One of the first signs of a problem with your septic system is a foul odor. While a septic tank is designed to handle waste, it should be an airtight system. If you start smelling rotten eggs or raw sewage in your home or yard, it’s a warning sign that something is wrong.
At Davis Plumbing, we help Riverside County homeowners identify whether a smell is a simple fix or a sign that you need an immediate septic pump.
Common Causes of Septic Odors
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Dry P-Traps: If you have a guest bathroom that rarely gets used, the water in the “P-trap” under the sink can evaporate. This allows gases from the septic well to travel up the pipes and into your home. The Fix: Run water in every drain for 60 seconds once a week.
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Clogged Vent Stacks: Your plumbing system has vents that exit through your roof to let gases out. If these vents are clogged by bird nests or debris, the gas is forced back into your house.
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A Full Septic Tank: If the tank is over capacity, gases can escape through the lids or back up into the house. This is a clear sign you need a septic service near me.
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Drain Field Issues: If the smell is strongest outside, especially after rain, your drain field may be saturated or failing.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve checked your P-traps and the smell persists, do not ignore it. Sewage gases like methane aren’t just unpleasant—they can be dangerous in high concentrations. A professional septic tank inspection can pinpoint the leak or blockage before it leads to a backup.
Clear the Air with Davis Plumbing
Don’t live with embarrassing odors. Whether it’s a simple vent issue or a needed pump-out, our team has the tools to fix it fast.
Call Davis Plumbing at (951) 657-0393 for expert diagnostics and repair in the 951 area. We’ll get your system back to being “out of sight, out of mind.”