Is your sewage treatment plant beginning to smell? A well maintained sewage treatment plant shouldn’t be giving off any unpleasant odours. Sewage systems 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, so it is important to investigate the cause. Here are our top 5 reasons why your tank could be smelling!

Does your tank need to be emptied?

It is important to get your tank emptied at least once or even twice a year, depending on use, in order to avoid sludge build up, which can cause a biological overload. If your tank has not been emptied in a while there could be an overflow or blockage in your system which would therefore lead to nasty smells and a backup of sewage in your toilet. It’s important to book in your emptying.

Has your system been contaminated?

Putting certain things down your toilet or sink, such as grease, fat or harsh chemicals will interfere with the natural enzymes that break the sewage down. When the system is disturbed by these contaminants it loses its ability to work efficiently, hence a smell being a likely result. The important bacteria needed to break down your waste cannot survive in chemical environments. Read up on the do’s and don’ts and what is recommended for you to put in your plant here: https://www.cotterillcivils.co.uk/blog/sewage-treatment-solutions/dos-and-donts-of-sewage-treatment-plants-and-septic-tanks/.

Have you been away for a while?

If your toilet has not been used in a long period of time then the water in the U-bend can evaporate, causing a smell in your house. This can be easily solved by flushing the toilet and after a couple of days your tank will be back to normal.

Is there a blockage in your system?

It is crucial that you pay attention to what you are putting down your toilet, sink or drain. Ensure that only human faeces and toilet paper is flushed down your toilet and only pour tea, coffee and other drinks down your sink. If anything else enters the system, including sanitary products, facial wipes or cotton wool it can cause a blockage, see here https://www.cotterillcivils.co.uk/blog/sewage-treatment-solutions/dos-and-donts-of-sewage-treatment-plants-and-septic-tanks/

Has your system been serviced?

If your sewage treatment plant is giving off unpleasant smells it may be that it’s not working correctly. It is important that you get the mechanical and electronic components of your system serviced every 6-12 months by trusted professionals like us here at Cotterill Environmental.

Most systems require an annual service but we can advise you on this depending on your model over the phone. Please contact us at environmental@cotterillcivils.co.uk or call us on 0121 461 4861