The stinky, rotten egg-like odor of sewer gas in the home or workplace can be very unpleasant and dangerous. This odor is created by a buildup of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, methane, and other toxic gases that can cause a wide range of health problems in humans, from nausea to respiratory irritation. If you’re dealing with the on-again off-again smell of sewage in your home, there are a number of easy steps to take to try to pinpoint the source and prevent the odor from reoccurring.

One of the first things you can do is use a combustible gas detector to see if there are high levels of combustible gases in your area. This type of detector is similar to a smoke test device but is able to best sewer gas detector the presence of combustible gases as well as sewer gas, such as methane and carbon monoxide.

Choosing the Right Sewer Gas Detector: A Buyer’s Guide

Another tool you can use is a sewer gas sniffer, which has the ability to locate sewer leaks by detecting ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and methane. These tools are designed to work in areas where there is not a lot of air movement, so they can be more effective in narrowing down the source of the odor than a traditional smoke tester. This device works by using a probe that sucks air through the hose and then analyzing it for the presence of these toxic gases. You can use this tool to check plumbing fixtures, drains, and appliances as well as vent pipes on the roof or exterior walls of your building.