How to Test For Sewer Gas and Find the Source of the Problem

The unpleasant smell of sewer detector gas is more than just a nuisance. It’s a warning that you may have an urgent plumbing issue that requires immediate attention to prevent worse consequences like fires and explosions. If your home or business has that rotten egg odor coming from drains, toilets, floor drains, and even vents, it’s time to act. Here’s how to test for sewer gas and find the source of the problem.

The rotten egg-like stench is a mixture of hydrogen sulfide, methane, and ammonia that’s produced by the decomposition of waste materials. At low levels, this toxic mixture can irritate the eyes and produce dizziness or coughing. At higher levels, it can cause nausea and even be dangerous or fatal. If you’re experiencing this odor in an enclosed area, evacuate the area and call emergency services immediately.

Signs of Sewer Gas Problems: When and How to Test

To eliminate the odor, start by clearing out any organic material build-up in your drains. Then, make sure to clear out your vents and air the space out as much as possible. If the odor persists, book an appointment with a plumber to have your plumbing system professionally inspected and, hopefully, repaired.

Once your Rocket plumber has found the cause of the leak, they’ll use a tool designed specifically for this purpose to induce smoke into the plumbing system. The smoke will flow to the point of the leak in your pipe, which allows them to identify the location and repair it without the need to break open walls.