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Sewer or septic gas odor diagnosis & cure: our septic or sewer gas odor cure article series beginning here describes how to diagnose, find, and cure odors in buildings including septic or sewage or sewer gas smells or "gas odors" in buildings with a focus on homes with a private onsite septic tank but including tips for owners whose home is connected to a sewer system as well. What makes the smell in sewer gas?

Sewer gases are more than an obnoxious odor. They can be dangerous. Also see METHANE GAS SOURCES.

If you don't see information you want, ask us for it using the comments box at the end of this article.

Watch out: we warn in all sewer or septic gas odor articles that because sewer gas contains methane gas (CH₄) there is a risk of an explosion hazard or even fatal asphyxiation. Sewer gases also probably contain hydrogen sulfide gas (H₂S) In addition some writers opine that there are possible health hazards from sewer gas exposure, such as a bacterial infection of the sinuses (which can occur due to any sinus irritation). Depending on the sewer gas source and other factors such as humidity and building and weather conditions, mold spores may also be present in sewer gases [SEPTIC METHANE GAS].

Also see Wet Weather or Cold Weather Septic Odors or Sewage Odor Diagnosis & Repair Guide for additional odor tracing and cure advice for odors occurring during wet or cold weather. For details about exposure to various toxic and irritating gases see Gas Exposure Limits and TOXIC GAS EXPOSURE EFFECTS. Also see ODORS & SMELLS DIAGNOSIS & CURE for procedures to diagnose and cure all kinds of odors in and around buildings.

Citation of this article by reference to this website and brief quotation for the sole purpose of review are permitted. Use of this information at other websites, in books or pamphlets for sale is reserved to the author. Technical review by industry experts has been performed and is ongoing - reviewers welcomed and are listed at "References."

© Copyright 2012 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use page top links to major topics or use links at the left of each page to navigate within topics and documents at this website. Green links show where you are in a document series or at this website.

Tracking Down Hard-to-Find Sewer Gas Odors in buildings

Our sewer gas odor diagnosis articles are grouped into:

• SEWER GAS ODORS - the article found below on this page
• SEWER GAS ODORS in COLD WEATHER
• METHANE GAS SOURCES - other soures of methane gas in and around buildings

Others with whom we have worked on tracking down sewer gas odor problems have found these common sources of sewer gas odors:

• Air conditioning and heating systems using air ducts and blower fans can pick up odors from one source and move them to another destination. In some cases local negative air pressure may also overcome normal drain pipe venting, especially if plumbing traps are omitted or defective or if there are loose toilets leaking odors into a room. See There is a Septic Tank Odor Coming from a Vent Under My Air Conditioner.
• Electrical conduit leaks: found septic gases following electrical conduit from septic pumping station into the principal building. See Seal Septic Gas Leak Through Electrical Conduit?
• Sewer/Septic Piping Leaks: Found DWV (drain-waste-vent piping) plumbing piping leaks: had a plumber pressure test the drain waste vent piping to find sewer gas leaks due to mechanical damage, rust, corrosion in piping, improper sewer vent locations, or inadequate/missing waste pipe venting
• Toilet seal leaks: Found sewer gas leaks at a toilet with a bad seal - a toilet can be leaking sewage water or just gases around its base if the toilet is not properly mounted, even if the toilet is not obviously loose on the floor. See TOILET REPAIR GUIDE.
• Sewer Piping Joint Leaks: Found sewer gas leaks where plastic pipes had never been properly glued in a wall, ceiling or floor, from original construction. Found by pressure testing.
• Sewer Piping Punctures: Found sewer gas leaks where drain waste vent pipes had been perforated by a nail from flooring or in one case from hanging a picture on the wall
• Private Septic System Failures: Found sewer gas leaks outside due to a failing septic drainfield and/or blocked sewer piping causing backups that leaked outdoors. In a case where odors were traced to leaks at a septic tank, odors from the septic tank were strongest at the front entry door to the home, perhaps in part because the system was in failure and backing up.
• Drain trap odors: Found sewer gas odors at plumbing fixture traps whose water trap was lost due to trap siphonage due in turn to missing, improperly installed (too distant), or blocked plumbing vent piping. Where dry plumbing traps pass sewer gases back into a building the problem may be worse in cold weather or when building vent fans are decreasing the in-building air pressure, drawing gases out of drain piping
  
• Swamp gas or marsh gas: Traced sewer/septic gas odors to swamp gases or marsh gas, also potentially dangerous, especially if swamp gas leaks into and accumulates inside a building, as reported in the NY Times, appears to have occurred in Cancun, Mexico in November 2010. Swamp gases include methane produced by the decomposition of organic materials in subsoils.
• Other sulphur type gas odors: traced to gases or chemicals in private water supply, well water contaminants, or traced to bacterial contamination of a water heater or corroded water heater anode
• Also see SULPHUR & SEWER GAS SMELL SOURCES for our master list of sources of sulphur like odors in buildings. This list includes sources of sewer or sulphur like smells beyond those originating at a septic system or sewer piping.
• CONTACT us to add other sewer gas odor sources you've found - it will help others

First Steps in Septic or Sewer Smell Diagnosis: Check for the Source and Cure of Sewer Gas Odors

What steps are useful to avoid smelling (or blowing up from) the gases that form and naturally want to escape from residential septic systems? How can we diagnose sewer odors at a building site to determine if it's a venting problem, a failure of the septic system, or the failure of a neighbor's septic system, or perhaps even a leak from a fuel gas line or appliance?

First Check for Very Dangerous Conditions: fuel gas leaks, sewer gas leaks, gas accumulation

• Observe septic system safety procedures When opening a septic tank for service or repair, observe the safety precautions I describe earlier on this web page.
• We have had reports of a septic pumper having his face burned by exploding methane when he lit a cigarette during pumping, a homeowner who generated an explosion of the septic tank that rocked the entire neighborhood when he built a brush fire atop the septic tank.
• We have also read of deaths occurring when untrained service people entered a pumped-out septic tank to inspect it.
• We provide a detailed list of sewer and sulphur gas odor sources at Sources of Sulphur Odors in buildings. Also Check for the presence of Chinese drywall: because it is easy to mistake other sulphur odors for sewer gas, if your building was built or remodeled between 2001 and 2007, especially in 2006 or 2007, see CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS - the corrosive outgassing of Chinese drywall can make smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors unsafe and it may also be an indoor air quality concern in some buildings.
• Detailed Septic Odor track-down articles:
    Backdrafting & Sewer/Septic Odors
    Building Drain & Sewer Line Odors
    Cure Odors in Septic Systems
    HYDROGEN SULFIDE GAS
    Other Odors Blamed on Septic / Sewer
    PLUMBING FIXTURE TRAPS
    Plumbing Vent Definitions, Types
    PLUMBING VENT DEFECTS & NOISES
    Septic System or Sewer Piping
    Site, Weather, or Failing Neighbors
    Tests for Indoor Sewer Gas
    Tracking Odors to Source

Hydrogen Sulfide Gas H₂S Properties, Exposure Pathology, Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis

The following information about hydrogen sulfide gas H₂S hazards is based on information from U.S. Army Field Manual 8-285 Chapter 10, Noxious Chemicals:

10-4. Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Danger Information

Physical Properties of Hydrogen Sulfide Gas:

This colorless gas in low concentrations has the odor of rotten eggs. In high concentrations it may dull the sense of smell and be difficult to recognize. b. Occurrence in Military Operations. This gas is produced during the decomposition of sulfur containing compounds in sewers, waste, coal bins or stacks, holds of ships, and waterfront excavations.

