Everything Property Managers Need To Know About Sewer Gas

As a property manager, maintaining a safe and pleasant environment for tenants is a top priority. One issue that can quickly disrupt comfort and raise concerns is sewer gas. This foul-smelling mixture of gases can sneak into buildings through faulty plumbing, causing unpleasant odors and posing potential health risks.

Sewer gas brings mysterious bathroom smells and long-term maintenance challenges, so you’ll want to learn as much about it as possible. This article explains what sewer gas is, its potential dangers, and how to handle it before it becomes a bigger problem.

What is Sewer Gas?

Sewer gas is a combination of gases that form as waste breaks down in sewage systems. It consists of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, methane, carbon dioxide, and other trace gases. As organic matter decomposes, these gases build up naturally in sewer lines, drainage systems, and septic tanks.

What Does Sewer Gas Smell Like?

The first clue you have a sewer gas problem is the presence of hydrogen sulfide, which gives off a distinct rotten egg or sulfur-like odor. If you’ve ever wondered what does sewer gas smell like, it’s that unmistakable foul odor that indicates a problem.

Sewer gas typically remains contained within the plumbing system, but it can leak into homes or buildings through faulty plumbing.

Common Sources of Sewer Gas in Properties

Sewer gas leaks in properties often stem from plumbing issues like dry traps, cracked sewer pipes, or clogged drains. These problems create openings that allow the gas to escape into living spaces.

A dry trap occurs when water in a drain’s U-shaped pipe evaporates, removing the barrier that typically blocks sewer gas from entering a building. This scenario is typical when a drain doesn’t receive much use.

Similarly, cracked or damaged sewer pipes can release sewer gas into the property, leading to persistent odors. Clogged drains can also trap gases, causing them to back up into bathrooms or kitchens.

Sewer Gas Smell in Apartments

A sewer gas smell in apartments can spread quickly, affecting multiple tenants. When several units share the same drainage system, a problem in one apartment can easily create odor issues in others.

The sewage smell in bathrooms is particularly concerning because it often indicates plumbing malfunctions that need immediate attention to prevent gas buildup and health risks. Addressing these issues right away makes it easier to keep your multifamily building safe for your residents.

Can Sewer Gas Make You Sick?

Can sewer gas make you sick? The answer is yes, it can.

While low levels of sewer gas exposure are often more unpleasant than dangerous, prolonged exposure or higher concentrations can lead to health issues.

Health Issues Sewer Gas Can Create

In the short term, exposure to sewer gas can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and eye or throat irritation. These symptoms can be particularly troublesome for residents and tenants in poorly ventilated areas where the gas may linger.

Long-term exposure to sewer gas presents more serious risks. Over time, breathing in gases like hydrogen sulfide can lead to respiratory issues. In rare cases, very high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can result in more severe conditions, including hydrogen sulfide poisoning, which can be life-threatening.

For property managers, swiftly addressing sewer gas issues is the only way to keep your tenants safe. Even if their symptoms seem minor, eliminating the leak’s source can prevent more severe health problems and maintain a healthy living environment.

Is Sewage Smell in Bathroom Dangerous?

While the occasional unpleasant odor might seem like a nuisance, persistent sewage smells can signal more serious issues.

Problems Beyond Health

The foul odor often points to underlying plumbing or sewer system problems, such as cracked pipes, dry traps, or clogs. If you don’t repair them, these issues can lead to more than just unpleasant smells, as they can pose real risks to the property’s structure.

For example, damaged pipes or leaks can cause water damage to walls and floors, creating the perfect environment for mold growth. Mold hinders air quality and can lead to costly repairs and even more health concerns.

You’ll need to address any persistent sewage smells right away because it prevents significant property damage and protects your tenants.

How to Handle Sewer Gas Issues in Your Multifamily Building

DIY Solutions

When dealing with sewer gas issues in your property, a few temporary DIY solutions can help alleviate the problem.

For instance, if a dry trap is the cause, simply pouring water down the affected drain can restore the water barrier that blocks sewer gas. All you have to do is run the tap for a few seconds to restore the barrier, and the smell should dissipate.

If you notice this smell in the shower, try pouring a couple of jugs of water down the drain to see if it helps.

Using drain cleaners to clear minor clogs may also temporarily reduce odors. This technique typically works when a clog isn’t allowing waste to reach the city’s main line, so the smell has nowhere to go but back into your home.

However, these quick fixes are only short-term solutions and may not take care of the underlying issue. If bad smells coming from the drains are a common complaint for your residents, there’s probably an underlying cause that requires some attention.

Get Professional Assistance

Recurring sewer gas smells often indicate more complex plumbing problems that require professional attention.

Licensed plumbers or contractors can diagnose the exact source of the leak, whether it’s a cracked pipe, faulty vent, or damaged sewer line. They can then complete the necessary repairs and ensure the problem won’t return.

Professional inspections and regular maintenance plans are essential to prevent sewer gas issues in the long term. Taking this step protects the property and the health and safety of its residents.

Dont Panic When You Smell Sewer Gas

Call the Experts at Sanitary Plumbing

Sewer gas isn’t something you want around your multifamily properties because of the health risks it presents. However, an experienced plumber can diagnose and fix your sewer gas problems, keeping your property and its residents safe. Call Sanitary Plumbing at 212.734.5000 to book an appointment with our team. You can also schedule your sewer drain maintenance online.