If you’ve ever asked the question, “Can sewer gas kill you in your sleep?” the answer is “yes.” However, with proper care of your plumbing and HVAC systems and early detection, a sewer gas leak can be quickly remedied.
Sewer gas exposure is extremely deadly when inhaled in high concentrations. The telltale signs of sewer gas poisoning include headaches, nausea, vertigo, and, in some cases, even death. The most likely places to encounter a sewer gas leak in your home are the basement or enclosed crawl spaces.
If you reside in a home with a septic tank, you are also in danger of being exposed to sewer gas.
Is Sewer Gas Dangerous?
Sewer gas is made up of a combination of Methane, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide. Methane can cause asphyxiation, and while gaseous hydrogen sulfide is unlikely to cause asphyxiation, it is both colorless, making it hard to detect, and is also potentially highly combustible.
People also rarely show signs of sewage gas poisoning hours or even days after being exposed because symptoms will not develop until hydrogen sulfide has already caused damage to the victim’s neurological system.
What are the Symptoms of Sewer Gas Poisoning?
The short-term symptoms of sewer gas poisoning can include:
- Eye irritation
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Migraine
- Drowsiness
- Loss of consciousness
People with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are more vulnerable to sewer gas exposure. Prolonged exposure to sewer gas can lead to:
- Cancer
- Asthma
- Loss of Memory
- Cognitive Decline
Factors Affecting Sewer Gas Entry
The factors affecting sewer gas entry into a home can be divided into three main categories: plumbing design and condition, external factors, and ventilation systems.
Improper plumbing design or poor maintenance can create leaks or cracks that allow sewer gas to seep into the home.
External factors like flooding or heavy rains can also force sewer gas into a home. Ventilation systems are necessary to stop sewage gas from building up within a house. Gas can build up and present a health risk if the ventilation system is not functioning properly.
Diagnosing Sewer Gas Leaks
To aid in detecting any sewer gas leaks, you can use a sewer gas detector to find the source of any potential leaks. If you cannot find the source of the gas, it is advised to call a professional to help with the detection of any potential leak.
If you choose to self-check, then listen for hissing or gurgling noises coming from pipes or drains, and feel around for warm or cool spots around pipes or drains. It’s crucial to call an expert right away and to leave your home if you think there might be sewer gas present.
Preventing Sewer Gas in Your Home
Pipe, drain, and vent cracks are all potential entry points for sewer gas inside your home. Sewer gas poisoning is more likely in homes with older plumbing systems.
You can use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these openings. To prevent sewer gas intrusion, it is essential to:
- Have your plumbing system regularly maintained by a professional plumber.
- Properly install plumbing traps and vents.
- Seal all entry points for gas, such as cracks in pipes and drains.
- Install a sewer gas detector in your home.
- Make sure that your home has a working sewer gas detector.
Can Sewer Gas Kill you in Your Sleep?
To avoid sleeping in sewer gas contamination, make sure your home is well-ventilated. Open windows and doors, and run fans to circulate the air.
Do not sleep in a room with a gas leak. You can also install a sewer gas detector in your bedroom to alert you to the presence of gas. To prevent sleeping near a sewage leak, you can;
- Check for gas leaks regularly.
- Have your septic tank pumped regularly.
- Inspect your sewer lines for cracks or leaks.
- Keep your drains clean and free of clogs.
- Do not light a match or turn on any electrical appliances if you smell gas.
- Evacuate the premises immediately and call a plumber.
Emergency Response and Treatment
If you suspect that you or anyone else is suffering from sewer gas exposer, it is crucial to act immediately, leave the potentially contaminated area, get fresh air as soon as possible, and seek medical help.
If you have mild symptoms, do not wait to see if the symptoms develop further; try to obtain oxygen treatment if you can, as improved breathing and a lower risk of complications are the outcomes of oxygen therapy.
As there is no cure for sewer gas poisoning, getting assistance services as fast as possible will result in a greater chance of reduced long-term side effects. Fluids, medicines, and complication monitoring are all a part of this.
However, therapy can lessen symptoms and limit additional harm. Even if you are symptom-free after being exposed to sewer gas, it is crucial to get medical help.
Safety Measures for Homes and Businesses
To prevent sewer gas issues in your home, you should follow these tips.
Install a sewer gas detector in your basement, crawl space, and other spaces where sewer gas can gather. It is meant to notify you concerning the presence of gas so that you can take the necessary precautions.
Inspect your plumbing system regularly for leaks and clogs. Keep your sump pump in good working order and vent your septic tank properly.
To prevent sewer gas issues in your business place, remember to have your plumbing system regularly inspected by a professional.
Install sewer gas detectors in all areas where employees and customers may be exposed to sewer gas.
Wear safety gear, such as a respirator, if you work where sewer gas exposure is possible. Train employees on how to identify and respond to sewer gas leaks.
Put an End to Sewer Gas Exposure
Health problems from sewer gas can be lethal. Sewer gas exposure can be dangerous. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks and take precautions.
If you suspect a sewer gas leak, contact the experts at Hawthorne Plumbing, Heating & Cooling immediately. Our emergency plumbing services can fix the problem before you or your family become ill.
FAQs
Can Sewer Gas Make you Sick?
Yes, a sewer gas leak in your home can cause a host of issues, including eye irritation, coughing, wheezing, nausea, vomiting, migraines, drowsiness, and even loss of consciousness.
Can Sewer Gas Exposure be Fatal?
Yes, in high amounts, exposure to sewer gas can be lethal. Sewer gas’s primary constituent, hydrogen sulfide, can result in health issues, even death.
Are There Any Long-Term Health Effects From Mild Sewer Gas Exposure?
Mild sewer gas exposure may not cause any immediate health problems, but it can still have long-term effects. The neurological system, lungs, and kidneys can suffer harm by exposure to low concentrations of methane gas. Additionally, it might make cancer more likely.
Is Sewer Gas Exposure More Common In Certain Weather Conditions?
Yes, Sewer gas exposure is more common during hot, humid weather, as the gas can evaporate more easily in these conditions.
