6 Tips for Controlling Sewer Odors in Commercial Buildings

Dirty water and branches pouring out of an outdoor sewer pipe. Buildings under construction are in the background.

Managing a commercial building brings its fair share of challenges, and sewer odors often create issues that escalate quickly if ignored. Complaints from tenants, disruptions to daily operations, and the risk of creating a negative impression can turn these odors into a constant headache. The good news? You can take charge and resolve the problem by following these six tips for controlling sewer odors in commercial buildings.

Understanding Sewer Systems

Sewer systems move wastewater away from your property to treatment facilities. These systems handle everything from restroom plumbing to kitchen drains. However, wastewater carries gases produced during material breakdown, including hydrogen sulfide and methane, as it travels through pipes.

If these gases escape the system through venting issues, leaks, or backups, they can create foul odors that affect indoor and outdoor spaces. Additionally, improper maintenance or blockages can lead to stagnant waste, amplifying these smells.

Knowing how your sewer system functions makes it easier to understand why odors arise and how to address them effectively. Let’s discuss proactive measures to keep unpleasant smells at bay.

Tip 1: Ensure Proper Installation of Vent Pipes

Improperly installed vent pipes are a frequent cause of sewer odors. These pipes funnel sewer gases away from your building, but errors during installation can create pathways for these odors to seep into indoor spaces. Beyond the smell, these pathways can make the air uncomfortable to breathe and reduce your property’s appeal.

What can you do? Hire a professional plumber to evaluate your vent system. They can identify issues such as misaligned pipes or improper sealing that may allow gas leaks. For example, sewer gases could flow directly into your system if your vent pipes were too close to HVAC intakes. A plumber could relocate or reconfigure the vents to ensure they discharge gases safely without impacting air quality.

Tip 2: Prevent Clogged Vents

Clogging in vent pipes is another reason sewer gases end up where they shouldn’t. Leaves, debris, or even animal activity can obstruct airflow, trapping sewer gases inside your system and forcing them into indoor spaces.

You can prevent this issue with regular inspections and maintenance. Adding vent covers or screens reduces the likelihood of debris entering the pipes. For instance, a high-traffic restaurant might find grease or food buildup contributing to vent issues near kitchen drains. Installing protective meshes over vent openings can reduce such risks and ensure smooth airflow.

Beyond vent covers and screens, plan for seasonal cleanings to ensure that accumulated dirt or other materials do not compromise your vent system’s functionality.

What Does Seasonal Cleaning Entail?

Seasonal cleaning ensures your vent pipes stay clear and functional, no matter the time of year. It begins with a thorough inspection to identify blockages, such as leaves or dirt. Professionals or building maintenance teams use specialized tools to remove these obstacles, restoring proper airflow.

Adding a gentle flush or rinse can dislodge smaller debris that isn’t visible but still impacts performance. Cleaning also includes checking vent covers and screens for wear and replacing them if needed.

A person wearing cleaning gloves and clearing out a clogged sewer pipe with a metal rod. A pile of debris sits near the pipe.

Tip 3: Address Sewer Line Backups Quickly

Control sewer odors in your commercial building by immediately addressing sewer line backups. Backups in the main sewer line occur when blockages obstruct waste flow, causing sewage to accumulate and release gases. Bad smells often signal something’s wrong, appearing well before visible sewage overflows.

Schedule regular camera inspections of your sewer lines to detect potential blockages before they escalate. A plumbing contractor can also use high-pressure jetting to clean out grease, roots, or other materials causing backups. Acting quickly keeps your system flowing properly and eliminates the odor problem at its source.

Use Preventive Measures To Avoid Blockages

Implement the following preventive strategies to avoid sewer line blockages:

Install commercial-grade drain strainers to catch debris and prevent it from entering the plumbing system.
Educate tenants, employees, or building occupants on proper waste disposal practices, such as avoiding flushing non-degradable items or pouring grease down drains.
Schedule routine professional maintenance, including drain cleaning and sewer line inspections, to address issues before they escalate.
Use grease traps in kitchens or food preparation areas to prevent grease buildup in the sewer lines.

Tip 4: Maintain P-Traps in Low-Use Drains

P-traps prevent sewer gases from traveling up from your plumbing system into indoor spaces. They do this by holding a small amount of water to create a seal. However, the trapped water can evaporate if you don’t use the drain frequently, leaving the gases free to escape.

The solution is simple. Periodically run water down seldom-used drains to replenish the barrier in the P-trap. Setting a maintenance schedule to run water through these pipes is an effective preventive measure for larger commercial buildings with unused restrooms or emergency drains.

For instance, a retail store’s stockroom might have a floor drain that goes unused for months. Running water through it weekly can keep sewer odors in check without needing additional plumbing solutions.

Tip 5: Eliminate Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Gas Emissions

Hydrogen sulfide, known for its rotten egg smell, often stems from organic material breaking down in wastewater systems. Beyond the odor, H2S can irritate respiratory systems, damage materials, such as pipes, and lead to significant complaints if left unresolved.

Addressing H2S involves a mix of improving ventilation and using odor-neutralizing technology. For buildings with high levels of this gas, a sewer odor eliminator or air treatment systems can neutralize H2S and improve indoor air quality. You’ll also want to monitor waste tanks or sewer line intersections where this gas accumulates to ensure conditions remain manageable.

Moreover, implementing regular monitoring systems, such as hydrogen sulfide gas detectors, can provide real-time alerts when levels rise above safe thresholds. These detectors allow you to respond quickly, preventing odors from spreading and minimizing tenant disruptions.

Tip 6: Regularly Inspect and Clean Manholes

The rear view of a worker kneeling near an open manhole and writing on a clipboard. Grass surrounds the manhole.

Manholes near or within your commercial property need consistent attention, as they can become reservoirs for sewer odors. Over time, waste accumulation or insufficient seals in these areas allow gases to escape into outdoor or indoor spaces.

Schedule routine cleanings to remove waste buildup and inspect manhole covers for proper sealing. Using high-quality manhole filters provides an additional layer of protection against odors escaping. Lastly, align and tightly secure manhole covers to prevent gaps that allow gases to escape. Regularly inspect covers for wear and tear, and immediately replace damaged ones.

Final Thoughts: Taking Control of Sewer Odors

Managing sewer odors in a commercial building may feel difficult at times, but it’s far from impossible. With proactive measures, such as regular maintenance, professional inspections, and targeted solutions for problem areas, you can stay ahead of odor issues.

Remember, consistency is key when maintaining a safe and welcoming space. Continue to monitor your systems and promptly address issues.