external inspection of the system and lines, and used a camera to inspect the interior of the lines. They stated the entire system was in really good shape, especially for being 20 years old. They then recommended a treatment for the odor. Tried it and it did not help. Any suggestions as to what I might try, including treatments that I perhaps have not yet tried. I see there are a lot of them on the internet that I haven't tried.
Any help/suggestions would be appreciated. Sure would like to enjoy a cookout without the stench.
Any help/suggestions would be appreciated. Sure would like to enjoy a cookout without the stench.
#2
06-16-13, 12:54 PM
Super Moderator
Probably biomat..but you should not get a smell from the vents. That would be from the tank only and not the laterals. ( How do you know its from the vent?)
I would have all internal lines jetted, as it may be from them. ( But I doubt its from the vent..Just my opinion)
Additionally the only way to reduce tank smells is through aeration. But that will have some things you would need to do to successfully accomplish that.
But your vent may be in a wrong location.
Or positive pressure from homes ventalation system is forcing the sewer gas out.
Or possibly a gas leak. Smells the same. Meter vent? Underground line?
Or from the field itself. If its water locked, then the smell will come about evertime you use water. Even though the ground is not saturated.
Just some things to think about.
I would have all internal lines jetted, as it may be from them. ( But I doubt its from the vent..Just my opinion)
Additionally the only way to reduce tank smells is through aeration. But that will have some things you would need to do to successfully accomplish that.
But your vent may be in a wrong location.
Or positive pressure from homes ventalation system is forcing the sewer gas out.
Or possibly a gas leak. Smells the same. Meter vent? Underground line?
Or from the field itself. If its water locked, then the smell will come about evertime you use water. Even though the ground is not saturated.
Just some things to think about.
#3
06-16-13, 01:18 PM
Group Moderator
Since Lawrosa covered possible causes of unusually strong odor I will mention that there are activated carbon filters you can install on top of your vent stack to absorb offensive odors. It's not a cure for any underlying problem but it can help control the odor.
#4
06-20-13, 07:14 AM
what to do
I appreciate the response. The smell from the tank is coming out thru the vents on the roof. It's the only place the smell is coming from. As to the other suggestions: The "experts" checked all these things and found nothing wrong. I was with them all the way so I would better understand the system. I have spoken with numerous "experts" in the area and have been told everything from I need a new system to what I'm experiencing is normal and the system just needs to be treated and everything in between. I'm at a loss as spending more money without knowing makes no sense to me. I have looked into the vent filters and am still trying to locate current users to obtain more feedback as to the effectiveness of this approach.
#5
06-20-13, 07:21 PM
Could you estimate how far the tops of the vent pipes are below the roof's peak level ?
Maybe extending them up a little might help waft it away..
Maybe extending them up a little might help waft it away..
#6
06-21-13, 09:40 AM
The vent pipes are extended about 2' over the roof peak. This is maximum height allowed.
It has been suggested I go with carbon filters over the vent pipes. Any comments on this approach?
It has been suggested I go with carbon filters over the vent pipes. Any comments on this approach?
