Whether the trash needs to be taken out or the cat litter needs to be cleaned, foul smells around the house are often the most immediate signs of a past-due chore. The same is true of your septic system. A-1 Septic Tank & Drain Service proudly serves the North Mississippi area, and many of their calls are spurred by a nasty odor. If you’re unfamiliar with septic tank issues and the smells that signify them, review the following guidelines.

In the House

Encountering gurgling noises and unpleasant smells in the bathroom long after you flush? This might indicate your septic tank needs to be emptied. On the other hand, a loose manhole cover on a drain could be allowing gases from sewage to seep into your home. If neither of these issues is at play, have a septic tank professional inspect the plumbing vent in your roof. Depending on the time of year, this component may have frozen shut, become blocked with leaves, or otherwise malfunctioned, preventing your drainpipes from airing out. If you’re still smelling sewage in your home, your septic tank might have been poorly installed or repaired.

In the Yard

While odors in the home are especially invasive, you won’t be able to enjoy your yard this summer if your septic tank is emitting a strong scent outside. If you smell sewage on your front lawn or in the backyard, ask a septic expert if the plumbing vent pipe requires an extension. In other cases, you may need to have a carbon filter attached to the top of your plumbing vent. Much like a water filter, this will catch unpleasant smells during the ventilation process. If you’re still smelling sewage outside, make sure your manhole covers are made of plastic, not metal, and that they are tightly sealed.

If you rely on a septic tank to manage your family’s plumbing system, it’s imperative to invest in regular maintenance and sort out problems as soon as they arise. Luckily, A-1 Septic Tank & Drain Service has gathered experience over five generations of plumbing and septic-related work. They specialize in camera inspections for scouting out piping problems, and they use extra-long hoses, so they don’t have to drive onto your lush lawn. For more information about their accommodating services, visit the website, or call (662) 895-8950.