Occurrence of hydrogen sulfide gas in Military Operations as well as in civilian and residential conditions

Hydrogen sulfide gas is produced during the decomposition of sulfur containing compounds in sewers, waste, coal bins

Pathology of Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Exposure

In low concentrations (less than 0.15 mg per liter), hydrogen sulfide may produce inflammation of the eyes, nose, and throat if breathed for periods of 1/2 to 1 hour. Higher concentrations (0.75 mg per liter or greater) are rapidly fatal, presumably by combination of the hydrogen sulfide with the respiratory tissue pigments and the subsequent paralysis of the respiratory center.

Symptoms of Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Exposure

The symptoms depend upon the concentration of the gas. At the lowest concentrations, the effects are chiefly on the eyes; that is, conjunctivitis, swollen eyelids, itchiness, smarting, pain, photophobia, and blurring of vision. At higher concentrations, respiratory tract symptoms are more pronounced. Rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and bronchitis may occur. Pulmonary edema may result. At very high concentrations, unconsciousness, convulsions, and cessation of respiration rapidly develop.

Treatment for Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Exposure

Immediately remove the casualty from the contaminated atmosphere and administer assisted ventilation with oxygen, if possible. Treatment of pulmonary edema is the same as for that caused by CG (chap 5).

Continue tracking sewer gas odors by using the diagnostic odor tracking articles listed below.

Also see SULPHUR & SEWER GAS SMELL SOURCES list of sources of sulphur & sewer gas odors in buildings

Biogas Plants: Using Septic Gas or Sewer Gas for Fuel

Please see BIOGAS PRODUCTION & USE for our full article on this topic.

A few readers have asked if they could just capture methane gas from their septic tank to use as a household fuel for heating, cooking, or gas lighting. And there are septic-tank-like systems designed for that purpose, but as we warn below, don't just try hooking up your septic tank to a gas burner.

Indeed biogas can be produced, captured, compressed (like natural gas) and used as a fuel, including powering vehicles.

Watch out: We reported at SEWER GAS ODORS that because sewer gas contains methane gas (CH₄) there is a risk of an explosion hazard. At SEPTIC & CESSPOOL SAFETY we explain that gases produced in a septic tank are dangerous, as a potential source of explosion and as a cause of death by asphyxiation if someone falls into or deliberately enters a septic tank.

• See Building Drain & Sewer Line Odors for the full discussion of odors from building drains & drain piping.
• Also see Septic System or Sewer Piping for odors from septic systems and sewer lines.
• See Plumbing Vent Defects for an explanation of sewer gas leaks from building drain vent piping.
• Also see SEPTIC METHANE GAS for more sewer gas test advice and reference material. Also see Using the TIF 8800 Gas Detector.
• Illustrations of a leaky cast iron sewer line that sent sewer gases into the building's transite (asbestos cement) heating duct system can be seen at TRANSITE PIPE AIR DUCTS and at CAST IRON DRAIN PIPING.
• SULPHUR & SEWER GAS SMELL SOURCES list of sources of sulphur & sewer gas odors in buildings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) abour sewer gas or septic gas odors in buildings

Question: How do You Check & Track Down Sewer Gas Smells?

How do you measure or check sewer gases to see if the smell we have coming out of our bathroom is a gas or just a smell? and does it measure the smell/gas to see if its at a dangerous level? - K.E.

Reply: Start Tracking Down Sewer Gas or Septic Gas Indoor Odors Right Here

A competent onsite inspection by an expert usually finds additional clues that help accurately diagnose a problem. That said, here are some things to consider:

• About a specific bathroom where odors occur, that has already narrowed down the problem to a single room, in your case. A visual inspection or further plumbing investigation might discover various causes of odor - there shouldn't be any other than of course normal bathroom odors occurring during use. Improper venting of plumbing drains, vent or sewer piping leaks, even a loose toilet can be a cause of the problem.
• Narrow down the odor source: It may help to narrow down the problem to a specific fixture by testing with an instrument or your nose or by running fresh water into traps or by using a sensitive gas detection instrument such as the TIF8800 (Using the TIF 8800 Gas Detector) .
• About the hazard level of the sewer gas you smell: a measure of sewer gas or methane level might in some circumstances indicate an unsafe level (from an explosion risk perspective) but we wouldn't' rely on that approach since changing building conditions can cause big changes in the level of gas output.
  
  The first potential hazard is an explosion; there may also be a bacterial or pathogenic hazard in the building, depending on just where the leak is and what is its cause - for example a leaky toilet seal may be leaking sewage into the ceiling below or onto a bathroom floor. More details are at Dangerous Sewer Gas Conditions.
  
  Also see Tests for Indoor Sewer Gas and Building Drain & Sewer Line Odors.
• At First Steps to Check for the Source and Cure of Sewer Gas Odors, [just below] we discuss diagnosing and fixing sewer gas odors. Please take a look at that text and don't hesitate to ask if that info is incomplete or unclear. Be sure to also see the list of sewer gas diagnosis and repair articles at the left of this page.

Question: How do I Seal a Septic Gas Leak Entering the House Through Electrical Conduit?

Question: Does InspectAPedia.com contain a section on how to properly seal conduit used for septic tanks and pumps?

The [InspectAPedia.com] web site is fantastic! There’s a ton of info on septic systems and septic odors.

I have a septic tank and pump station (sewage leaves house and goes into original septic tank, then goes to a second tank with filter, and then goes to a pump, which pumps to leach field). The pump station has a vent (which does not appear to be clogged).

I clean the [septic] filter a few times a year (the plastic type that you pull out, rinse off, and re-install). The pump station conduit runs into my house. I’m assuming the conduit from pump station to the house must not be properly vapor sealed as I get sewer odor at electrical junction box (it took me quite a while to figure out where the odor was coming from).

The [septic] odor very consistently tracks to the filter cleaning cycle. Immediately after cleaning the filter there is no odor for the first few months, and then eventually the odor becomes noticeable and continues to become stronger and stronger until I clean the filter ... after which the odor goes away for another few months and the cycle repeats.

I’m not certain I fully understand why this occurs, but the cycle is consistent. The plus side is I always know when the septic tank filter needs to be cleaned. However in addition to the unpleasant odor that I smell when it’s time to clean the filter, I’m concerned about having septic gases in the electrical conduit.

Does the web site contain a section on how to properly seal conduit used for septic tanks and pumps? - M. & P. C.

Reply: Here we add advice on sealing leaky electrical conduit on septic pump systems - below

A competent onsite inspection by an expert, or maybe in this case just an electrician, usually finds additional clues that help accurately diagnose a problem. That said, here are some things to consider:

What a fabulous detective job you've done, Thank you. I will be sure to add this odor source to the septic odor source diagnostic list [above]. Indeed we have discussed other reports of unanticipated air movement through electrical conduit - in Roger Hankey's article see section "Water Entry into Electrical Panel Case #3 - Negative Air Pressure & Moisture Condensation" ELECTRIC PANEL MOISTURE. Also see Backdrafting & Sewer/Septic Odors.

But we haven't previously discussed sewer gas or smells moving through conduit regarding septic systems or in your case septic pump systems. Here are two suggestions:

• First, you should be able to seal both ends of the conduit with "duct seal putty" - basically a type of putty used by plumbers and electricians that is molded by hand and pushed into the opening. Available at any hardware store. Don't use glue or caulk or you'll make it tough when rewiring is needed.
• Second, keep in mind what we learned in Hankey's article: negative air pressure at one end of a conduit can "suck" air or gases through the conduit from a distant source. In your case it's probably enough just to seal the 2 ends with putty - both ends because
  • Sealing the conduit ends is insurance against septic gas leaks that can be dangerous not just smelly
  • Sealing these leaks may also help avoid a potential sulphur-gas corrosion problem on any exposed copper wire portions of splices outside but near the conduit end

Question: There is a Septic Tank Odor Coming from a Vent Under My Air Conditioner: Who do I Call?

