If you have a septic tank, chances are you're no stranger to bad smells. Septic tanks can emit all sorts of odors, from the occasional faint whiff to nauseatingly strong smells. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to get rid of septic tank odors and keep your home smelling fresh and clean. The first step is to figure out where the odor is coming from. The most common culprit is a dry trap. The trap is a U-shaped pipe that's located between the sewer line and the septic tank. Its purpose is to keep sewer gases from entering your home. If the water in the trap evaporates, sewer gases can escape and cause an odor. To solve this problem, simply pour a gallon of water into the floor drain once a week or so. Another possible source of odors is an exposed vent pipe. The vent pipe allows air to enter the septic tank, which prevents sewer gases from building up. If the vent pipe isn't properly sealed or if it's broken, odors can escape. Inspect the vent pipe regularly to make sure it's in good condition, and call a professional if you notice any damage. Lastly, odors could be coming from your drainfield. The drainfield is an area of your property where treated sewage water is released back into the ground. If the drainfield isn't functioning properly, liquids may not be draining properly, and solid waste could be building up in the system—both of which can cause odors. If you suspect your drainfield is the culprit, call a professional septic tank service immediately. If you're dealing with septic tank odors, don't despair—there are things you can do to fix the problem! In most cases, odors are caused by a dry trap or an exposed vent pipe. Once you've located the source of the problem, simply pour some water down the drain or call a professional to repair the vent pipe. If your drainfield is causing odors, call a septic tank service right away so they can inspect and repair it as necessary. With these tips in mind, you'll have your home smelling sweet as new in no time!