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It’s a Lot More Serious than “Something You Ate.” Why Your Toilet Smells Like Rotten Eggs.

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It’s a smell that we all can identify, though we’d rather not. A particularly pungent smell and it’s coming from the toilet. Not a usual unpleasant odor though from someone using that toilet, but more of a sewage type scent. We all know that horrible aroma but never have known it to come from that area. So, what could be the reasoning? Why does is it the Toilet Smells Like Rotten Eggs?

Before we dive in, (no we aren’t actually “diving into a toilet.”) let’s make sure we know what this awful smell is. When you say the Toilet Smells Like Rotten Eggs, it is actually a gas from the sewer, hydrogen sulfide that makes the outdated egg scent we all know. It basically comes from raw sewage. If your pipes and plumbing system is working properly, you should not ever have to get a whiff of this terrible scent.

So What Could Be the Cause if My Toilet Smells Like Rotten Eggs?

Even though as we noted above, usually this is not an odor that should be coming from your toilet, it can occur. Why? Well, luckily, being the most trusted Raleigh plumbers for over two decades, we kind of know our stuff. Thus, below are three reasons your Toilet Smells Like Rotten Eggs courtesy of your friends at Poole’s Plumbing.

1- A Dry Trap- The first possibility is a dry trap. To explain, this can occur if a toilet is not used for an extended period of time. What happens is, the water that is in the pipes dries up and allows the gas from your sewer to back up into the toilet. Then, the gas emanates up through the water in the toilet bowl. One possible sign as a precursor to this can be if you notice rust stains in your toilet. But if the Toilet Smells Like Rotten Eggs, a dry trap is a definite possibility.

2- Clogs- A clogged toilet or drain can certainly be a cause of this sulfuric odor coming from the toilet

3- Broken Drain Line or Vent Pipe- This is definitely another possibility, but easily the most serious and in need of immediate attention. If you have a broken drain line or vent pipe you probably will be smelling that “rotten egg” scent all over the house and not just from the toilet though.

Is This a Dangerous Situation? What is it Recommended I Do if I Smell This?

Valid questions, and in both cases there are definitive answers. First, if the Toilet Smells Like Rotten Eggs, yes, this is a potentially dangerous situation. As for what to do, if you do smell this? The first thing is to not try to manage this yourself. Bacteria that can build up from contaminated water, when combined with this potentially dangerous gas is toxic and not anything to mess around with.

Especially in the case where this type of issue is left untreated, this can become increasingly dangerous. But it is not an uncommon problem that you need to lose sleep over. Simply call the pros here at Poole’s Plumbing. We have experts that will identify the source of the smell, safely clear a clog, or address whatever needs to be done and correct the issue quickly and without danger.

To reach us here at the number one name for Raleigh emergency plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing, visit poolesplumbing.com.

 

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When is it the Right Time to Get Your Septic Tank Pumped?

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Many people have lived their entire lives as a homeowner with their plumbing system hooked up to a central sewer system. Thus, the concept and maintenance that goes into a home whose system is hooked to a septic tank may be foreign to them. However, if you do live in a home in which the plumbing is hooked to a septic tank, whether you always have or just moved into this type of situation, you need to be aware of when is the right time to get your Septic Tank Pumped.

The importance of being up to date and staying on top of when you need the Septic Tank pumped is crucial to avoiding some major plumbing issues. If not pumped, problems that could occur include blockages, backups, or drain field floods just to name a few. Having your Septic Tank Pumped on a routine schedule is. one of the most critical maintenance tasks of a homeowner. Below, we will discuss in greater detail why this is so important and when you should have your Septic Tank Pumped.

What Exactly is a Septic Tank and How Does it Work?

To start let’s explain exactly what the process of having the Septic Tank Pumped entails. Now, most conventional septic tanks feature two containers buried underground. The containers will be either fiberglass, concrete, or polyethylene. In the first compartment is where solid waste accumulates, settling to the bottom of the container, and forming a sludge,. Some solids also settle in the second container, too, but while bacteria break down much of this waste, it cannot break down and get rid of all organic material from the tank.

