Septic Tank Fumes – Why DIY Maintenance Is Simply Out Of The Question?

Feb 16, 2023

Key Takeaways:

Septic tanks are crucial but often overlooked home features that play an essential role in our lives and environment.
Septic tank fumes can be hazardous, and DIY maintenance is not recommended.
The composition of septic tank fumes includes methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and ammonia.
The hazards of septic tank fumes include respiratory ailments, eye irritation, nausea & vomiting, skin allergies, and more.
DIY maintenance is a risky task that should be left to septic tank professionals due to the dangers involved, such as gas or liquid leaks, health risks from bacteria exposure, toxic chemicals used in cleaning tanks, time-consuming process

When you think about maintenance, you mostly think about your home interior and how it looks. Although keeping everything that contributes to aesthetics in tip-top shape is crucial, you shouldn’t overlook critical home features such as septic tanks. They’re not the prettiest things in the world. But septic tanks play a vital role in our lives – and our environment.

Over time these septic tanks will require maintenance, but we don’t recommend rolling up your sleeves and getting to it. Septic tank fumes can be hazardous, and DIY maintenance is simply out of the question.

Suppose you’re not familiar with how your septic system works. In that case, it’s best to leave any repairs or maintenance to the professionals. Dirt Werx LLC provides a closer look at why septic tank fumes are so dangerous, and we’ll also offer some tips on how to keep your family safe.

Septic Tank Fumes: The Biggest Threat

Composition

To understand why they’re dangerous, we first need to understand what constitutes these septic tank fumes. These fumes or sewer gas contain various gases. Among these, the most prominent are:

1. Methane (CH4)

This gas is one of the many contributors to global warming. Methanogen in the sewers produces the gas as a by-product while making their food. The gas is highly combustible and explodes in contact with oxygen. It is also odorless.

2. Carbon dioxide (CO2)

It is another gas that contributes to global warming. Bacteria in sewers create the gas. It is minimally toxic when inhaled, but a higher gas concentration can cause rapid breathing, increased blood pressure, and even suffocation leading to death.

3. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)

The gas smells like rotten eggs and gives the sewer gas that characteristic smell. It is the most toxic gas present in septic tank fumes. According to medical studies, exposure to higher gas concentrations can be fatal as it can cause multiorgan failures and result in respiratory depression. It is a condition when the lungs cannot exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen in the body.

4. Ammonia

The gas forms from the animal waste in the septic tank. It is highly irritating to the throat and nose when inhaled. It has a pungent smell. The gas is toxic and can cause death when inhaled in higher concentrations.

Hazards of Septic Tank Fumes

Considering the constitution, it’s no surprise that septic tank fumes can be hazardous to your health. Here are a few of the risks associated with it:

1. Respiratory Ailments

Exposure to septic tank fumes increases the chance of respiratory illnesses such as pneumonitis in extreme cases.

2. Eye Irritation

Prolonged exposure to these gases may lead to redness and itching around the eyes.

3. Nausea & Vomiting

High gas concentrations could cause nausea and vomiting if inhaled for a long time.

4. Skin Allergies

Long-term contact with the skin may lead to rashes and other allergic reactions.

DIY Septic Tank Maintenance – A Hazardous Task!

Septic tanks require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure that they work correctly. But did you know that trying to fix your septic tank yourself can be a dangerous task? Here are a few other hazards of DIY Septic Tank Maintenance:

1. Risky Hazards

Attempting to work on your own without proper safety equipment and knowing how the system works may prove hazardous. It could lead to accidents such as gas or liquid leaks and water damage. As it houses methane, you’re also at risk of an explosion.

It’s best to contact a Septic tank professional before something goes wrong.

2. No Guarantees

Suppose something does go wrong while attempting this job by yourself. In that case, there are no guarantees that the problem will be fixed correctly and efficiently, leading to more money being spent to repair it again.

3. Health Risk

As the name suggests, these tanks aren’t clean. They are breeding grounds for infectious bacteria housing billions of them. Going inside can be dangerous, especially if you have an open wound or even a tiny cut.

It could cause sepsis, a severe condition that needs immediate medical attention. Around 270,000 people die from sepsis in the US annually.

4. Toxic Chemicals

Septic tanks need to be cleaned using chemicals unavailable to the public. These toxic chemicals could cause irritation or harm if you don’t handle them properly, leading to severe injuries such as poisoning.

5. Time-Consuming

Regular DIY septic tank maintenance takes time and patience, especially if something goes wrong. It can leave you with little free time for other activities.

Does Your Septic Tank Need Maintenance or Replacement?

If you’ve prolonged your septic tank maintenance, it may be time to replace it. Here are some signs that you should look out for:

1. Excessive Water Pooling in your Backyard

Is your backyard pooling? It could signify that your septic tank is struggling to keep up with wastewater and needs immediate attention. The water is hazardous and could be due to a leak. It is best to hire a septic tank professional to get it replaced.

2. Strong Fumes

Suppose your septic tank is not maintained correctly. In that case, it can release strong and unpleasant fumes that can impact your environment and the health of those around it. It can indicate that your septic tank needs some maintenance or replacement.

3. Unusual Noises Around your Septic Tank

Do you hear strange gurgling noises coming from near your septic system? These could indicate a blockage in the pipes leading away from the tank and require professional help to fix this issue.

4. Sewage Backup in Your Home

A clogged septic tank will cause sewage backup in your house, which is an unpleasant sign and requires immediate attention.

5. Unpleasant Smells Around the Septic Tank

Do you smell something strange when walking around your septic tank? That could be an indicator of poor maintenance or that the tank is outdated and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

Conclusion

in conclusion, septic tank maintenance is no joke; you shouldn’t consider it. It’s best to call in a professional that knows what they are doing and can take care of the problem quickly. Septic tank fumes can be hazardous, so it’s essential not to risk your health and safety by trying to do the job yourself. Make sure to look out for these signs that indicate you need a septic tank replacement or maintenance. Stay safe and keep your home clean from hazardous fumes!

Prevent Septic Tank Fuming By Installing New Ones in Easton, PA

Although DIY septic tank maintenance is never recommended, Dirt Werx LLC offers professional services for new septic tank installations and replacements in Easton, PA. We are a leading provider of septic tanks in Easton and surrounding areas, so you can be sure that you’ll get quality service from a reliable team. We can help ensure that your tank is suitable for your property and get it installed efficiently.

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