You may have even possibly brushed it off as a brief plumbing problem, should you happen to walk into your bathroom and be struck by a nasty smell. Still, an odor of sewage lingering might sometimes be an omen of something more. Many homeowners ask an important and often alarming question: what are the symptoms of sewer gas poisoning?
Sewer gas is not just unbearable, it may be very dangerous to health in case of prolonged or intense exposure. As a homeowner, knowing the warning signs, causes and solutions may prevent the protection of your family and your property. We have assisted thousands of house owners to discover their concealed plumbing problems which cause gas accumulation which is very unsafe and we understand that it is always better to take fast action.
You feel that there could be sewer odor or even possible exposure, you can call Leak Experts USA at (702) 745-5571 to have an expert advice to you today.
Understanding What Are the Symptoms of Sewer Gas Poisoning
It is worth establishing the nature of sewer gas before seeing the symptoms. Sewer gas is a blend of gases that is produced by the breakdown of waste that is in the plumbing or the municipal sewer system. Such gases are usually methane, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and carbon dioxide.
That stench of rotten eggs that many house owners are often aware of is due to hydrogen sulfide. Severe discomfort may arise in small quantities of sewer gas. It may be dangerous in extreme doses or when exposed to long periods of time. This is why understanding what are the symptoms of sewer gas poisoning is essential for every homeowner.
The homes depend on the adequate venting and water traps to ensure that the gases remain outside the living rooms. Something can go wrong such as a dry drain tap or a broken sewer line, the gases will come inside your house without your knowledge.
Why Sewer Gas Forms in Homes
Sewer gas issues do not normally occur immediately. They are formed as a result of the plumbing problems in the background which increase with time. The reasons most frequently are:
· P-traps which are dry or empty in sinks, showers or floor drains.
· Fractured or ruptured sewer pipes.
· Unproper or obstructed plumbing vents.
· Slack toilet seals or broken wax rings.
· Drainage systems which have not been installed properly or have gone out of date.
Some of the common early signs observed by home owners include the fact that the bathrooms have a sewer smell or the fact that their bathroom smells of sewage despite cleaning it. Not only are such odors unpleasant, but they also tell you that something is wrong with your plumbing system and that something needs to be done about it.
Weaker plumbing infrastructure in some places means that sewer gas problems can worsen and they may develop at high rate whereby regular maintenance is not observed.
What Are the Symptoms of Sewer Gas Poisoning You Should Never Ignore
We often here homeowners in Las Vegas ask that what are the symptoms of sewer gas poisoning and our simple answer to that question is that it all depends on the level of exposure and duration of it because there are some symptoms which may be mild while others can be sever. These will include
Early / Mild Symptoms
· Feeling pressure behind the eyes or pain
· Dizziness
· Nausea or stomach feeling upset
· Weakness or Fatigue
· Irritation in Eyes, nose or throat
These are the symptoms which are often confused with dehydration, stress or sometimes with allergies but when we see that these symptoms come with bad smell in the home, our first concern goes towards the plumbing of the house as we know that there is something wrong with it. Homeowners should not be unserious about sewer gas smell because it needs to be checked right away.
Moderate Symptoms
· Concentration problems
· Lack or shortness of breath
· Constant coughing
· Tightness in the chest
These are some of the symptoms which may grow or become worse over time and should not be taken lightly because these are the ones that should be immediately concerning the homeowners. Other than that, long term exposure to sewer gas in these situations could lead to any pre existing respiratory illnesses being aggravated and could also give rise to more discomfort than usual.
Long-Term Health Risks of Sewer Gas Exposure
The sewer gas exposure may turn out to be a long-term problem when the homeowners postpone repair. Understanding what are the symptoms of sewer gas poisoning over extended periods is critical for protecting your household.
Exposure to it over the long term might be a contributor in:
· Prolonged pneumonia inhalation.
· Excessive asthma or allergies.
· Regular headaches or migraine.
· Sleep disturbances
· Necessitate growth in stress and anxiety.
The nervous system can be influenced by hydrogen sulfide even in low concentrations in the long run. Methane is not toxic, but it can take the place of oxygen in any closed space which poses hazardous conditions.
When you constantly smell like sewer when you are in your bathroom, it is an indication that sewer gases are finding their way into your house every day- putting your health at stake.
What Are the Symptoms of Sewer Gas Poisoning in Children and Seniors?
The children, elderly people and those with weakened immunity are particularly susceptible. They have higher rates of response to sewer gas.
Symptoms that can be seen in the children include:
· Abdominal nausea/vomiting of unexplained origin.
· Disorderliness or temper outbursts.
· Fatigue or trouble focusing
In older people, the symptoms of sewer gas exposure can deteriorate the underlying health conditions such as heart or lung illness. That is why it is necessary to diagnose it early and analyze it professionally.
Las Vegas homeowners are usually prone to dry climates, and this is likely to be the reason why drain traps evaporation may occur sooner, and this is why it is important to have plumbing checked on a regular basis.
