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It is not normal to smell your septic outside and indicates a problem such as an unsealed manhole or access lid, a clogged septic line, a faulty vent stack, or the need for a septic tank pumping. If sewage is leaking from your septic system, it can be hazardous to you, your family, pets, and the surrounding environment. You can troubleshoot the issue yourself, or contact a septic tank pro who can resolve the issue quickly.

To keep your septic tank healthy, be careful of what you flush and be conservative with water usage, as even flushing too much water down the drain can throw off the septic system’s delicate balance. Never flush anything but human waste and toilet paper down your toilet, and be sure to have the tank inspected and pumped every two to five years, depending on the size of your household and your water usage.

It is generally safe to stay in a house with sewer gas for a short time, even though short-term exposure is unpleasant. However, prolonged inhalation can cause headaches, nausea, or respiratory irritation. High levels of methane—which is in sewer gas—can pose an explosion risk in enclosed spaces. Ventilate the area and call a pro if you smell sewer gas or experience related health symptoms.

Provided your system is not damaged and you’re using it properly, a septic tank only needs to be pumped every three to five years. Find out who pumps septic tanks in your area, because this is not the kind of job you can DIY. Attempting to do so can put your health and that of your system at risk.