Sewage Odor Issues
Regarding the sewage odor issues, it has been my experience that this is typically caused by sewage gases exiting the vent pipes along a dwelling roof line and then these gases accumulate in the dead air space surround a dwelling. Short vent pipes extending above a dwelling roof line are the typical cause of these odors. However, if the occupants of the dwelling discharge large volumes of wastewater or the wastewater has a high waste strength (fats, oils and grease), sewage odors can also be noted around and in a dwelling. In the case of these sewage gases, atmospheric air movement is beneficial. When winds blow, the gasses do not accumulate around a dwelling. However, when still air conditions prevail, especially during the nighttime, the gases will collect around a home and enter through open windows. The gases will also be evident early in the morning when exterior doors are opened as the gasses collect in the outside entry areas adjacent to these doors. Correction of the sewage gases odor is relatively simple and involves completion of one of the following:
· Remove the access cover lid above the inlet side of the septic tank (the side of the septic tank where sewage enters the tank from the house). Place a removable cap on the top of the inlet pipe tee. This will prevent the sewage gases present in the tank from traveling through the sewer pipe extending from the dwelling and then discharging through the roof vents; or
· Install carbon filters on all of the roof vent pipes. The carbon filters will remove the sewage gases from the vent pipe discharges. These filters are available from a number of manufacturers but I have noted the best price and excellent filter performance can be experienced when using Odor Hogs. The units can be purchased online at http://www.odorhog.com.
I have also been able to eliminate sewage odors by extending the vent pipes an additional foot or two above a roof line. As these vents are effectively ?chimneys,? extending the vents allows them to pull the air and gases in the vent pipe and discharge them well above the dead air space surrounding a dwelling. This option is one where aesthetics are not an issue. The extended vents are not complimentary to the outside appearance of a dwelling. I believe the beautiful homes at The Ranch would not benefit, aesthetically from these vent extensions.
Respectfully,
CONDOR EARTH TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
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