Sewer Odors & Smoke Tests
Sewer smells are not only unpleasant but can also indicate underlying plumbing issues that need immediate attention. These strong, foul odors can disrupt homes, businesses, and public spaces, sometimes even leading to health concerns due to the presence of harmful gases like hydrogen sulfide and methane. In commercial settings such as restaurants and retail stores, persistent sewer odors can drive away customers and even result in temporary closures if not addressed promptly.
A few common culprits of sewer gas leaks include dry or malfunctioning traps and drains, which can allow gases to escape into the air. Additionally, damaged or improperly installed roof vents and cracked underground or interior piping can contribute to lingering sewer smells. While many assume septic systems are to blame, they rarely cause odor problems unless they are being actively pumped or there is a system failure.
To accurately diagnose the source of sewer odors, smoke testing is a highly effective method. During a smoke test, non-toxic smoke is pushed through the plumbing system to reveal leaks, cracks, or faulty connections where sewer gas may be escaping. This quick and efficient process allows professionals to pinpoint the exact issue and implement the necessary repairs.
Traps & Drains
Unused, or dried out P-Traps will cause a sewer smell. Unused, or dried out drains will cause a sewer smell. This includes floor drains, shower drains and utility drains.
Commercial Sewer Vents
Both residential and commercial properties have sewer vents. Sewer vents are purposed to carry sewer smells up and away from the building. If the sewer vent develops a crack or is poorly installed, sewer smells escape into the building. This is very common in commercial buildings because of multiple TI’s and As-Built’s that occur for tenants needs.
These are the most common findings when it comes to sewer smells but not limited to. We find interesting ways sewer smells have escaped.
To detect where the sewer smell is leaking out of a smoke test is performed.
Plumbing Smoke Test
A smoke test can be done on any plumbing lines (residential or commercial) to reveal and detect any leaks. The #1 reason smoke tests are performed are for SEWER SMELLS.
Sewer smells and sewer odors are annoying. They can and will greatly affect commercial businesses if they have a regular flow of customers.
How Does A Smoke Test Work?
Non-Toxic smoke, or vapor, is pumped through the plumbing lines. The vapor is identical to what a traditional fog machine would use for entertainment purposes. Portions of the plumbing/sewer system are blocked off and smoke vapor is pumped through the line. Any breaks, cracks or uncapped lines will reveal smoke.
It is important to have an experience and licensed plumber provide this service as enough exposed smoke vapor will set off fire alarms. On a commercial building, this is not a fun oops.
How Much Is A Smoke Test?
Depending on the size of the plumbing system a residential smoke test will be between $300-$350 and a commercial smoke test will be between $400-$600.
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“I have personally known Alfredo for a few years now and he’s a an awesome guy.”- Jake E.
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- Jake E.I have personally known Alfredo for a few years now and he’s a an awesome guy. I Left him the key to my house when I went outta town for a week and came home to new shower valves and a new, very pretty hot water heater! No more leaks in this old house! Thank you guys
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“I was having trouble with getting proper water supply to my ice maker. Two companies were unable to fix it.”- Dale H.
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- Dale H.
I was having trouble with getting proper water supply to my ice maker. Two companies were unable to fix it. Macho had re-plumber my house when I first moved in, so I called Alfredo out to see it he could figure it out and in 10 minutes he had it sorted. -
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- Stephanie B.
Macho dudes and dudettes were incredible. Very seldom do I work with such professional, excellent communicators. They swooped in when other people were pushing us aside due to our time requirements and they provided a seamless, happy experience that could have gone in many directions. Thank you all so much! I’ll keep ya on my speed dial for any possible oh sh*t moments. -
“Our septic system backed up and we knew we needed some repairs to get it back in working order. I called Macho Contracting and Alfredo, the owner, came out the same day to take a look. Immediately, Alfredo diagnosed the problem and took the time to explain”- Adam R.
“Incredible Team!”
Our septic system backed up and we knew we needed some repairs to get it back in working order. I called Macho Contracting and Alfredo, the owner, came out the same day to take a look. Immediately, Alfredo diagnosed the problem and took the time to explain how the whole system works and why he felt this was the problem.- Adam R.
He was very kind to answer all of my questions in detail. He also took the time to assess the access into our yard and determined we could not get a drill rig in to bore a new seep pit.
He recommended that we change the system to a leach field for better operation.
I called around and got more opinions and quotes, however nobody seemed as knowledgable or trustworthy as Alfredo.
Alfredo and his team got us scheduled for the job within a few days and performed the work. His team was amazing, they are so nice and courteous. They dealt with me asking questions everyday and truly cared about making me comfortable with what they were doing. On a side note, Joel is an amazing equipment operator, he took great care when trenching to miss all of my irrigation pipes.
I will be using Alfredo and Macho Contracting for all of my plumbing needs moving forward, in fact we already have them scheduled to do an ADEQ certification on a house we are selling as Alfredo and Joel are certified NAWT/ADEQ Inspectors.
Thank you Alfredo and team, you have restored my faith in contractors! -
“I had an issue with the lift station for my septic system and the company that I previously used stopped doing residential repairs. After many calls to other companies with no luck at all, I finally happened upon Macho Contracting.”- Nancy L.
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- Nancy L.
I had an issue with the lift station for my septic system and the company that I previously used stopped doing residential repairs. After many calls to other companies with no luck at all, I finally happened upon Macho Contracting. Alfredo Zapata returned my call within an hour and had the problem diagnosed and fixed the same day. His professionalism and expertise was a welcome change!
