Do Septic Tanks or Sewage Treament Plants Smell?

A well maintained septic tank or sewage treatment plant should not be giving off any unpleasant odours, despite that fact that it is a receptacle for human waste!  Septic tanks and treatment plants are designed to contain the naturally occurring odours that will arise as part of the treatment process. If there is an unpleasant smell it could be due to a number of reasons and it is important to investigate the cause .....

Is the tank full and in need of emptying?

This is easily checked and resolved by having it desludges / pumped out.

Is there a clogged vent or is the vent missing altogether?

A vent allows the gases from the sewage to escape and prevent a buildup of toxic and flammable methane gases. Sometimes the vent can become clogged by an overful tank, a wasp or bird's nest, snow or ice. Check the vent to ensure that the gases are able to escape.It may even be that the tank was poorly installed in the first place and the vent omitted, in which case the gasses (and smells!) will very likely come up through the drains andwill make their prescence felt (smelt?) in the bathroom, toilet or kitchen.

Has the system been contaminated?

Putting certain things down the toilet or sink, such as very harsh chemicals, grease or fat will interfere with the natural enzymes that work to break down the sewage.  When the finely tuned 'eco-system' is dusturbed by these contaminents it loses its ability to work efficiently and smell is a likely result.