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A septic smell may be harmful because sewer gas is dangerous depending on the exposure amount and length of time. Sewer gas is made up of multiple gases, including hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Some of these gases, like hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, are toxic to humans and can be fatal in high concentrations or long exposures.

Septic tanks and cesspits are both types of sewage and wastewater systems, but they differ in key ways. The main difference between the two systems is that septic tanks separate sewage from wastewater and allow the latter to flow into a drainage field to filter and disperse into the soil. Cesspits don’t have outlets and instead, store sewage until it needs to be pumped by a professional.

Mound systems can fail if foreign objects are flushed into the septic tank, the septic tank is backed up with solid waste (sludge), if wastewater floods or seeps from the mound, or if any part of the system is clogged. To prevent this, only flush toilet paper and your normal “business” down toilets, and get a septic inspection at least yearly.

Yes, shower water goes into the septic tank. Shower water is a type of greywater, and in fact, all water used in a home with a septic system—including water from sinks, toilets, the dishwasher, and the washing machine—drains into the tank. When shower water enters the tank, debris like soap and hair travels with it. The solid debris sinks to the bottom to become sludge, while soap residue joins the scum layer at the top. The remaining water is treated in the tank before moving to the drain field for further treatment and dispersal. It is important to avoid putting oil or harsh chemicals down any drain, as they can cause clogs or disrupt the beneficial bacteria required for proper wastewater management in the septic system.