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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.

You can check your own septic tank, but take precautions. Locate the access lid, usually buried a few inches underground, and remove it carefully. Look for the sludge and scum levels, and if they’re high, that means pumping may be necessary. Check for odors, slow drains, or pooling water around the drain field, which could indicate issues. Never enter the tank, as toxic gases can be fatal. All of that being said, a professional inspection is safer and more thorough.

There are a few signs that indicate a failing drain field. For instance, if your septic tank starts requiring more pumping than normal, your drain field might be failing. Other signs to watch for include poor drainage after rain, standing water or sewage over the septic system, a strong septic smell outside, new and healthy grass growing over the drain field, and plumbing backups in your sinks, bathtubs, or toilets.

Depending on the home, wastewater either goes into a septic tank and seeps back into the backyard or is sent via sewer system to a local sewage-treatment plant. Septic systems naturally separate different components of the waste so that it can naturally and safely disperse it. They are usually reserved for homes not served by a municipal sewage department (like rural homes). A treatment plant, on the other hand, speeds up that process through screening and purification.