If the sludge is not removed from the septic tank it will just continue to accumulate and can overflow into the drain field. As you can imagine this can be a messy and not so pleasant smelling problem. Prolonged ignoring of this can see matters get even worse as drain field plugging and failure will eventually follow. This turns into a really costly problem too, especially when it could be avoided by having the Septic Tank Pumped.

What is the Process of Getting Your Septic Tank Pumped?

Getting your Septic Tank Pumped involves removing both liquids and solids with a vacuum truck. The truck safely transports and disposes of the sludge removed from having your Septic Tank Pumped. If you stay on top of and have the Septic Tank Pumped regularly, the process should remain fairly simple and easy.

However, if neglected, the sludge in those containers can get thicker and heavier and become more of a task in removing. This can lead to a much lengthier and costlier process than needed.

How Often Should You Get Your Septic Tank Pumped?

On average, it is recommended to pump your septic tank every three to five years. However, in some cases, you may want, just to be sure, to have it pumped more often. Below we bullet-pointed a list of factors that could contribute to you needing to have the Septic Tank Pumped more frequently.

  • You have several occupants in your house and produce a higher than normal amount of waste
  • The actual septic tank you have is small and has a low storage capacity
  • You frequently use garbage disposal that sends solids into the tank
  • You do laundry more frequently than most
  • A water softener is used at your residence that empties regeneration cycle water into the tank

You can actually reduce how often you need to have the Septic Tank Pumped by using some different methods and plumbing products. Bullet-pointed below are several ways that you can reduce the frequency.

  • Install low-flow showerheads, toilets, and faucets
  • Use a high-efficiency, water-conserving washing machine
  • Only do dishes or laundry when the respective machines have a completely full load to wash.
  • Use mild cleaners and stay away from antibacterial products which kill microorganisms in the septic tank
  • Repair any plumbing leaks you have as quickly as possible

How Would I Know if I Need Emergency Tank Pumping?

One of the most easily noticeable signs that you need to immediately have the Septic Tank Pumped is if you notice a flooded drain field. However, if you see standing water in the drain field, you want to avoid pumping until you address the flooding.

In this case, emptying the tank could cause it to float around in the standing water. This in turn could lead to broken pipes. Thus, in the case of standing water, keep people away from the flooded area and call the pros here at Poole’s Plumbing to evaluate the next step.

You can help prevent such drain field flooding though. Just keep watch of your septic tank on a regular basis. If you see any of the below symptoms when watching, call us. We will have the Poole’s Plumbing team come out as these would signify that your tank is full.

  • Gurgling sounds coming from beneath the ground
  • Water in your basement backs up
  • Slow drains
  • Foul odors after heavy rains in the drain field

A septic tank and when its time for pumping is nothing to mess around with. If you think it’s time to schedule a pumping, don’t hesitate, give us a call. To contact the number one name in Raleigh Plumbers, Poole’s Plumbing, visit poolesplumbing.com.

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Keep Your Shower Drain Unclogged with These Four Simple Gadgets

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Of course, it is always a helpful skill to understand and know how to unclog a shower drain. We have all been to that point, where the buildup has got so bad that the water level is just rising and rising as we try to take a rinse. As noted, being able to pop that drain clean, even though at times gross, can certainly be a big help in these spots. But, what if there was some way, or in this case ways, to keep your Shower Drain Unclogged and not have the worry of popping it clear? What if with very minimal investment and by just remembering a few things before you stepped into the shower you could stop this issue from occurring altogether? Well, in this post, we will show you how this is possible with the usage of four simple gadgets that can change the way you shower.

Now, we cannot guarantee that you will never again have any type of clog or backup in your shower drain, obviously. Also, we realize that at times due to time constraints and other circumstances, we can all hurry and forget. It’s going to happen, we realize this. However, we think once you’ve read through these items below, that you’ll wholeheartedly agree it will not take much for you to keep that Shower Drain Unclogged.

