The summer is here, and with it comes those heavy summer rains. For some people, they may notice that their home starts to smell like sewage during or after a rainfall. There can be a number of reasons for this, and not all of them mean there’s a serious problem. But it’s important to get to the source of the issue so that you can rectify any problems before they become worse. Here are a few reasons why your home may smell like sewage after it rains.
1. Heavier Atmospheric Pressure
When it rains, the air actually becomes heavier with moisture, preventing sewer gas from flowing upward out of your vents. Instead, the gasses remain lower to the ground and make themselves known to you by their smell.
2. You Have a Clogged Drain
A simple clogged drain can be the culprit. When it rains, the pressure on your pipes actually coaxes the sewage smell out of all the organic material that is backed up in your pipes and clogging your drain. A clogged drain is easy to fix, but can cause more serious issues if left alone, so make sure to get any strange sewage smell checked out!
3. Your Water Barrier Has Dried Out
The water barrier in your sewer trap can actually dry out over time or if a bathroom fixture isn’t being used often. If your water barrier has dried out, it can allow gasses from your sewer system to escape into your home. These gasses can actually be harmful to your health, so it’s crucial you have the problem fixed. Rectifying a dried out water barrier can be as simple as running some water from the underused appliance in order to refill the barrier again.
4. Septic Tank Issues
Do you have a septic tank? If your septic tank is full or faulty, rainwater can seep inside and push out sewage water, causing the smell. This is because rain seeks out the lowest point on your property, which is usually your septic tank. You may smell the sewage odor in your home or out on your property.
Sewage gasses are unpleasant, not to mention hazardous to your health, so if you smell sewage after it rains, it’s a sign something is going on with your sewer system that deserves investigation. At A&L Cesspool, our experts will get to the bottom of any of your sewer issues and repair whatever needs fixing so your home and family stays safe and odor free!
