Sewer gas leaks can lead to respiratory problems and eye irritation, as well as a foul rotten egg smell that’s hard to ignore. Exposure to sewage or sewer gas for extended periods can have even more dangerous effects, so you should always be on the lookout for signs that you have a problem.
One way to find a leak is by using a sewer gas detector for home. These devices can be purchased at most home goods stores and are user-friendly. They work by detecting the presence of combustible gases and alerting you with a digital display, siren, and voice alarm. They also have a flexible gooseneck that makes it easy to access tight spaces. Some models have an LED display that lets you know how many ppm of the detected gas is present.
Protecting Your Home: The Importance of Sewer Gas Detectors
The UL-certified Techamor Y201 can detect a variety of combustible gases, including hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. It can detect up to 5% of these gases, but if it reaches a level that’s considered hazardous by the OSHA, it will trigger an 85-decibel siren and flashing red light. The unit plugs into a standard wall outlet and operates on three AAA batteries that can last for up to four hours. Amazon reviewers say the device is user-friendly and simple to operate.
Another option for locating a gas leak is the soap bubble technique, which requires spraying a solution like kids’ bubble solution around possible locations, such as joints and valves. A leaking gas will cause the solution to bubble up, making it easy to spot the source of the leak. If these methods do not work, a professional plumber may need to use an expensive smoke test by blocking all drain openings and pressurizing the plumbing system.