Have you ever opened the door of your home and thought that there was a very strong smell of rotten-eggs? Have you wondered whether or not sewer gas can make anyone sick? That is an unpleasant thought, but that is essential. Sewer gas is not only a bad smell. In other instances it may be a serious health hazard to you and your family.
To laypersons, particularly homeowners that have an older plumbing system or a heavy user, it is important to know sewer gas. Here at Leak Experts USA, we usually assist those people who are either anxious about strange smells, migraines, or the nausea that cannot be explained. It is normally discovered that the issue is some kind of hidden plumbing problem which allows sewer gas to get into the house.
In this guide, we will discuss whether sewer gas will cause illness, why, and how to identify possible warning, and what to do in case you think there is an issue. We aim at assisting you in keeping your health secure, your house, and your peace of mind.
Leak Experts USA: (702) 745-5571.
What Is Sewer Gas and Why It Forms
Sewer gas is an amalgamation of gases that are formed as a result of decomposition of organic waste in sewer lines and drains. It is a natural by-product of sewage systems. When the system allows its gases to escape, then the gas will not enter your living room. The issues arise when the plumbing components fail or dry up.
Sewer gas commonly contains:
– Hydrogen sulfide (the smell of rotten eggs)
– Methane
– Ammonia
– Carbon dioxide
The working plumbing systems have traps, vent and seals that prevent the leakage of such gases into your home. However, in case of failure, e.g. a broken sewer line, a dry P-trap, or a clogged vent it can get inside the house.
This leads many homeowners to ask the critical question: can sewer gas make you sick, or is it just an unpleasant odor?
Can Sewer Gas Make You Sick in Your Home?
The short answer to that question is yes, sewer gas can make you sick if there is a severe or a prolonged exposure to it and it can also have an impact on your health. Exposure on low level on the other hand can bring minor discomfort to you and high levels of exposure can have more severe symptoms but the overall danger depends on
– the type and the amount of gas that there is
– how long you have been exposed to it
– the level of ventilation in your house
– and how sensitive you personally are
most of these gases have smells which homeowner is mistake for common plumbing smells. Their neglect allows this gas to spread and cause various detriments to their health. Understanding how you can be affected by sewer gas can make you make reasonable and informed decisions about the future of the house and your health.
Can Sewer Gas Make You Sick and Common Sewer Gas Health Effects Explained
As discussed earlier as well sewer gas can have mild to severe health effects on the people living in homes which have been affected by sewer gas leaks. These symptoms will occur when there is exposure to them especially in small and cramped spaces such as bathrooms or basements. Common symptoms would include
– pain and pressure behind the eyes
– stomach being upset and nausea
– dizziness or head feeling light
– lack of concentration or constant drowsiness
Long exposure may cause more severe ones such as:
– Eye, nasal, and throat irritation.
– Trouble breathing
– Worsening asthma symptoms
Hydrogen sulfide, even in small concentration, is highly irritating. It is harmful at elevated levels- hence sewer gas should never be overlooked.
Can Sewer Gas Make You Sick Over Time?
Long-term exposure is something that is ignored by many. Can sewer gas make you sick if it’s only faint or occasional? Unfortunately, yes.
Low and chronic exposure may lead to long-lasting effects that individuals are likely to attribute to stress or other diseases. In the long run a home owner can observe:
– Persistent headaches
– Ongoing nausea
– Sinus irritation
– Trouble sleeping
These symptoms will often build up over time and many of the homeowners will not associate them with plumbing at all. This is more severe when there is a leak in the vents or lines which would make them malfunction. If you ever experience such discomfort or if you smell that there are severe gases in your homes then you should definitely look into this and contact a professional as soon as possible.
Can Sewer Gas Make You Sick Suddenly or Without Warning?
Yes it is always possible to be exposed immediately or suddenly. This may happen if
– there is a drain trap that empties itself suddenly
– there is a sewer line which is collapsing or has cracks in it
– the overall venting of the house which can be affected by the construction
this rapid exposure to this gas may result in you feeling dizzy nauseous all have dyspnea. If you see that the home has blocked vents or there are drains which have been installed poorly, the members of that home are at risk of sewer gas effects and a plumbing professional should be consulted immediately for the health and safety of those members.
