Odor Control

SD1 strives to be a good neighbor by preventing sewer odors, but sometimes these odors still occur. If you suspect an odor is related to SD1 facilities or sewer construction, please call 859-578-7450, option 1 to report the odor.

In Your Home

The most common cause of sewer odors is a dry drain trap. When working properly, indoor drain traps hold a small amount of water, preventing sewer gases from entering your home. Try pouring a few gallons of freshwater down drains to fix the issue. If unpleasant odors persist, there may be damage to your private plumbing. Call SD1 or a licensed plumber to help you diagnose the problem.

Landscaping materials, especially mulch, can give off an odor that’s often confused with sewage. If the odor is due to recently laid mulch, the odor should go away within a few days.

Outside Your Home

Keep in mind the following:

• Sewer odors may occur near SD1’s treatment plants and pump stations or at sewer manholes and catch basins. Stagnant water, hot or dry weather or a lack of oxygen in the sewer system can increase odors. SD1 professionals may add clean water or pine oil to sewer features. In some instances, we can add a temporary liner or a deodorizer to keep the odors from escaping.
• Rotting odors may occur near stagnant water in detention basins or other storm water control features if debris has clogged the drains.
• Resin odors may occur near construction projects where SD1 is fixing deteriorating sewer pipes. Typically, these odors dissipate within a few hours when exposed to fresh air.

SD1’s Odor Control Efforts

Odor management is a vital part of our customer service. SD1 minimizes odors by using various treatment processes.

• Biological
  Biofilters that look like large mulch beds use organic materials to consume and eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
• Chemical
  We add chlorine, hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals to manage odors at our treatment plants and pump stations.
• Containment and hygiene
  We cover sewage as it flows to treatment plants and through the treatment process wherever possible. We also spray tanks with fresh water when they’re drained for maintenance.