I live in a condo on the second floor, of three floors. I often smell a septic tank type of odor coming from a vent under the air conditioner. When I opened the vent there is nothing but open space. When I go into the bathroom and open the cabinet under the bathroom sink I could smell the same smell.

The bathroom sink and the air conditioner and vent share a common wall. They are next to each other only separated by a wall. I don't know who to call to help fix the problem. I'm not sure if it's a plumbing problem or if it is an air conditioning problem. HELP!!!! - N.A.

Reply: Air Conditioners Themselves Don't Produce Sewer Gas but They Might Move Gases and Smells Around in a Building

A competent onsite inspection by an expert usually finds additional clues that help accurately track down an odor or smell problem. That said, here are some things to consider:

• A nearby odor source (bad drain line or leaky plumbing vent pipe inside the building wall) may be mistaken as coming from the air condtioning system, or the odor might be increased when the A/C is running, due to air movement or room air pressure changes.
• Air conditioning equipment itself would not produce a septic odor but the system might pick up and redistribute an odor or gas from somewhere else, or in certain conditions negative air pressure in a room might cause sewer gas to backdraft out of a drain system. Air conditioning refrigerants are odorless.
• Air Ducts Draw In Gases: We have found instances of drain pipe leaks or plumbing vent leaks that happened to be near an air intake return register at central heating or central air conditioning systems. The air handler easily picked up a smell from one source and blew it into another part of the buiding. But usually, if the odor is being "relocated" by the HVAC system, the building or a floor in the building are all using a common HVAC duct system, the smell will appear in multiple rooms, smelling strongest at the room closest to the air handler blower unit.
• Other Septic Tank-Like Odors: A less obvious connection between air conditioning systems and sulphur or septic like smells is the Chinese Drywall outgassing problem we discuss at CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS. Below we also warn about very dangerous natural gas or LP gas leaks. Also see SULPHUR & SEWER GAS SMELL SOURCES.
• Sewer vs Septic Tank Odors: You didn't say whether or not your property is served by municipal sewer or a private septic tank. But there could be a "septic tank" odor at a property even where there is no septic tank - since sewer gases from the building drain-waste-vent piping system, leaks at toilets, or backups from a municipal sewer produce very similar gases and smells as a private septic tank.
• Whom are you Gonna Call? - Stink busters!: You should probably start with two approaches: a general inspection outdoors and around the building for obvious odors or likely odor sources. Inside the building, ask an experienced plumber to take a look at your building drain/waste/vent piping, pressure test it if necessary, and also check for a loose or leaky toilet.
• Our odor track-down suggestions in this article, and just below at First Steps in Septic or Sewer Smell Diagnosis might be helpful. Let me know what you're finding and we can pursue this further.

Question: Effects of long term low-dose exposure to hydrogen sulfide H₂S from septic or sewer gas?

Thank you for your very professional and highly informative site. It has reassured me that I have been exposed to a low dose, long term exposure to hydrogen sulfide (and other toxins) due to a sewer odor. Last July 4, 2010, I had to call my mover to immediately come to my apartment and move my belongings out overnight. He moved my belongings into a storage unit across the street from where I lived and I stayed with different friends while trying to recover the following six months.

Within the first five days after I moved out, most of my symptoms went away. I was too sick to stay there and NO ONE has helped me. I lived in a senior apartment complex in San Diego area for nearly four years. I did not know at that time why I was progressively getting sicker and mid-June when I googled "sewer odor", I suddenly realized what was wrong with me. The symptoms including chronic cough/bronchitis, shortness of breathe, fatigue and confusion . I had them all and they were all getting worse daily. At that time I could hardly walk a few steps and was unable to breathe. My letters regarding a "sewer odor" went unanswered to Management, the Owner and after several visits and telephone calls to the City of Escondido, the County Health Dept., etc., I had no choice but to move out.

My concern now is for my sweet 76 year old neighbor and best friend, Lora, who I had to leave behind. Lora moved into the complex and lived next door to my previous apartment in November, 2009. I can tell she is experiencing the beginning symptoms I had, her monotone and whispy voice, the chronic sinus infections, the face tingling, the confusion at times, the cough, fatigue, etc. She is getting worse and I am very worried about her. She watched me change and become so sick, now it's reverse and I do not want this to happen to her, nor the other tenants.

The property consists of approximately 15 buildings, only Building #1 and Building #3 are alike with studio apartments. Coincidentally, when I located and copied the Building Plans and Building Permits from the City Engineering Dept., I noticed at the top of the page it was written in "On-site sewers Bldgs. 1, 2, and 3"). I lived in Building #1. The inside of the courtyard of our building is filled with dirt (I think this is sludge) and a palm tree and a 2nd small tree and a border row of ferns and some lily plants. This courtyard has been watered only once or twice a year, even though they have automatic sprinklers on the property. I often wondered how does these plants thrive and are so green and grow so quickly and they rarely water. An alarm went off daily in the courtyard prior to my moving out. There is an elevator at the north end of the gated courtyard and the odor is more prominent on this side. There is a small gray box outside the gate and about seven feet further out it looks to me like a sandy area that is open with no growth or plants (I think this is where a septic tank is).

Would you be able to tell me if I send photographs and if you could verify this? Also, is there a small air monitoring device I could check inside Lora's apt. and the outside areas? Is there a lab to send soil samples to?

The new tenant complained to the office three days after she moved in about the sewer odor and threatened to have her moving expenses paid if the problem wasn't fixed within 30 days. The Manager told her the City is fixing the problem and she can call the City and they will explain it to her and it would be fixed within the next 2 weeks. It was about this same time that the entire front walkway in front of our building, where the rental office is and a few parking spots were completely resurfaced. The complex just resurfaced the same walkway one year prior. Possibly they have camoflouged the odor with a chemical additive.

Any advice you may provide is most appreciated. Feel free to call me at any time. There is much more to this story, however, there is no one doing anything to help these residents. I can't tell you how many people died within 6 months after moving into our building. Mostly new residents now and prior to me moving out the Paramedics were at the complex 3-4 times a week. Two people in their early 60's were found dead inside their apartments shortly before I moved out. Please, I hope you can point me in a positive direction.

Lora is not able to move yet, she is trying and saving her money. Her husband passed away only three months before she moved into the complex. She was my Angel while I was living there and getting so sick. - S.H.

Reply: check with your doctor, consult with your local health department

A competent onsite inspection by an expert usually finds additional clues that help accurately diagnose a problem. That said, here are some things to consider: I can't say for sure what I can identify from an unseen photo, but you're welcome to send pictures and let me take a look at the visible conditions describing a nearby septic system.

But to properly identify potential problems with any septic system, what's needed is an onsite inspection by a competent diagnostician.

Iif you are confident that there is a health issue in the building, an older person may be at still greater risk - you might want to contact your local health department or elder protective services for advice.

Advice on consulting with your physician about possible environmental contributions to an illness

While it is understandable for anyone to draw conclusions about feeling sick and seeing or smelling or suspecting a possible nearby cause or contributor to those symptosm, the proper, reliable course of action is to consult with your doctor. When you (or your neighbor) consult with your physician, in addition to describing symptoms and complaints and possibly undergoing doctor-recommended tests, ask your doctor about the possible relationship between the symptoms, complaints, and his/her diagnosis and any environmental contributors to that condition, including but not limited to your own observations that you've described here.

