Common Causes of Sewer Odor in Commercial Buildings

Commercial buildings keep facing plumbing problems. The main reason behind the high frequency of such issues is the massive footfalls these buildings get every day. A stinking sewer is one of the most common plumbing problems a commercial building may get. Getting rid of the problem as soon as possible is crucial for people working in these places as well as individuals visiting as customers. There can be multiple reasons behind this avoidable situation. The section below lists the ones a Commercial Plumber in Overland Park discovers most frequently. 

Inappropriate Venting

It’s not uncommon for contractors constructing or renovating commercial buildings to install vents inappropriately. This might result in the release of smelly sewer gases into the interiors of the building. Such foul smells make working almost impossible for the employees and may even force customers to avoid the businesses operating from the building.

An experienced commercial plumber will make the necessary changes quickly and allow people associated with the businesses in the building to breathe comfortably.

Clogged Vents

The release of sewer gases into the interior of a building can also happen due to a clogged vent. Pests, damage, and debris are the most common causes of blockages in the plumbing vent. Indeed, regular cleaning of the sewer line can help in preventing the problem. However, such meticulous maintenance is often ignored in commercial buildings.

Backed-up Sewage

Backed-up sewage can create a mess in commercial buildings. It will not only make the place smelly but can also result in water running into the building. People responsible for the maintenance of these buildings should never ignore this problem as a bad odor is not the only consequence of a backed-up sewer line. Failure to mend the problem can trigger more severe issues like damage to materials and floorings in the building.

A top Commercial Plumber in Overland Park will take very little time to clear up the obstructions in the septic or sewer lines. This will solve the problem instantly. 

Dried out P-traps

The sharp bend of a P-trap enables a seamless collection of debris and water. They play a crucial role in preventing clogs further down the plumbing pipes. In other words, the sharp turn of the unit traps the debris and ensures that they don’t travel any further.

P-traps remain filled with water, which stops the smelly sewer gases from entering the indoors. Problems occur when a specific part of a building remains unused for a long time. In such situations, the traps dry up and stop working. As a result, they fail to prevent the sewer gases in the bottom end of the pipes from entering the interiors of the building. An experienced plumber will first solve the problem and then give tips to avoid further occurrences of similar issues.

Conclusion

A foul smell is the last thing anyone would want in a commercial setup. So, business owners should take steps to prevent such events. Quarterly inspections by a qualified Commercial Plumber in Overland Park will help to spot issues that can trigger the above situations. It will allow businesses to operate uninterruptedly in a healthy and fresh atmosphere.