How Sewer Gas Enters Residential Homes and can sewer gas make you sick
If you know how sewer gas can get into your home you can definitely prevent future inconveniences from happening. Common entry points for sewer gas are
Dry P Traps: drains which are not used for a long time such as those in guest bathrooms or some floor drains maybe allowed to dry out which would then allow gas to build up or enter through them
Busted sewer lines: sewer lines which are being deteriorated or are moving from their place can be leaking underground without you seeing them
Blocked vent pipes: venting can also be blocked by things like debris, nests or other build up
Bad plumbing: if the slope of the pipe is incorrect, if there are no traps or if there are broken seals then that may also it result in sewer gas entering your home
if you see any one of these issues any you can feel that there is sewer gas in your home then you should contact an expert immediately
Can Sewer Gas Make You Sick in Dry or Hot Climates?
The reason why many people are asking this question to ask that whether if it would be dangerous if the weather is hot or cold. Plumbing traps which are filled with hot water often dry quicker in warm environments therefore have an increased risk of leakage. Waste on the other hand also decomposes quickly in higher temperature therefore leading to more gas production. You should note that extra sensitive areas in your homes are bathrooms and floor drains which would often require plumbing repairs to reduce health hazards regardless of what whether it is
warning signs and red flags which you must not ignore
If you are aware of this your gas symptoms you will be able to prevent a very small problem before it turns into a really big one
As discussed earlier as well following would be the key symptoms which you should look out for
– smells of rotten egg or sulfur in the house
– headaches which are increasing from time to time
– nausea without any clear reason
– irritation in eyes or burning in throat
If you see that multiple people in your home are feeling bad or ill at the same time, this would be a good indicator that there is a plumbing gas issue which is a definite warning that you should take action and contact a plumbing expert like Leak Experts USA.
Can Sewer Gas Make You Sick and its Health problems to Children, the elderly and pets.
Sewer gas poses more danger to some members of the family. Symptoms usually appear in children, seniors and pets.
– Children experience nausea and headaches or behavioral alteration.
– The elderly can experience dizziness or difficulty with breathing.
– Pets can appear to be listless, vomit, or shun some areas.
The pets are also near the floor and thus they can alert of a problem beforehand. An expert should inspect your house in case you believe that sewer gas is hazardous to your family.
Can Sewer Gas Make You Sick and How to solve it permanently.
The opening of the window or the use of air fresheners is just a short-term solution. The long-term remedies need to find the source and fix it.
There could be professional solutions such as:
– Repair of broken sewer lines ( Sewer Line Repair).
– Locating concealed problems with the help of a sewer camera (Sewer Camera Inspection).
– Obstructants removal (Drain Cleaning Services)
– Rapid Response to Emergency Plumbing Services.
At Leak Experts USA, we install the best equipment to find the particular source- which saves your time, money and additional repair.
The importance of Professional Plumbing Services.
Home repairs are usually incomplete. The sewer gas issues are typically determined by underground seepages, fractious vents, or faulty installations which require professional assistance.
Our certified technicians are aware of the methods of safely removing sewer gas and preventing it indefinitely. We do not simply cover up the odor of it, but we remedy the cause. Leak Experts USA has become the best plumbing company of which homeowners can be sure they are safe, healthy and getting their long-term solutions.
Call us today (702) 745 5571 to have Leak Experts USA inspect.
Can sewer gas make you sick? Frequently asked questions
Can sewer gas make you sick even if it only smells faintly?
Yes. Exposure at low levels with time may lead to headache, nausea, among others.
Which are the health effects of sewer gas that are most widespread?
Common are headache, dizziness, nausea, and irritation of the throat, and fatigue.
How can I tell whether the sewer gas is harmful in my house?
In case the symptoms are better when you are outside, then it is sewer gas.
Is the smell of sewer gas in the house necessarily plumbing?
Almost always. It typically refers to dry trap, leakage, or venting.
Should I move out of home in case I suspect sewer gas?
Whenever the symptoms are severe, ventilate the surroundings and call a professional immediately.
Can sewer gas make you sick? Protect Your Health and Home Today
So, can sewer gas make you sick? Absolutely. Leaving it aside may endanger your family. The positive thing is that the sewer gas issues can be resolved when you turn to the services of skilled professionals.
Leak Experts USA is a proud serving company that offers quality and professional plumbing services to the Las Vegas homeowners with professional diagnostics and honest services. Regardless of chronic smells or spontaneous ailments, we will be there.
Call Leak Experts USA, (702) 745 5571 today in order to defend your home, your health, and your peace of mind.