I agree that when one suspects that conditions in or around a building may be causing or contributing to health or other complaints from the occupants, it is very suggestive (though not conclusinve) when those complaints diminish or stop when the occupant(s) are out of the building.

Because sewer gases are dangerous, as potential explosives as well as possibly contributing to health and air quality complaints, it is appropriate to involve the property owner and if an owner is not responsive, your local building code and health officials. We find often that putting your concerns in writing to those officials is also helpful.

Follow-Up comments from reader about Hydrogen Sulfide exposure worry

Your email is very much appreciated and advice. Please find under seperate cover attached photos with brief explanations. I have photos of before and after showing changes in the soil, property, new equipment in place, etc.,if you care to look at your leisure. Please keep in mind if you would like further clarification, I have over a few hundred photos taken of the property at various times.

A brief update is Lora Tanner (my friend and previous neighbor in Apartment #307), informed me that Azar (the new resident who moved into my apartment on August 1, 2010) is moving from apartment #309 to #106 in April. She believes the sewer odor is inside her aparment. Azar had been asking all of the tenants in our building if they would move out and she could take over their lease and would pay them for their apartment. Truly, I do not understand as her personality seemed to change quickly since the first week she moved into the complex. At that time, she was strong and demanding speaking to Management requesting to fix the "sewer odor" or they would be responsible and now she is nothing like herself (according to neighbors). It would have been helpful if she had taken Management's advice and spoke to City of Escondido to ask what are they doing to fix the sewer odor problem. However, I was not told anything by City Hall Engineering or Code Enforcement, actually they acted like there was no problem.

Part of the problem I think may be due to a broken vent inside my previous apartment and may cause that unit to be receiving more gases or toxins than other apartments. Several reasons for this:

1. On a third visit to City Hall with my friend,Lura N. as my witness, we spoke to Homi, a Chief Engineer, who told me only after much persistance on my part for some answers that "the problem may be in a cracked vent or pipe and it could be coming up through the walls and floors and it may also be coming up from the sinks and faucets."

2. In June, 2010 while I was still investigating on my own and trying to get the odor resolved, I wandered over to Bldg. 3 (identical layout to our Building #1 with studio apartments) and saw a young guy coming out of Bldg. 3. I asked if he lives in that building and he said yes and I asked if they have any problem with a sewer odor. He told me no. I asked if he would be so kind to come over to our building and see if he could smell any sewer odor in our courtyard. He agreed and he walked around the courtyard on the first floor, and could smell a small amount on the northeast side of the building, then he proceeded up the stairs and at the top of the staircase said it was stronger, and walked the second floor walkway, then proceeded to the third floor and as he reached the top step he said I can smell it here, it's stronger. To my shock he walked directly over to my dining room window screen and said "it's coming from here". I was amazed and he had no idea that was my apartment. I asked if he would see if he smelled any of the odor inside my apartment. He couldn't at that time which I was relieved it was more on the outside than inside. Like I said, I always had my windows opened while most tenants did not.

3. At the end of June, a few days after the Owner received my letter I saw and heard the Manager, Sandy, coming up the stairs toward my apartment. I was thrilled and thought she was going to talk to me, however, as she approached the top stairs near the landing on the third floor, she said loudly to someone on the second floor, "Oh yeah ... I can smell it here. I can smell it here." Then she turned around and walked away. I was upset and if I had been feeling better and dressed I would have gone outside and spoken to her. I was just too sick at that time and it took all my strength to get into the shower and get dressed and leave my apartment. Also, I was upset because I couldn't smell the odor and had my windows wide opened and hurried to close them as I knew I would have a gas affect again.

4. I also noted in my letter to Management and City of Escondido Code Enforcement when I filed the complaint online, that the sewer odor was more prominent on the third floor northeast corner. No one once ever asked me when did I smell the odor, how often, where, etc. Not ONE PERSON!

Regarding Code Enforcement, it is not in the best interest to not investigate a health and safety hazard complaint for three months. That is what happened. Cameron Clark, Inspector, was assigned the case. There were two other complaints filed online besides my complaint. Lora Tanner and the resident who lived in my previous apartment in #108 filed online. We all filed in early July, 2011. I heard nothing and had to call City Hall to inquire to the status and was told the Inspector's name. I left him a voice message and when he called me back the following day, I told him the urgency of the matter and my concern for the other residents and especially for Mrs. Tanner. I told him I had to call a mover and move my belongings out into the storage unit across the street because I was too sick to stay there. He told me he would go out and investigate in the next few days and he would speak with the City Engineering and the Manager and Mrs. Tanner. I told him at that time this was very upsetting to Mrs. Tanner and would you please call her first. I indicated Lora was concerned as she still lives at the complex and he reassurred me several times over, "This is strictly confidential, no names will be given, I will call her first, this is strictly confidential."

I trusted what he told me. Again, August I called Mr. Cameron Clark and left a message asking to please mail me a copy of the report and his findings and provided my address. I heard nothing. I called a third time in September and left a second message. I think it was October, 2010 and I sent a letter after no response from a third phone call. At the end of October I receive a telephone call from Lora Tanner telling me how upset she was that she heard a loud knocking at her door. It was Cameron Clark and standing next to him was the Manager, Sandy Wolcott. Of course Lora was shocked and not comfortable to tell Mr. Clark what she wanted. She wanted to let him know about Azar just moving into my previous apartment and has complained about the odor, etc.

Again, I placed several telephone calls and another certified registered letter to Mr. Clark requesting a copy of his investigation. I finally after two months received a telephone voice message that stated something like, "Mrs. Haley, um, there is no report." He offered the sentence with a question mark and stated he found no odor and spoke to other neighbors and it's gone. They fixed it. Obviously I have the recorded word for word message he sent and no report. I am still entitled to a report even if he states there were no findings. More letters to continue writing and it's still not getting me nor the other tenants who are still getting sick and paramedics still coming to our building routinely, etc.

Mr. Friedman it is difficult for me to tell you the run around I've had and the telephone logs, symptoms logs, letters, etc. that I have. When I called the Health Department prior to me moving out, I was so confused at that time but I made a point of making sure what I was being told was accurate. I was intentionally lied to. I have the typed conversations and dates and times. When I reported to the County Department of Health they told me after they found out my address that it is not in their jurisdiction. I needed to call the City of Escondido. I told her they were the ones to give me this phone number. She told me they no longer have jurisdiction. When I asked since when, I was told since "yesterday". I asked how did they happen? She told me it comes either in a letter or telephone call and it came from a telephone call. I asked who told her that, she was reluctant and as I persisted, she told me the name of the person. It is a Director. So you see, this is a massive coverup in my opinion. They did resurface and most likely filtered and camaflouged the odor. I think a new pump was installed as there is a new larger box outside the gate by the elevator (photos to be sent).

The EPA is the only person who I think may have enforced something be done. That was my last telephone call I made before I moved. It was the holiday weekend. I begged them to help me and help the other residents still living there. She took the information and I did not hear back. However, that evening (Friday) a pump ran all night and the sprinklers were on in the courtyard. I had not seen water like that before. It seemed clean and refreshing at the time and the water and pump ran until noon the next day on Saturday. Around 11:00 PM on Friday, I noticed a strong vibration in my floor. I called Lora to come over and see if she felt it. The floor vibrated strongly below our feet and it ran from underneath the kitchen sink and outside under the dining room window. It felt like a pipe perhaps 3" or 4" round and continued all night. I ran the water in both sinks to see if the vibration would stop. I don't remember my notes, but it didn't stop. Not sure if it was stronger or weaker when I turned the water pressure on.

