The cause of sewage well filling and the danger of toxic sewage gases

The sewage system in houses and buildings is one of the vital parts for disposal of water and sewage. A septic tank is the final transfer point for wastewater collection and is usually connected to a public sewer system or treatment plant. But in some cases, the sewage well may fill up and cause serious problems. Also, the presence of toxic gases in sewage can cause serious health risks for people.

The main causes of sewage well filling

The main causes of sewage well filling can be attributed to various factors. Below, we examine some of the main causes of this problem:

1. Blockage of pipes: One of the common causes of sewer well filling is the blockage of sewer pipes. This blockage can be caused by sediment, gross solids, tree roots, grease, and other materials that accumulate in the pipes over time and block the flow of sewage.

2. Sewage Well Structure Defects: In some cases, the sewage well structure is not properly designed or implemented. This may include insufficient well size, failure to use a proper cap, defects in the ventilation system, and improper connection to the public sewer system or treatment plant. These defects can lead to premature filling of the sewage well.

Heavy rain: During heavy rain, a large amount of water enters the sewer system and wells. If the sewer system and wells are not able to drain this large volume of water quickly, the sewer well may fill up and cause problems such as sewage water falling onto the ground.

Sediments and impure solids: Wastewater also contains sediments and insoluble solids. These sediments and solids can stick to the walls of the well over time and reduce the useful volume of the well and thus lead to the filling of the sewage well.

5. Failure of the sewage system: If there are failures and defects in the sewage system such as broken pipes, incomplete connections and other technical problems, the sewage flow will not be carried out properly and the sewage well may be filled due to these failures.

It is necessary to properly design, construct and maintain the sewage system in order to prevent the sewage well from filling up. The purpose of this maintenance includes regular cleaning of sewer pipes, preventing tree roots and sediments in the pipes, using a proper cap on the sewer well, and correcting any damage in the sewer system. Also, in the design of the sewage system, it must be fully compatible with the weather conditions and the anticipated needs of the area.

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Danger of toxic waste gases

Wastewater contains toxic gases that can be dangerous if not managed properly. Some of the toxic gases in sewage are:

1. Methane gas (CH4): Methane is a colorless and odorless gas that is produced in sewage. This gas is flammable and in case of accumulation in closed spaces and lack of proper ventilation, it can bring the risk of explosion and fire.

2. Hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S): Hydrogen sulfide is a very toxic and foul-smelling gas that is present in sewage. By breathing in high amounts, this gas can harm human health and cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and in more severe cases, it can lead to convulsions and even death.

3. Ammonia gas (NH3): Ammonia is a gas with a strong and irritating smell that is present in some sewage areas. Direct contact with this gas can cause eye irritation, limited vision, difficult breathing, and skin irritation.

Carbon dioxide gas (CO2): Carbon dioxide is an odorless and colorless gas that is naturally produced in sewage. But in high amounts and in closed spaces, it can cause breathing disorders and in severe cases, poisoning and death due to oxygen blockage.

All these toxic gases indicate the presence of danger in the sewage environment. Therefore, proper safety measures should be taken while carrying out work related to sewage, such as cleaning wells, repairing pipes, and other similar activities. The most important safety measures include the use of masks and eye protection, proper ventilation in the work environment, ensuring the absence of explosions, and the use of appropriate protective equipment. Also, people who work in the sewage industry should receive the necessary training on infection control, not the issue of filling sewage wells. But some infections and diseases that may occur due to direct or indirect contact with contaminated sewage include:

1. Gastrointestinal infections: Microbes and bacteria in sewage can cause gastrointestinal infections such as Nasoella, Salmonella, Shigella, and E. coli. These infections may cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever and other complications in the digestive system.

2. Skin infections: contact with contaminated sewage can also lead to skin infections. Bacteria and viruses in sewage can cause infections caused by bacteria in the skin.

3. Urinary tract infections: If contaminated sewage enters the urinary tract, it can cause urinary tract infections such as bladder inflammation and kidney inflammation.

Hepatitis E: Hepatitis A, B and C viruses may also be present in sewage. In case of contact with these viruses, hepatitis infection may occur, which is associated with serious complications on the liver.

To prevent these infections, it is important to deal with contaminated sewage properly and follow the necessary hygiene measures. Some of these measures include using gloves, washing hands with soap and water after contact with sewage, avoiding entering sewage without protective equipment, using masks and appropriate protective clothing, and maintaining sanitary wells and sewage systems. Also, if you develop symptoms of infection and illness after contact with sewage, see a doctor to determine the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Solutions and prevention

To prevent the filling of the sewage well and reduce the risk of toxic gases, you can take the following actions:

1. Proper ventilation: Make sure that the sewage well and sewage system are properly ventilated. This action can prevent the accumulation of toxic gases such as methane and hydrogen sulfide. Make sure you use things like fans and ventilation grills if you need extra ventilation.

2. Regular maintenance and repairs: Inspect the septic tank regularly and repair any defects. Use pipes and sewer systems that are in good condition to prevent toxic gas leaks.

3. Use of safety equipment: Use appropriate safety equipment when working near a sewage well or in the sewage industry. This includes the use of industrial masks, protective shoes, protective clothing, ventilation masks and ventilation grills.

4. Education and awareness: Ensure that people working in the wastewater industry have adequate knowledge of the dangers of toxic gases and ways to prevent them. Regular training on safety and the correct use of safety equipment is very important for employees.

5. Monitoring and control: it is necessary to carry out regular monitoring and control on sewage and wells in order to detect early any leaks and damage and prevent the accumulation of toxic gases. This includes periodic inspections and timely repairs.

6. Safety warnings: If there are certain risks such as excessive accumulation of methane in the sewage well, install the necessary safety warnings near the well to make people aware of the danger.

7. Proper management of wastewater: design and implement the wastewater management system properly, you can use the following solutions for proper management of wastewater:

• Separation of contaminated materials: Before entering the sewage well, separate substances such as oils, chemicals and solids so as not to damage the well and the sewage system.

• Use of wastewater treatment systems: Installation of effective wastewater treatment systems can help purify wastewater and reduce its pollution. There are different types of wastewater treatment systems, including primary treatment, secondary treatment, and advanced treatment. Choose the right system based on your needs and financial capacity.

• Wastewater management: If there are devices that generate wastewater (such as kitchen appliances, industrial generators, and bathrooms) on your premises, use a wastewater management system. These systems treat water by separating it from contaminated solids and chemicals before it enters the sewer system.

• Training and prevention: People who work in the place where wastewater is generated, should receive the necessary training. They should be aware of the correct use of the sewage system, the separation of contaminated materials and the safety of working near the sewage well.

• Inspection and monitoring: Conducting periodic inspections and regular monitoring of the sewer system and wells can help identify leaks and other problems in the system. These early measures can prevent the filling of the sewage well and the accumulation of toxic gases.

• Laws and regulations: Compliance with laws and regulations related to wastewater management and work safety, including the installation of safety equipment and facilities, is mandatory.