this post was submitted on 19 Mar 2024
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I recently purchased a property , built in 1977 and every time its windy outside it smell like sewer inside. How can I fix this ? I found in an article that it could be because of a septic tank nearby?

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 7 months ago (1 children)

You would have been notified that the house is on a septic system, and been required to get it inspected. You also would have been required to have it pumped if it hadn't been pumped in the last few years. So it's unlikely that your house is on a septic system if none of those things happened.

[–] yoz 1 points 7 months ago

I wasn't notified. I have sent an email to the council asking if they know anything.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Septic tank should not smell. If your house have indeed a septic system then look at your water bills, there should not be charge for sewage. Also it is very important to take care of your septic tank.

[–] yoz 1 points 7 months ago

Haven't received the water bill yet. How do we update the details and remove the previous owners name ?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 7 months ago (1 children)
  1. Others are right about septic disclosure but let's say there was an oversight: you can try searching your state's Department of Health records for septic as-builts, old inspections, or if it was decommissioned. Usually search by parcel number.

  2. Hm, it happening when it is windy sounds like something might be involving the plumbing vents? I'd have a plumber inspect the system.

  3. I had a similar problem. Turns out it was a broken seal on a toilet and the toilet was leaking into the space below.

[–] yoz 1 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Toilet seal is def not the problem. I called a plumber once and he said he can't smell anything and charged me $200. The issue is the smell is not present all the time.

[–] Zane 3 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Could it be environmental? Any creeks, stormwater drains or water treatment plants nearby?

I live in inner Melbourne and sometimes when the wind is coming in the right direction the area just stinks.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Maybe there's an empty siphon somewhere from a drain you don't use often? Try putting some water in all of your drains.

[–] yoz 1 points 7 months ago

I spend $200 bucks on a plumber for 20mins and he said everything is fine. The issue is sometimes it smells and sometimes it doesn't.