Yes, it’s possible for a septic tank to explode. A septic tank can explode for many reasons, but most commonly, it happens because of an accumulation of gas. If too much gas builds up in the tank and there is inadequate ventilation, it can cause pressure to build up and eventually explode. Methane and hydrogen sulfide are produced as by-products during the anaerobic digestion of sewage by septic bacteria. These gasses are highly flammable when they encounter a flame or heat.
Safety Tips
In the United States, septic tanks are a common household item. There are approximately 60 million septic tanks in the country, and they have been used for over 100 years. There are many ways to prevent a septic tank from exploding. Some of these ways are:
- Ensuring that there is adequate ventilation in the septic tank to prevent septic gas buildup.
- Regular septic maintenance.
- Never throw cigarettes or have a heat source near the septic system.
- Make use of a sewer gas detector to identify or detect septic gasses.
Can A Septic Tank Explode: Methane Gas
Methane is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. It is also a byproduct of septic bacteria’s anaerobic digestion of solid waste matter. Methane is an odorless, colorless, and highly flammable gas. Methane gas can be used for various purposes like heating homes, cooking food, or powering vehicles. However, it can also harm humans and the environment when it escapes into the atmosphere. Methane gas is considered a greenhouse gas because it traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to global warming. A biodigester can be installed in a septic tank to capture the methane gas that comes out of it. The captured methane is then used for cooking, heating, and gas generation.
Methane is not just an environmental concern or potential explosion hazard but also a health concern. It poses a health risk to humans because it can cause slurred speech, vision problems, memory loss, nausea, asphyxiation, and suffocates people who breath in large amounts of it.
Frequently asked questions
Here is a list of frequently asked questions regarding septic tank explosions:
Why does my septic smell like rotten eggs?
Most people do not like the smell of their septic system. It is often described as rotten eggs. The smell of rotten eggs is because of the presence of Hydrogen sulfide gas. Hydrogen sulfide gas is a by-product of the anaerobic decomposition of solid waste in the septic tank. It is also a highly flammable gas.
Can you get sick from smelling a septic tank?
It is a common misconception that you can not get sick from smelling a septic tank. In reality, it is possible to get sick from smelling a septic tank because the gasses contain bacteria and pathogens that are harmful to human health. The following septic gasses are a health risk:
- Methane is the major gas produced in a septic tank. It can also cause health issues such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. It has also been linked to cancer and other illnesses.
- Hydrogen sulfide gas that is released from a septic tank can cause health issues, including dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and eye irritation. People who are exposed to it can suffer from respiratory problems and even death.
- Ammonia gas is another toxic gas produced by decomposing organic matter in the septic tank. Ammonia gas is a colorless gas that has a pungent smell. It is also known as NH3, anhydrous ammonia, and ammonium hydroxide. Ammonia gas poses a health risk to humans if it enters the lungs or is inhaled into the bloodstream through an open wound. Exposure to high ammonia levels can cause irritation of the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as difficulty breathing, nausea, and dizziness.
- Carbon monoxide is another septic gas that is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and highly toxic. It can also be produced by burning any fossil fuel, such as natural gas, oil, and coal. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to low blood oxygen levels, brain damage, unconsciousness, and death. Carbon monoxide gas has been linked to many deaths across the world since it cannot be seen or smelled by humans. It is a silent killer that kills people without them even knowing it.
Final Thoughts
Can a septic tank explode? Yes, but it is rare, and when it does happen, it can cause serious injuries or even death. If you’re considering installing a septic system, you should know that it can explode if not properly maintained and if exposed to heat sources or flames.
