Over 21 million Americans use septic systems for safe and effective wastewater treatment. When it’s time for a cleaning, public sewer systems can flush chemicals to eliminate odor, but that would disrupt the bacterial balance in a septic tank. If your septic tank is starting to stink, follow these plumbing tips to freshen it up.

3 Tips for a Smelly Septic System

1. Watch What You Flush

If the water in your toilet becomes too acidic, you may experience a strong sulfuric smell, which is similar to rotten eggs. Avoid flushing items such as feminine products, trash, plastic, and other items that may disrupt the balance. Levels should be around 6.8-7.6 pH. If you don’t have a measuring device, check for blue or green stains around the rim of your sinks and toilets. This can indicate that you have acidic water.

2. Check Your Plumbing Vent

If your plumbing vent is clogged, wastewater can’t filter properly and sits in your pipes, which can cause a foul smell to form. If your toilets or sinks are gurgling, it may be because blockage is preventing your vent from functioning properly. A plumber can identify the obstruction and remove it, and also make sure there isn’t a more serious problem like a leak in the plumbing joint or drain line.

3. Get Your Tank Pumped 

If your septic system is smelling outside your home, it may need to be pumped. Septic tanks that get too full with waste cannot properly flush out the waste, and this can cause smelly, unsanitary water to spill over into your drainage field. Septic pumping will remove the buildup of sludge and let your sewage settle properly. Plumbing professionals recommend getting this service performed at least every 3–5 years.

Keep your septic system operating smoothly with help from the experts at Chugach Sewer & Drain in Anchorage, AK. Their team of plumbing professionals tackles even your toughest drainage and septic problems. Whether you need sewer cleaning, plumbing repair, or septic maintenance, they provide fast and reliable services for both residential and commercial clients. Learn more about their available services on their website, and call (907) 929-5072 if you need immediate assistance.