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Watch for slow drainage, pooling water in the yard, or unpleasant odors inside or outside. Addressing these issues timely avoids significant disruptions or costs.

A few signs can indicate that your cesspool needs to be emptied outside of its typical schedule. An unpleasant odor coming from your pipes or near the cesspool, gurgling noises in your pipes, and uncharacteristically good growth in your yard are signs of cesspool problems that suggest build-up or overflow. If your pipes back up, you should have your cesspool looked at right away.

Toilet paper is the only material that you should flush down toilets. Other items like wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, and medications should be disposed of in the trash. Flushing these items can lead to plumbing issues and damage to sewage systems. Grease and cooking oils should also be avoided as they can solidify in pipes, causing blockages. Proper disposal helps prevent clogs and ensures the efficient operation of wastewater treatment systems while protecting the environment.

It is generally safe to stay in a house that smells like sewage for a short time, but you should get the problem fixed as soon as possible. While the level of sewer gas is usually low enough to only cause minor symptoms, prolonged inhalation can lead to headaches, nausea, or respiratory irritation. High levels of gas exposure can be more dangerous, and high concentrations of methane—a component of sewer gas—can pose an explosion risk in enclosed spaces. If you smell sewer gas in your home, ventilate the area and call a professional to locate, assess, and fix the problem, as it will not go away on its own.