Shortly after this incident my neighbor Steve told me he walked all the way up to the upper clubhouse and they were having a closed meeting. He told me everyone was there and the doors were locked and a sign on the door to not disturb as it was a private meeting. Keep in mind this is July 3rd and a holiday weekend. Donna, the housekeeper, came running down to our building upset and frantic and turned off the water as the sidewalks were flooding. It was within a few hours in midafternoon that I noticed horse flies swarming around outside and gnats inside my window screens and Lora called me to tell me about her apartment and the gnats. We looked at the dirt in the courtyard and it was glistening and shiny and flies swarming around certain lily plants in the middle. It was two nights later that I ended up in the Emergency Room at 2:00 AM with a rash covering me from head to toe and a large mosquito bite or something on my neck. I have never broken out into a rash from a mosquito bite. The mover had been inside my apartment on Monday morning moving some of my belongings and finished on Tuesday. (A side note that my car broke down on Saturday and Tuesday morning I had to have it towed and my cell phone battery was dying). My personality was nothing like I knew. I was greatly aggrevated and bloated from toxins and barely able to breathe and gasping for air every ten steps I took. It was a nightmare. The confusion was beyond anything I've ever experienced. I was in the middle of starting my own business making tie bracelets and normally I am organized, as I am now. I had tie bracelets scattered around my apartment, papers and bills thrown in drawers not even opened, I didn't know me or who I was. I felt like I was trapped inside this fog and didn't know how to get out.

One symptom I could not understand is my hair at the crown of my head would sometimes get this oily area that I could not get rid of. It would come and go. It started when I lived downstairs in my previous apartment and I remember when I was working and getting ready to drive to Los Angeles for a meeting, and after showering I could feel this clump at the top of my head. It was as if I left conditioner in my hair. I would get back in the shower and wash my hair again and rinse if for the longest time. It still did not go away. That symptom would come and go but eventually got worse and was there all of the time, until I moved out. I never had that prior and I have never had that since. I think I mentioned that I lost 10 lbs. of fluids in one week after I moved out of my apartment. My weight has always been the same all of my adult life, so this was drastic.

Also another physical symptom I had was I remember getting like a whitehead pimple on my face by my nose. Although it wasn't a whitehead and it wasn't pus inside. It was a white fluid and the skin was hard around it. It kept getting bigger and bigger and disappeared after I moved out too. Along with my eyes underneath looking very yellow and brown. I guess I can provide you with more physical symptoms of gas and toxins. Again, this is just the top of the icing, I have many more facts than this.

Regarding my sweet friend, Lora Tanner, I speak with her daily. Again Lora visited her doctor two weeks ago and recently diagnosed with bronchitis this time. Her routine is every 4-6 weeks visiting the doctor and the usual diagnosis is a sinus infection. I am quite sure before April is past, she will be back for either sinus or bronchial, this is just how it's been for the past year or more. She does have allergies but this property is contaminated.

I am not sure if I mentioned about the water either. When I moved upstairs to #309 from #108 in November, 2009 due to the poisonous spiders I was being bitten by, I later realized the extra pages in the new lease. Lora reminded me that when she updated her lease she had to sign a paper regarding the water. It instructs tenants to run the water for 2 minutes before using it. Maybe this is why the new golden County Ordinances Sign was posted by the mailboxes about something on the property may cause cancer.

My apologies for turning in a short response to you and I turn it into a book. I am at a loss how to continue to deal with the problems and issues I've had to endure and others still there. I do believe they fixed something and perhaps your expertise will shine a little light on the photos I will put together and send. This is a complicated case and it is very difficult for me to go back and remember this part of my life as I continue to struggle to rebuild my new life. If you care to check out my website that I was trying to start my business at that most difficult time, it's in the start up phase called http://mytiebydoug.com. I know I am getting better because I was able to get it built and some items made, but it is a continuous.

Speaking for myself and Lora, we are both grateful for any comments or recommendations you may offer. At this time though, neither of us can afford a reputable inspector. I am not sure if they filtered and resurfaced it anything will show or confirm. We both have many witnesses and neighbors who smelled the odor and how bad it was last summer. - S.H.

Follow-up comments from reader about Hydrogen Sulfide gas exposure concern

I Hope you remember me as I wrote to you in response from your website regarding the sewer odor located at the previous apartment complex where I lived (Morning View Senior Terrace Apartments, 439 W. El Norte Pkwy, #309, Escondido, CA 92026). I am not sure if you received my previous email and several photos; I realize they were not in good order.

Below is an email I thought may be of interest to you as things continuously change back in Escondido, CA (where I lived). Lora Tanner (my previous neighbor who still lives there), called me this afternoon and noticed the sewer odor and chemical smell very strong. Also another neighbor Steve, she spoke with was outside and he commented it is still there. I talk to Lora almost every day since I moved out and I may have mentioned in my previous email, I notice her symptoms appearing off and on, similar to what I had to go through. I feel very helpless and am still trying to recover myself. Lora is trying to save money and move out but continuously going to the doctor for sinus, bronchial, more recently a fungal infection. Her doctor told her the last time she went to see him (last week) that he didn't want to continue giving her antibiotics and is referring her to an Allergist. Summer is when the odor was worse and I'm not sure if that is because I had my windows open more often or if the pipe or pump continues to break because it can't be fixed. I wish more than anything I could get the invoice of the work that was done on the propery and the resurfacing, etc shortly after I moved out. My heart is saddened as my energy to keep fighting to find the truth has taken it's toll on me. - S.H.

S:

Listening to my tirade, you know I was (and still am) gassed to the point of losing it, so to speak. I tried to pin point the chemical odor. Then it occurred to me, that my dad had talked about naphthalene a lot. In the Ruhr Valley, where I grew up, where generations of our families had grown up, there was that in the air at all times. It's an area of coal mining, coal processing, coal used in steel production, etc.

I looked up this naphthalene in the medical dictionary: A hydrocarbon, one of the constituents of coal tar. Uses: As a disinfectant, (may be soil too) in moth balls, and in the manufacture of dyes and explosives. My dad, who was in the Luftwaffe, Sergeant of Arms, knew all that.

Naphthol: Coal substance used as an ANTISEPTIC . May be of soil, too? (this here is a huge septic tank under us and around us). and in certain dyes. Also prepared from Naphthalene.

What I smelled today was naphthalene, and in the Ruhr Valley, one smelled a slight odor, ever so faint, all the time. he coal mines are mined out, and the steel mills closed, for about 50 years now.

Elaine knocked and she showed me the police in the storage area. across the street. She had called the police and 3 policemen were talking to 3 drummers. While Elaine was here for just a couple of minutes, my mind was like anesthetized, - it still is. Totally dazed, lightheaded with a headache. Feels like sinus, - but it is NOT. Now that they may be using that naphthalene there is a good chance of being blown-up... I am not paranoid, and will try harder to move sooner than later. E. didn't smell a thing...

Actually, today was the first time, that I felt exactly like you did, - and you still do.

Pertaining to your own sweet self, Sue: you make sure that you sell your own bracelets and cushion-up your $-funds. Keep it cash-on-hand. Whatever you do, jobs, sales in bracelets, look out for yourself first. You will not loose Doug, not in any way. That's what prayers are for. - L.

Reader Comment: recognize the linkage between toxins and symptoms and sewer odor

My previous email I continue to forget to thank you for your site. If it wasn't for your website and information I would not have found the connection between "sewer odor" when I googled that and the "toxins" and "symptoms". I would have honestly thought it was me, and I was going insane. Of course after moving out, most of my symptoms went away within a week, except the residual. Lora Tanner and I both understand the symptoms and dangers associated with this because of you and your research and expertise. I believe you saved my life because I may have not moved out. I decided to move out immediately after reading these toxins and realized why I was sick. My sincere thanks. - S.H.

