Let’s be honest—your septic system is a smelly business. It’s also a fragile system. Imbalances in your septic system are the root of foul smells and septic odors. Fixing the problem before the scent should always be the guiding principle. But sometimes, bad smells persist. Here are a few septic-safe odor solutions when you need the smells gone fast.
Septic Odors and Smells Inside Your Home
When you are relaxing in your home, we often light candles with soothing scents like Lavender and Vanilla. Sewer and septic scented candles are not top sellers (and for a good reason).
Septic odors in the home aren’t only foul, but they can be dangerous. After eliminating all underlying causes, the scent can remain. Here are a few tips for ridding your home of smells caused by your septic system.
- Baking Soda. Baking soda is a natural odor eliminator, with proven uses in laundry and cleaning solutions. Additionally, it can help balance the pH levels in your septic system (if it’s too acidic bacteria have a hard time digesting waste). Flush or drain baking soda once a week to keep your house smelling fresh.
- Clean the Drain Covers. The source of the smell is often closer than you realize. With a moist environment, sludge builds up on drain covers, releasing a foul odor akin to a locker room. Just scrub with hot water and a septic-safe cleaner and replace.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar. Can’t blast the smell? It may be sludge built up in your pipes. Create a solution of 1/2 baking soda and 1/2 white vinegar and flush down your system followed by hot water. Note: While natural, white vinegar contains anti-bacterial properties. Use this method sparingly.
Septic System Smells and Odors Outside
As sewage and waste move through your septic system, this movement requires outside air flow. Often, the air is pulled through an exposed vent allowing air in—and foul smells out. After a checkup and routine maintenance more action may be needed to eliminate odors.
Simple solutions are vent filters and covers. They come in a variety of types, each with similar outcomes. Charcoal filters are an all-natural solution using charcoals natural ability as an odor neutralizer. Activated carbon covers fit snugly over the entire vent, filtering and neutralizing foul smells.
Septic Tank Pumping
If foul smells consistently persist, it’s time to schedule a septic system check-up. With the bacteria in your septic tank working hard and depending on a balanced system, it’s easy for them to get overloaded leaving solid waste untreated. Additionally, solid waste builds up over time, even in efficient septic systems. If you can’t rid your system of sewage smells, it’s time to look at pumping your septic tank.
To schedule a septic system inspection or septic tank pumping in the Clermont, FL area call Advanced Septic Services at (352) 242-6100.
Septic systems are inherently a smelly. But, efficient and maintained septic systems should not be emitting foul odors. However, sometimes smells persist. Natural and septic-safe odor solutions like baking soda and charcoal filters can help eliminate septic smells.