The sewer odor detector gas isn’t just unattractive — it’s a clear sign that you have a serious problem with your home plumbing. A sewage leak or drain problem can create a dangerous situation for your family, pets, and visitors. If you smell the rotten egg odor of sewer gas in your home, it’s important to act quickly to avoid further damage and health issues.
Many people try to solve their own sewage leak problems by pouring chemicals down the drains — but this is only a Band-Aid for an underlying, larger problem. A sewage gas detector will help you determine the source of the smell and find the best way to fix it.
A sewage detector uses infrared sensors or electrochemical sensor technology to detect hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and methane – the poisonous gasses that are produced when waste is not properly disposed of or is clogged in your home plumbing system. The sensors will trigger an alarm when they detect these poisonous gases, which are commonly found in homes with older sewer plumbing. Carbon monoxide detectors DO NOT detect these gasses — and they are not accurate enough to pick up on a sewer gas odor, either.
A plumber may use a smoke test to determine the source of the problem. They will blow smoke into the drain, sewer and vent lines using a special tool. The smoke will fill the pipes, pressurize them, and will travel along the path of least resistance to the surface — revealing the exact location of any leaks instantaneously.