Question: we can't find the source of a sewer gas problem in the basement - worse in cold weather

We spoke last year about the sewer gas problem in my basement. We've lived in the house for 4 years, and this is the 4th year in a row that it has returned (typically returning when it gets cold, but we have had it occasionally in the summer). We've had multiple plumbers, drain specialists, septic specialists, home inspectors, etc in to try to diagnose the problem and figure out where the smell is coming from, with no luck. Would you be able to do a service call to my home? We are desperate to get rid of the smell - with a baby in the house now, we can't live here with the gas in the house. - J.E.

Reply:

I'm sorry to read you're still being plagued with cold weather sewer or septic odors. I'm not available for field investigation work. Did you take a look at the cold weather sewer gas odor article at   SEWER GAS ODORS in COLD WEATHER ?

Reader Follow-up on tracking down sewer gas odor

[I'm looking for an expert inspector - ] I just can't think of spending more time/money on people who really don't have a lot of experience in these issues - they just check the "typical" sources of sewer gas, which we've already ruled out time and time again.

I do have one question perhaps you can answer - we have a sprinkler system. My husband went to open the valve up outside to drain the water out prior to the sprinkler guys coming to winterize. He said that, when the water came out, it had a sewer gas smell. Have you ever heard of an instance where the sprinkler system pipes somehow are emitting sewer gas?? I can't think of how it would be possible...not sure if there are P-Traps in there or not....but I thought I'd ask.

Also, we had a plumber try to find the source by "flooding the system" with water and looking to see if there were leaks (which we didn't find any). Do you think doing a smoke test would find a problem that the "flooding the system" method wouldn't?

We had another plumber out to the house this week, and he said that he didn't have any ideas on what else to do. It is so frustrating that no one can figure this out and that my family is living in a hazardous environment.

Reply:

You might be able to get some onsite advice from one of the more senior and experienced inspectors at EXPERTS DIRECTORY. Be sure to discuss your particular concerns with the inspector so that s/he can advise you if their skills and your needs match.

But I would also be VERY sure that the odor you are suffering is from the sewer system and not something traced to unsafe heating equipment or chimney.

Watch out: as a basic safety caution, particularly where there are gas odor complaints, be sure you have working CO and smoke detectors

Follow-up from reader:

We are sure it is sewer gas - no question about that according to the experts who have been out here. We have a Carbon Monoxide detector and smoke detectors.

Rely: smoke testing vs. pressure testing to find plumbing vent leaks

You should be able to have a plumber pressure test the plumbing vent lines - a smoke test won't do much if the leak is hidden inside a wall

Follow-up from reader:

We already had that done a year ago.  It found nothing.  I thought that it would be easier to see smoke (even if you have to cut a couple of holes in the wall) vs. finding water leaking behind a wall.

Reply:

If the pressure test didn't find a leak, and was properly done, that's important info. I'm doubtful that smoke will show up inside if the earlier test was proper though outside or at fixtures you might get a surprise. Sounds like a reasonable next thing to try.

Question: Sewage ejector pump system causing sewage odor picked up by furnace air intake

I have a septic system. I also have an ejector sump pump and pit that receive drain water from my master bathroom sinks and bathtub. This water is ejected through a 2” check valve into a 4” drain that goes to the septic tank.

I also have 2 in the ground basement catch basins flush with the basement floor and hooked up in tandem. They receive ground water from around, and under the house. The water is discharged into a common 2” line to outside the house where it increases to 4” and runs under ground for a long distance to a holding area where it is discharged. All that goes through these lines is ground water, no septic.

I sometimes have a septic odor coming from these 2 tanks when the tanks are emptied. The odor is then picked up by my furnace intake air duct and distributed throughout the house, and the bathroom toilet water also has odor problems. We have been putting chlorine bleach into the sumps while they are stagnant and not in operation, and this has helped, but I was wondering if you have any ideas as to how to eliminate these odors? - T.B.

Reply:

TB something is very wrong, unpleasant and even potentially dangerous if your warm air heating system is picking up sewer gases. I'm guessing that you are referring to smells around the sewage ejector pump tanks, not any outdoor components.

I've inspected quite a few sewage ejector pump installations. Where sewage odors were present I usually find as the cause one of the following [of course there could be a different defect in any case]:

• There is a drain or ejector pump tank leak that leaks sewage or effluent around the tank or even under the tank and into the space below the floor slab, sometimes entering a nearby basement de-watering drain and sump system
• There is a defective check valve at the sewage ejector pump tank and piping system, backflowing and even overflowing or overloading the ejector pump system (look for too-frequent ejector pump motor cycling on and off)
• There is a defect or blockage in the building vent piping system that is failing to properly vent sewer gases above the building.

See details about sewage ejector pump inspection, diagnosis, repair and maintenance at SEWAGE EJECTOR / GRINDER PUMPS

Question: Sewage odor from nearby manhole cover

Our rent house is right next to an alley. There's a manhole there from which emanates a strong sewage smell. This is an old neighborhood with old clay pipes that we suspect are broken underground, but the city will not dig them up and replace them unless there is standing water. The smell permeates the air outside the house and is pumped in through all ac vents into our home. Every couple of months the city will drop a "scent cake" out there, which does nothing to help. I'm 6 months pregnant and worried about any health risks this may bring to my infant. I'm at my wit's end trying to get the city's cooperation! Help! - Rachel

Reply:

Dropping a deodorant into a manhole over a sewer system is not going to correct an ongoing sewer gas leak or odor problem. You may want to contact an official in your city's health department, ask them to visit the site during an odorous time and to agree to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.

Question:

We are currently renting a condo and we have only been here a month. We started smelling a rotten egg smell coming from the bathrooms and the air handler. We had the Fire department come out and they did not take two steps and they could smell what we were smelling and immediately said that it was sewer gas. Now we have had the wax rings changed in all the bathrooms and we still are experiencing this smell. Are there any gas experts in Jacksonville, Fl. ? - Helpless in Jacksonville

Reply:

Helpless in Jacksonville:

Local home inspectors equipped with a TIF8800 combustible gas analyzer or industrial hygienists who have experience in residential plumbing problem solving can look at this, but frankly I'd start with an experienced plumber. Could be you have a venting problem, clogged drain, blocked plumbing vent, or even open pipe connections in the walls or ceilings.

Notify your landlord in orally and in writing of these problems immediately because there are potential health and worse, explosion hazards if it's really sewer gas.

Question: where we removed a toilet the drain now smells - is this dangerous?

We have an upstairs toilet that leaks that we haven't used in some time. My husband took it up four days ago and left the drain hole open. Are we in danger due to methane gas. It smells bad in that part of the house. - Stacy

Reply:

Stacy,

In particular if your home is connected to a public sewer and your house lacks a trap at the main sewer line exit point from the building, you could get a lot of sewer gas backup in the building. Methane in sewer gas is explosive if it reaches the right concentration.

Any plumbing supplier or even home depot will sell you a toilet waste line plug that can close off that opening. In an emergency I wrap a rag in a plastic bag and shove it into the hole - just don't push it in so far that you can't get it back out.

