Septic Tank Odors: How to Avoid a Smelly Septic Tank

Smelling pungent odors on your property can be stressful. One of the causes of this odor could be your septic tank. Septic tanks tend to emit more pungent odors than usual during hot days in the summer. The smell can be very off-putting and humiliating if you have guests over. These foul odors are so strong that they get inside the house in some cases.

What's Causing Your Septic to Smell

Your septic tank can be smelly for a few different reasons. If your septic tank is full or the pipework is faulty, it will leak, leading to a foul smell on the property. Main sewer line leakages and clogged drains in your property are significant reasons you might have a bad smell on your property. A utility hole lid that doesn’t fit properly is often ignored but contributes to the lousy aroma in many properties.

Five Tips to Prevent Septic Odors

The following tips can help you prevent or solve this unfortunate mishap with your septic tank.

1. Don't Flush Non-Soluble Solids Down the Drain

Insoluble solids can form clogs inside the drainpipes, preventing the free flow of liquid waste to the septic holding tank. Examples of insoluble solids include coffee grounds, kitchen waste, vegetable and fruit peels, and baby wipes. A smelly aroma will come from these clogs and spread to the whole homestead.

Sieve all liquids you pour into the drain to prevent solids from entering the gutter. An efficient way is to install sieving caps in kitchen sinks, and bathroom drains to catch solids. Encourage the disposal of solid waste in waste bins instead. Such a precaution is the best way to maintain an odor-free homestead.

2. Check All Riser Covers

Risers provide easy access to the sewer and septic tank when you need to repair the tank or pump out waste. However, if they are not fixed correctly, a foul smell will sneak out. The odor is more persistent when it's windy. Frequently check all caps after mowing, and set them into place if they are misaligned. You should fix these utility hole covers tightly with screws or heavy concrete lids.

3. Consider Pumping the Septic Tank



A filled septic tank can cause a lingering odor in your home. Contact professional pumping services to pump out the waste. Also, consider having a septic treatment after pumping out waste to minimize the bad smell.

Experts say frequent sewer pumps help prevent a septic holding tank from stinking. Pump your septic tank every 3-5 years to avoid an influx and overflow. A sewer management company can pump out the septic tank and dispose of the waste in an environmentally friendly way.

4. Get a Pre-Season Septic Tank Checkup

Septic holding tanks tend to smell in the summer when the heat hits its peak. A professional drainage check-up will identify flaws that may cause smells in the summer. The best time to have your tank checked is before summer starts. An experienced sewer company will look for cues to see if your system is working as prescribed.

5. Replace the Septic System

Sometimes, you may need a thorough redo of the septic system to solve the lousy odor issue. If your holding tank has been in service for 25-30 years, you might want to replace it. Get a tested, durable septic system from a reputable sewerage company that will install, test, and commission the system. You can also contact a company that does regular septic check-ups as a service for their clients.

Avoiding a smelly septic tank is everyone's goal. Have regular professional septic tank checks to review the levels and general efficiency of the system. Leaks and other minor septic problems may turn into menacing septic tank issues if left unattended. At AAA Pumping Service, Inc., we will help you solve the smelly septic tank problem with ease. Contact us today for a quote and set a site visit date.