Why Does My Septic Tank Smell?

Septic tanks are great when they're working well, but when things go wrong they're not so pleasant. A smelly tank is one that needs a bit of TLC, and understanding the causes can help guide the solution. We've put together this informational blog about why your tank might be smelling, and what you can do to resolve the issue.

But shouldn't my tank smell?

If it's septic, it should smell, right? Wrong! If your tank often has a nasty smell emanating from it, there's clearly something wrong. A properly-working tank shouldn't cause any smell most of the time.

If your tank smells bad, you might also notice:

• Slow-running fixtures around your home
• Liquid waste flowing over near your tank's disconnector trap
• Noticeably wet areas above the tank

There are a number of reasons why your tank might be smelling. These include:

• An overflowing system, which needs pumping
• An imbalance of bacteria in the tank
• A clogged drain causing dryness and accumulation of gases
• An improperly sealed tank, or a hole in the lid
• A covered vent
• An incorrect installation
• Unwanted items present in the tank

If your tank smells nasty, the first thing to do is to work out why and to identify where the smell's coming from. Once you've located the source of the problem, try the following strategies and seek professional assistance:

• Pump: Generally, a smelly tank needs a good pumping. A foul smell can mean the tank's just too full, so pumping out some of the waste can reduce the odour considerably and even totally.

• Clean: As scum collects in the base of your tank over time, this can cause a bad smell. Always make sure your tank is cleaned when it needs to be.

• Watch your drains: Some chemicals or other products can create a bad smell. It's important you make sure you only put septic-safe materials down your drains to prevent odours.

• Check for vent issues: A blocked vent could occur when your home is renovated or remodelled, and a bad smell can result. You could even be left with a bad smell if you don't have any vent at all. You'll know if you have a missing vent if the smell usually starts up after you've had a shower.

• Check the location: Some locations aren't ideal for tanks. If your tank's been installed above the water table, you'll face ongoing issues.

As always, when you have doubts or concerns, seeking help from professionals is the best port of call.

If you have an issue with the septic tank on your Toowoomba property, there's no one better to help than Shrek's Septic Services. We're a family-owned and operated team of qualified personnel, offering 24/7 emergency assistance, general maintenance or service calls as required. We take the time to inspect every situation and recommend the best approach for each individual client. Call us today on (07) 4637 0130.