Question: sewer gas smells from nearby city sewer manhole, "scent cakes" don't work

Our rent house is right next to an alley. There's a manhole there from which emanates a strong sewage smell. This is an old neighborhood with old clay pipes that we suspect are broken underground, but the city will not dig them up and replace them unless there is standing water. The smell permeates the air outside the house and is pumped in through all ac vents into our home. Every couple of months the city will drop a "scent cake" out there, which does nothing to help. I'm 6 months pregnant and worried about any health risks this may bring to my infant. I'm at my wit's end trying to get the city's cooperation! Help! - Rachel

Reply:

x

Question: horrible odor coming from basement, abandoned septic tank?

We have a horrible oder coming from the basement. We believe there might be a septic tank abandoned in our property. Would old un-used septic tank cause odor to the house? - Winnie Wong

Reply:

x

Question: horrible smell from under floor slab points to sewer

For the last 5 months we have been in this home there has been a horrible smell. I have had tampa gas, Roto Rooter, mold people, handmen, rat control, air conditioning fellow, and tampa sewer. They all point to sewer. We have had smoke tests as well. We feel it is a breach under the slab and it is prevalent in one bathroom and the air conditioner/fan circulates it throughout the house. It was very bad on days it rained but now it is unbarable on dry days. It is getting worse and wakes us from our sleep. It can come and go but if we turn the furnace face on automatic the odor will build. We feel the only thing left to do is scope the lines but landlord is now checking the environmental issues like the ponds in the area and the levels of the water for swamp gas. Please help us. 813 994 3391.

Reply:

Horrible,

I agree that for smells that originate in the building and given the people who have already advised you, using a camera to look for a broken sewer line makes sense.

Your observation that odors are worse when the furnace is running increases the worry of pulling dangerous sewer gass into the home.

Our ODORS GASES SMELLS, DIAGNOSIS & CURE article series (links at page left) includes other suggestions for tracking down odors.

Question: horrible bleach smell from kitchen drains

I am smelling something horrible coming from the kitchen drains, our utility room and toilet area. The smell actually took my breath away a couple of times like my throat was closing. The only smell that I can say is similar is the smell of bleach. That super strong odor. Could it be the septic? - Wendy

Reply:

A bleach smell would not be something I'd expect to find coming from a septic system. If you trust your sense of smell, I'd be looking for a chemical spill or something having been poured down the drains.

Question: biofilm suspected in bath tub and toilet - black slime

I rent an apartment and have noticed what I suspect to be biofilm in nature. First, the drains in the double kitchen stainless steel sink, bathroom sink, and bathtub seem to be overgrowing with black slime. I clean all areas on a regular basis with a bleach based cleanser.

My next problem concerns the toilet (which I suspect might have a biofilm issue as well?). Every few days or so, the toilet "burps" (almost like air pressure purging back into the toilet) and then it bubbles followed by a terrible odor. If you think it is an issue concerning biofilm, is there any way I can control this myself with some type of disinfectant by pouring it down each drain. Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Reply:

Pammi,

I'm not sure what you have in mind with biofilm, but your description sounds like possibly a mold growth, more likely an algae growth. If cleaning and disinfecting are not curing that problem I suspect the water supply.

The burping toilet suggest to me a partially blocked main building drain, perhaps at some distance from the toilet and/or a building vent piping problem. I suspect that drain cleaning for blockage is in your future.

Question: smells and sewer gases traced to bathroom toilet

I have a smelly bathroom and I just replaced the wax seal and sealed the bowl, cleard any obstuction from the roof vent with a power hose and still I have a smell. what's next.? - Leo

We recently had a new septic system put in. Ever since we had it installed, we now get occasionally, a very strong sewer gas smell in our bathroom. How do we stop this odor from comming in? It never happened with the old system. - Val

I have 2 bathrooms on 2 different levels of the house. I am getting intermittent septic odor smells backinging up into both bathrooms. It happens in good weather and bad. It's not every day but when it happens it's usually for at least a week at a time. I had the tank drained,, the toilets checked for leaky seals, the vent pipe checked for blockage. No one can diagnose the problem but it it dangerous and I need help. What other measures can I use to diagnose the problem? - Lynne

Reply:

In starting with the easy and low cost bath smell cure steps,

- check for dry traps at unused fixtures

- replace the toilet wax ring,

- check ceilings below the bathroom for signs of leakage

- listen to nearby drains when the toilet flushes - gurgling can indicater a clogged main drain or inadequate plumbing vents; if so, investigate and cure drain blockages, or in some cases, a "blockage" that occurs in the waste piping because the septic tank and drainfield are backing up

- ask your plumber to inspect the plumbing vent system for proper layout, size, routing, connections, and termination

- pressure test the vent system for leaks that may be hidden in walls, floors, ceilings

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SEWER GAS ODORS
SEWER GAS ODORS in COLD WEATHER

• Thanks to Slade Franklin for the reminder that a leaky wax ring at a toilet can lead to septic odors in bathrooms. 11/2007
• Thanks to J.V. (privacy protected) for the reminder to make a detailed inspection of the plumbing vent system when sewer gas odors are present. 07/2008
• Thanks to Roger Hankey & Cheryll Brown, www.hankeyandbrown.com, ASHI home inspectors in Minnesota, for the deteriorated transite pipe gas flue vent photograph and comments. Mr. Hankey is a past chairman of the ASHI Technical Committee, serves as co-chairman of ASHI legislative committee, and has served in other ASHI professional and leadership roles. 7/2007.
• Thanks to astute reader Conrad for discussion of the procedure for diagnosing and curing the cause of sewer gas odors in ductwork, 01/31/2010. Additional measures useful in tracking down the source of odors coming from duct work can be found at DUCT & AIR HANDLER ODORS.
• "Q+A on Not Wasting Waste: "I've heard that cow manure, but not human waste, can be used for energy production. Is it possible?", The New York Times, 11 May 2010, p. D2.
• Kigali Institute for Science and Technology, Kigali, Rwanda, www.kist.ac.rw/ see biogas plants.
• "Biomethane fuelled vehicles – the carbon neutral option", (bio-methane or bio methane), John Baldwin, CNG Services LTD., Claverton Energy Conference, Bath UK, 24 November 2008
• U.S. Army Field Manual FM-8-285-Noxious_Chemicals discusses Ammonia, Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, Oxides of Nitrogen, Hazards caused by fire,
• "7 Killed by Blast in Mexico Resort", The New York Times, 15 November 2010, p. A9, reported (via AP) that in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, seven people were killed on 11/14/2010 when an explosion occurred in a large resort hotel in Mexico south of Cancun. Twelve others were injured. Authorities believed that swamp gas may have accumulated under the hotel that was constructed on a concrete slab over a swampy area near the beach.

• The Septic System Information Website home page for this topic
• Septic Systems Inspection, Testing, & Maintenance- online textbook. Detailed how to inspect, maintain, repair information
• The Home Buyer's Guide to Septic Systems
• Septic Tank Pumping Guide: When, Why, How to pump the septic tank
• Home & Outdoor Living Water Requirements
• Septic Tank Capacity vs Usage in Daily Gallons of Wastewater Flow, calculating required septic tank size, calculating septic tank volume from size measurements
• Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf.
• How Big Should the Leach Field Be? - table of soil percolation rate vs. field size
• Septic System Drainfield Absorption System Biomat Formation - what leads to drain field clogging and expensive drainfield repairs
• Table of Required Septic & Well Clearances: Distances Between Septic System & Wells, Streams, Trees, etc.
• Ten Steps to Keeping a Septic System Working, suggestions from the U.S. EPA, edits and additions by DJF
• Pennsylvania State Fact Sheets relating to domestic wastewater treatment systems include
• Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-161, Septic System Failure: Diagnosis and Treatment
• Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-162, The Soil Media and the Percolation Test
• Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-l64, Mound Systems for Wastewater Treatment
• Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-165, Septic Tank-Soil Absorption Systems
• Document Sources used for this web page include but are not limited to: Agricultural Fact Sheet #SW-161 "Septic Tank Pumping," by Paul D. Robillard and Kelli S. Martin. Penn State College of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension, edited and annotated by Dan Friedman (Thanks: to Bob Mackey for proofreading the original source material.)
• ...

