Most schools are now closing their doors due to coronavirus. This may be for a couple of weeks or the rest of the school year.

While schools are closed, custodial workers and private vendors are being hired to disinfect the schools thoroughly. This way, when the doors do reopen, the school environment will be as healthy as possible.

However, one of the things they may overlook that can have serious consequences when it comes to health are drains. 

Especially if the schools are going to be closed for weeks or the rest of the season. What happens is the P-trap under the drains may – and very likely will – dry up. This can have some severe health-related repercussions. 

So, let's examine these issues one-by-one, to make sure all the bases are covered. This way, we can safeguard that schools are healthy when they reopen.

What happens when drains dry up?

A P-trap is a very practical device installed under almost all drains. As water goes down the drain, a small amount collects in the P-trap. This helps prevent sewer gasses from being released into the room or area. But they can dry up when facilities such as schools are closed for long periods, or when restrooms or faucets get very little use.  

What creates the sewer gas?

The sewer gas is formed from human and animal waste that is decomposing. The gas contains ammonia, methane, and hydrogen sulfide, all of which can be toxic if inhaled in high concentrations. This is because they can replace oxygen in the impacted room or area. While most people just suffer eye irritation, nausea, or difficulty breathing, people have died as a result of sewer gas being released into an enclosed area.

Can you smell it and then just pour some water down the drain?

Yes, you can smell it, and yes, you can just pour some water down the drain. But here's the problem. By the time you smell it, it may be too late. To protect their health, workers may have to go into the impacted area wearing respirators to make sure they do not inhale the gasses. When it comes to sewer odors, it is best to take pro-active steps, preventing it from happening in the first place, instead of reactive measures, dealing with the problem after it presents itself.

Who is at risk?

We all are if the situation is dangerous enough. 

Children, just because they breathe faster than adults, may be at even higher risk.

Are there "levels" of sewer gas concentration?

Excellent question, and yes, there are. Here is what we know.

• Concentrations of 0.0005 parts per million (ppm) can be detected and smells like burning chemicals or rotten eggs

• At 0.01, it can cause nausea and eye discomfort.

• From 0.02 ppm to as high as 20 ppm, it can produce headaches, increase heart rates, impact cognitive abilities, and a loss of muscle coordination.

What steps can we take to prevent this from happening?

Running water in the drain every day will help. If in a room that is mopped daily mopping, should allow enough water to run down the drain to keep the P-trap from drying up. However, it is when no water goes down the pipes for days, weeks, or longer that these problems surface. In such cases, a very inexpensive but effective product that can keep the P-trap filled for months is called EverPrime®.  

It is available from different sources as well as on the  www.EverPrime.com website. For literally pennies, the problems that can result from inhaling sewer gasses are eliminated.

For more information on this topic, how to reduce water consumption, waterless urinals, and to use water more efficiently, contact a Waterless Co Specialist