Four Gadgets to Keep That Shower Drain Unclogged

In addition to you being excited about keeping that Shower Drain Unclogged, we also think you will be pleasantly surprised with how simple these items are that can help with the fix. Below are the four “magic” items to get you on the way to a faster flowing drain!

1) A Drain Screen

Well, this one should come as no big surprise. It’s even got the name of what we are fixing right in its title. But no matter how obvious a choice this would be to keep your Shower Drain Unclogged…you just have to use it. A drain screen can be picked up for purchase for next to nothing and especially for those households with members sporting long hair, they can go a long way towards helping.

This simple, screen like item just gets set over the shower drain when you go in and turn on the water. That’s all. Sure, it’s a little gross to pick up and empty into the trash after each usage. But it is certainly far less appalling than the buildup of months and months of the same residue being left behind to the point that it clogs…right?

2) Hair Brush

Another real innovative and new product we have here…am I right? Hey, if it helps and it works, it doesn’t necessarily always need to be some pricey, new innovative gadget. We are looking here to keep that Shower Drain Unclogged, and most households do have a hair brush, so let’s go with it!

Even if you don’t have a hair brush, like the drain screen above, you can get one for a minimal investment. But, getting to how the brush can help keep the Shower Drain Unclogged, it’s even simpler than using the screen if you can believe that. You see, and many may not think of this, but when you get in the shower and shampoo, then rinse, the condition then rinse, the hair that we find causing these type clogs basically is from what you lose in doing that.

Thus, before you get in the shower, take your brush and give a thorough brushing back of your hair. Yes, you will lose some in the brush and need to put that in the trash. However, instead of the hair that normally would go into the drain starting to accumulate, it is in the trash instead.

3) Shower Caddy

A lot of people already have one of these, but if you don’t, once again, a shower caddy can be easily located for purchase and is very inexpensive. Now, we don’t know for sure what you place on this “in-shower shelf-like item.” But, contrary to what our first two gadget descriptions have you. thinking, hair is not the only thing making you not keep that Shower Drain Unclogged.

In actuality, equally as much of an issue with clogged shower drains as hair, is soap. Solid pieces, or when the bar has dropped and gets soaked and some slides into the drain both can cause a problem. So, in addition to your shampoo, razors, shaving items, and whatever else goes on your caddy, be sure to have a spot for the soap. This way, you can help to be certain this is not going to cause anymore clogs.

4) Outdoor Pet Shower/Rinse Off

Ok, now we are not saying you need to get into major construction here. This is not a call to build  some type of luxurious “pet spa.” What we are saying is that you give your dog or other pets a bath. This is essential and we would never say to not clean your animal. So, if you do have extra money to somewhere outdoors install a small “pet shower,” that is great, and can help immensely in keeping your Shower Drain Unclogged.

For those without the extra funds for a small shower install, we understand. So, when warmer months are upon us, using a kiddie swimming pool that is near, a hose can work in the same way. This way, there is no chance that the fur and hair from the animal can get inside the shower drain. Whether you have a small shower installed or use the kiddie pool method, it’s tougher to bathe the animals in an outdoor setting in the cold of winter, regardless.

So, when the temperatures drop, and bathing your pet indoors is a must, just lay a washcloth over your drain before pulling the plug. Yes, the water will take longer to drain, but this traps all the hair and fur off the animal. It also allows it to wind up in the trash instead of the drain.

Keeping Your Shower Drain Unclogged is All Up to You

With usage of these very simple items and tips, and just a little thought prior to jumping in the shower, ou can significantly raise the chances of keeping the Shower Drain Unclogged. Once you get into the swing of things and used to checking on each of these four items, they will become equally as much a part of your shower as the shampoo and hot water.

For any information or to contact, Raleigh’s most trusted plumber for over two decades, visit poolesplumbing.com.