Common Plumbing Issues That Cause Sewer Gas Leaks
Sewer gas does not just occur out of the blue. It is normally associated with plumbing issues which need professional solution. The following are some of the most frequent problems that we encounter:
Dry or Faulty Drain Traps
P-traps contain water which seals sewer gases. The water is able to evaporate when it is not used regularly and the odors are able to escape.
Blocked or Damaged Vents
The vents of plumbing are safely discharged over your roof. Blocked gases can be forced into your house.
Sewer Line Damage
Sewer lines may be broken or deteriorated due to cracks, corrosion and movement of soil, and thus they may leak gases into walls or crawl spaces.
This is the reason why professional drains inspection services are that important. An in-depth examination would identify the existence of latent problems before it develops into health risks.
What Are the Symptoms of Sewer Gas Poisoning and How Can Homeowners Prevent It?
If you think that you have understood what are the symptoms of sewer gas poisoning that you have just gone through half of the problem because preventing it will now be the real challenge. But we can certainly say that homeowners in Las Vegas are lucky in this case because Leak Experts USA is here and we are the real experts in detecting and dealing with sewer gases at the right place and at the right time.
Some of the little things that you can do yourself is to check if the drains in your home are properly being used. There is a chance that the P traps of sinks, tubs or floor drains are being dried out so gases are now able to escape through. One thing that you can do for this is that you can pour water in these areas if you are not using them, once a month. What this will do is that it will prevent these traps from drying out hence meaning that the gases will be trapped and will not escape into your living space.
Plumbing Maintenance especially by professionals is also something that is highly recommended. What plumbers do while maintaining your home plumbing is something that should not be taken for granted because they find and repair any pipes which may be broken, leaking, or have something blocking them. Having regular maintenance insures that the plumbing of your home is prevented from such things and that the plumbing systems run smoothly and efficiently, without harming the people living with you.
If you ever notice that the atmosphere of your home is now changed and the overall home smells of something bad. With that you are also getting physical symptoms as well such as nausea or irritation. Then you should not stop for a second and call a professional to identify any leaks or issues with the plumbing as soon as possible.
How Professional Plumbing Services Keep Your Home Safe
Most of the house owners attempt home repairs such as air freshening or drain cleaning, which merely conceals the smell. To truly address what are the symptoms of sewer gas poisoning, you must eliminate the source.
We have sophisticated diagnostic equipment that we apply at Leak Experts USA in order to find leaks, vent, and drainage failures. Our services include:
· Extensive drain inspection with camera technology.
· Specialized cleaning of drains to clean up the accumulations and obstructions.
· Sewer line appraisals and fixings.
· Evaluations of the ventilation systems.
Regular draining services are also essential to enhance drainage, as well as preventing the accumulation of sewer gas due to the proper flowing of the pipes.
The residents of Las Vegas have put their faith in us since we do not just guess, we are able to diagnose and repair the issue at the root of the problem.
When to Call Leak Experts USA
If you’re still wondering what are the symptoms of sewer gas poisoning and whether your situation is serious, here’s a simple rule:
When odors persist and when symptoms persist, then it is time to call a professional.
You need to reach Leak Experts USA in case:
· Odors return after cleaning
· There are several drains that reek simultaneously.
· When you are outside the house, things get better.
· You are suspecting sewer line or vent breakage.
Call (702) 745-5571 today to book an inspection of our professional plumbing experts. We take pride in being a trusted brand to Las Vegas homeowners who appreciate safety, sincerity and long term solutions.
FAQs About Sewer Gas Safety
1. What are the symptoms of sewer gas poisoning most homeowners notice first?
The initial symptoms which are usually detected or observed are headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue and they are always combined with the constant sewer smell.
2. Are sewer gas exposure symptoms dangerous?
Yes as mild exposure may result in the discomfort and in many cases the long term exposure can result in severe respiratory and neurological disorders.
3. Can sewer gas come from a single bathroom?
Absolutely because even a broken pipe or a leaky toilet ring is an area which can allow the entry of gas and with that the smell of your bathroom to be similar to the smell of sewage most of the time.
4. How do professionals detect sewer gas leaks?
Licensed plumbers apply sewer camera inspection, pressure testing and vent check to find the main source.
Protect Your Home and Health Today
Understanding what are the symptoms of sewer gas poisoning enables you to act right away before these small plumbing issues turn into major health risks as the problems of sewer gases are not the issues that can be easily resolved by themselves but they can be handled with the expert assistance and can removed and avoided safely and efficiently.
Leak Experts USA’s main moto is to safeguard your house, your plumbing work and also your family health because our solutions are trustworthy with professional inspection of drains, quality cleaning and truthful and transparent suggestions.
Call us at (702) 745-5571 today and make your home a place where you are always comfortable to be in because your home is supposed to be a safe and the most comfortable place to be.
