The Rotten Egg Smell (hydrogen Sulfide Gas) - How To Rid Of It?

[Tokay]

Outside our house in the back, we have a HORRIBLE smell of rotten eggs. That smell is of course hydrogen sulfide gas and not eggs, unless my TG knows something I don't.

Our water tank is back there but it is cleaned often and was just again last week. Our water pump is back there as well. I'm not sure if the septic is back there, but I believe it is. If so, that would probably be where it's coming from.

How do you guys get rid of this horrible smell?

[Artisi]

Outside our house in the back, we have a HORRIBLE smell of rotten eggs. That smell is of course hydrogen sulfide gas and not eggs, unless my TG knows something I don't.

Our water tank is back there but it is cleaned often and was just again last week. Our water pump is back there as well. I'm not sure if the septic is back there, but I believe it is. If so, that would probably be where it's coming from.

How do you guys get rid of this horrible smell?

Change your diet

[stgrhe]

You might have a blockage in your sewer system or a leaking pipe. The septic tank could be full too so your first check would be to check the septic tank. Make sure you wear protective clothing and a mask.

If you septic tank was installed directly in the soil and not in a concrete box and the pipes connecting the septic tank are of non flexible type then it is highly likely you have a cracked pipe.

[Crossy]

I concur with the above, start by checking out your septic.

I'll move this to DIY.

[Tokay]

You might have a blockage in your sewer system or a leaking pipe. The septic tank could be full too so your first check would be to check the septic tank. Make sure you wear protective clothing and a mask.

If you septic tank was installed directly in the soil and not in a concrete box and the pipes connecting the septic tank are of non flexible type then it is highly likely you have a cracked pipe.

Thanks. I'll check that out.

I'm going to assume it was not installed correctly.

[midasthailand]

H2S gas is a major problem! in levels above 8 parts per million it can be fatal!! I lost a few friends on board a naval ship due to an H2S leak. I am sure you already knew this, but thought I'd mention it in case you were not.

[Tokay]

H2S gas is a major problem! in levels above 8 parts per million it can be fatal!! I lost a few friends on board a naval ship due to an H2S leak. I am sure you already knew this, but thought I'd mention it in case you were not.

I knew in large doses it could be fatal, though for us the smell is outside and not coming in the house, unless we open the back door, which is usually only brief. My god, if that oder was inside... I would have sold the house or bulldozed it.

I wonder if there is a service in town that can measure the levels of it, and let me know just how dangerous it is.

[Artisi]

H2S gas is a major problem! in levels above 8 parts per million it can be fatal!! I lost a few friends on board a naval ship due to an H2S leak. I am sure you already knew this, but thought I'd mention it in case you were not.

I knew in large doses it could be fatal, though for us the smell is outside and not coming in the house, unless we open the back door, which is usually only brief. My god, if that oder was inside... I would have sold the house or bulldozed it.

I wonder if there is a service in town that can measure the levels of it, and let me know just how dangerous it is.

Find out who ever pumps out "full" septic tanks in your area - they will inspect your tank and pump it if necessary - shouldn't cost too much to have it done.

[b2bme]

I've got the same problem. We have one of those little on the wall jobs that are comon here. Did a Google search and found that it is pretty common problem, even with larger units.

One of the common problems with water that contains sulfur is the formation of a foul-smelling gas called hydrogen sulfide (represented by the chemical symbol H2S). The rotten egg odor is a natural process involving sulfur, a common sulfate-reducing bacteria, and corrosion. Corrosion within plumbing fixtures releases electrons (similar to the chemical reactions taking place in a car battery). The electrons provide the energy source for the bacteria to reduce the sulfur. One of the results is the formation of the hydrogen sulfide gas.

Seems to be be more of a problem with untreated water, and a hotwater system that is not used that often. Our water comes from the river and is stored in a tank, no treatment, and the system only gets used when I'm here. I seem to be a prime candidate.

The system is coming up to 10 years old though and for the price it cost will soon get replaced. There are short term remedies but appears replacement is probably my best option. This smell is only through the hotwater system. No problem with the cold water. Seems to be the chemical reaction with the hot water system. Anyway do a google search and you will find the answers.

MyWatersmellslikerotteneggs.pdf

[mdechgan]

Are you sure the smell is from your house or yard? Is the smell from somewhere outside your house like a swamp or someones's yard? Canals are all over theplace in Bangkok and the water is really black.

[john b good]

Unlikely in this situation but H2S also (at fairly low concentrations too) kills your olfactory nerves and as a consequence people have been lulled into thinking that the concentration has gone down or disappeared when in fact it can be increasing.

It doesn't take much to kill you and whilst a little higher than quoted not by much "10 ppm TWA / 15 ppm STEL"

[Tigs]

Yikes! If you have cash to spare and it is the septic tank, have someone dig the whole thing up, get rid, get a new one with new piping and enjoy the fresh air.