Getting Rid Of Septic Tank Smells

A well-maintained septic tank should never smell, so detecting a foul odor coming from inside or outside your home isn’t a good sign. The smell could either be a sign of something serious or something minor. In either case, something is amiss and stinks! Smelly septic tanks are caused by a buildup of gases in the system that are too acidic for the system’s microorganisms to digest. These smells are not only gross, but a high concentration of these gases could be toxic or even explosive. A dysfunctional septic system could be dangerous and costly to repair. Luckily, Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service is here to save the day and teach you how to defeat these odors and emerge victorious!

When in doubt or if you’re having trouble, contact us to schedule septic tank repairs or to learn more about all the septic tank services we offer for your system.

Septic Tank Odors

Look Out For A Full Septic Tank

This is probably the most common problem with your septic tank and one that is most easily solved. Too much waste in the tank can cause clogs, which in turn can cause that rotten smell to seep from both inside and outside of your home. This shouldn’t be an issue if you get your septic tank pumped regularly, so it could show that there is another issue with your septic tank. If you haven’t had your tank serviced in some time, we recommend scheduling pumping services. We recommend pumping out your waste every 3-5 years, depending on your usage and how big your tank is. Septic tank cleaning is essential in keeping your wastewater system in good condition.

Check Your Roof Vents 

Plumbing vent stacks allow drains to vent air through the roof. When a vent stack isn’t functioning properly, the air pressure in the plumbing pipes won’t be able to equalize and the waste won't flow properly. The venting system connects the water piping system to the outdoors and lets air move in and out of the waste pipe as needed. This can cause an unpleasant smell and gurgling noises to emerge from the toilet, and it may even slow drains. Make sure your vents aren’t blocked by any debris like leaves, snow, or landscaping. If you do find a blockage, carefully remove it or contact a professional.

Use An Activated Carbon Cover

By using activated carbon, you can remove strong and unwanted odors; just place the activated carbon filter over the top of your vent! Homeowners report that they find activated carbon to work better than using filters formulated with activated charcoal. These devices are great for getting rid of the odor, but using an activated carbon cover will only mask the underlying problem if the issue is more serious. Contact our local plumbers today for more information about how we can help remove septic tank odor and to schedule professional plumbing services.

Try A D.I.Y Solution

If you are looking for an easy solution using materials found in your home, this may be the solution for you! Grab some household baking soda and pour a cup of it down any toilet or drain. This should be done about once a week, which will help maintain a good pH level (between 6.8 to 7.6) for the microorganisms. After the baking soda is in the drain, make sure to avoid using excessive amounts of water. Any extra water or liquids will flush the baking soda out of the system and push the waste out of the tank, even if the microorganisms haven’t digested it yet, which can put you in a stinky situation. Please avoid flushing anything down the toilet that the microorganisms can’t digest, such as coffee grounds, cigarette butts, or tampons. These can cause plumbing blockages that can lead to sewage backflow. This can result in a health hazard and expensive repairs. Make sure to flush only human waste and toilet paper. 


Above all else, it’s crucial to have annual septic maintenance by a professional septic tank company. Read our guide on how to care for your septic system for more information.