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

• Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
• Inspecting Septic Systems: Online Book, Inspection, Test, Diagnosis, Repair, & Maintenance: our Online Septic Book: Septic Testing, Loading & Dye Tests, Septic Tank Pumping, Clearances, details of onsite waste disposal system inspection, testing, repair procedures.


• Advanced Onsite Wastewater Systems Technologies, Anish R. Jantrania, Mark A. Gross. Anish Jantrania, Ph.D., P.E., M.B.A., is a Consulting Engineer, in Mechanicsville VA, 804-550-0389 (2006), Advanced Onsite Wastewater Systems Technologies. Outstanding technical reference especially on alternative septic system design alternatives. Written for designers and engineers, this book is not at all easy going for homeowners but is a text we recommend for professionals--DF.
• AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEMS
• Builder's Guide to Wells and Septic Systems, Woodson, R. Dodge: $ 24.95; MCGRAW HILL B; TP; Quoting from Amazon's description: For the homebuilder, one mistake in estimating or installing wells and septic systems can cost thousands of dollars. This comprehensive guide filled with case studies can prevent that. Master plumber R. Dodge Woodson packs this reader-friendly guide with guidance and information, including details on new techniques and materials that can economize and expedite jobs and advice on how to avoid mistakes in both estimating and construction. Chapters cover virtually every aspect of wells and septic systems, including on-site evaluations; site limitations; bidding; soil studies, septic designs, and code-related issues; drilled and dug wells, gravel and pipe, chamber-type, and gravity septic systems; pump stations; common problems with well installation; and remedies for poor septic situations. Woodson also discusses ways to increase profits by avoiding cost overruns.
• Country Plumbing: Living with a Septic System, Hartigan, Gerry: $ 9.95; ALAN C HOOD & TP; Quoting an Amazon reviewer's comment, with which we agree--DF:This book is informative as far as it goes and might be most useful for someone with an older system. But it was written in the early 1980s. A lot has changed since then. In particular, the book doesn't cover any of the newer systems that are used more and more nowadays in some parts of the country -- sand mounds, aeration systems, lagoons, etc.

Design Manuals for Septic Systems

• US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual [online copy, free] Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm Onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems, Richard J Otis, published by the US EPA. Although it's more than 20 years old, this book remains a useful reference for septic system designers. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Program Operations; Office of Research and Development, Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory; (1980)
• Eco John® Innovative Toilet Solutions, Global Inventive Industries, Fountain Valley CA, PDF, product brochure
• "International Private Sewage Disposal Code," 1995, BOCA-708-799-2300, ICBO-310-699-0541, SBCCI 205-591-1853, available from those code associations.
• "Manual of Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines for Onsite Sewage Systems," Ontario Reg. 374/81, Part VII of the Environmental Protection Act (Canada), ISBN 0-7743-7303-2, Ministry of the Environment,135 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto Ontario M4V 1P5 Canada $24. CDN.
• Manual of Septic Tank Practice, US Public Health Service's 1959.
  

Onsite Wastewater Disposal Books

• Onsite Wastewater Disposal, R. J. Perkins; Quoting from Amazon: This practical book, co-published with the National Environmental Health Association, describes the step-by-step procedures needed to avoid common pitfalls in septic system technology. Valuable in matching the septic system to the site-specific conditions, this useful book will help you install a reliable system in both suitable and difficult environments. Septic tank installers, planners, state and local regulators, civil and sanitary engineers, consulting engineers, architects, homeowners, academics, and land developers will find this publication valuable.
• Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Bennette D. Burks, Mary Margaret Minnis, Hogarth House 1994 - one of the best septic system books around, suffering a bit from small fonts and a weak index. While it contains some material more technical than needed by homeowners, Burks/Minnis book on onsite wastewater treatment systems a very useful reference for both property owners and septic system designers.
• Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf
• Soil Percolation Tests soil perc testing guide and instructions
• Percolation Testing Manual, CNMI Division of Environmental Quality, PO Box 501304, Saipan, MP 96950
• Planting Over Septic System Component", Daniel Friedman (author/editor, InspectAPedia.com), The Innovator, Winter/Spring 2008, BCOSSA, British Columbia OnSite Sewage Association, 201-3542 Blansard St., Victoria BC V8X 1W3 Canada
• Save the Septic System - Do Not Flush These Items Down the Toilet, Daniel Friedman, InspectAPedia.com - PDF document, printable
• SEPTIC STANDARDS
• SEPTIC MAGAZINES
  
• Septic System Owner's Manual, Lloyd Kahn, Blair Allen, Julie Jones, Shelter Publications, 2000 $14.95 U.S. - easy to understand, well illustrated, one of the best practical references around on septic design basics including some advanced systems; a little short on safety and maintenance. Both new and used (low priced copies are available, and we think the authors are working on an updated edition--DF. Quoting from one of several Amazon reviews: The basics of septic systems, from underground systems and failures to what the owner can do to promote and maintain a healthy system, is revealed in an excellent guide essential for any who reside on a septic system. Rural residents receive a primer on not only the basics; but how to conduct period inspections and what to do when things go wrong. History also figures into the fine coverage.
• Test Pit Preparation for Onsite Sewage Evaluations, State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Portland OR, 800 452-4011. PDF document. We recommend this excellent document that offers detail about soil perc tests, deep hole tests, safety, and septic design. Readers should also see Soil Percolation Tests and for testing an existing septic system, also see Dye Tests
• Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank, Bombeck, Erma: $ 5.99; FAWCETT; MM; This septic system classic whose title helps avoid intimidating readers new to septic systems, is available new or used at very low prices. It's more entertainment than a serious "how to" book on septic systems design, maintenance, or repair. Not recommended -- DF.
  
• US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm
• Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook, R. Dodge Woodson. This book is in the upper price range, but is worth the cost for serious septic installers and designers. Quoting Amazon: Each year, thousands upon thousands of Americans install water wells and septic systems on their properties. But with a maze of codes governing their use along with a host of design requirements that ensure their functionality where can someone turn for comprehensive, one-stop guidance? Enter the Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook from McGraw-Hill.
  Written in language any property owner can understand yet detailed enough for professionals and technical students this easy-to-use volume delivers the latest techniques and code requirements for designing, building, rehabilitating, and maintaining private water wells and septic systems. Bolstered by a wealth of informative charts, tables, and illustrations, this book delivers:
  * Current construction, maintenance, and repair methods
  * New International Private Sewage Disposal Code
  * Up-to-date standards from the American Water Works Association
  
• Wells and Septic Systems, Alth, Max and Charlet, Rev. by S. Blackwell Duncan, $ 18.95; Tab Books 1992. We have found this text very useful for conventional well and septic systems design and maintenance --DF. Quoting an Amazon description:Here's all the information you need to build a well or septic system yourself - and save a lot of time, money, and frustration. S. Blackwell Duncan has thoroughly revised and updated this second edition of Wells and Septic Systems to conform to current codes and requirements. He also has expanded this national bestseller to include new material on well and septic installation, water storage and distribution, water treatment, ecological considerations, and septic systems for problem building sites.
  
• The NSFC Products List has an excellent list of design manuals/modules available from their website or by telephone 800-624-8301
• Submissions welcome. send us a suggested document link or request an exchange of website links
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