Friend called me to come have a look at their house. They’re moving and until recently had no issues. But, Murphy’s Law, they recently discovered a leaking shower neck that broke off creating a small but not insignificant “flood”. No big deal, virtually no damage but since then they’ve had an unmistakable sewer smell, but not in that same bathroom. It seems strongest in the bathroom below. Not IMHO mold that could be attributed to the leak, (and it started almost instantly) but clearly a sewer/waste smell. I’m thinking coincidence or maybe the flood “activated” a dried up past problem. Nonetheless they need the smell gone…
I checked for dry traps, the drain line is visible in the basement and looks fine and flushing adjacent toilets doesn’t seem to show any signs of a plugged vent, like the levels dropping. Before I start hacking holes in walls on a snipe hunt, any ideas?
Replies
Rent or buy one of these first.
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=rigid+see+snake&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=3503421495&ref=pd_sl_7qxmhcmy9d_e
Actually have one... took a look in the wall where the leak originated (forgot to mention that) and didn't see any signs of ongoing mold etc... PaulB
http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com
http://www.finecontracting.com
Paul,
Do a smoke test. Might be surprised.
KK
Hmmm, interesting idea but I'm having trouble thinking of how I'd apply it... put a smoke source in the bathroom that had the leak? What did you have in mind?PaulB
http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com
http://www.finecontracting.com
I attach a homemade flex metal pipe/squirrel cage fan to a clean out outside. Smoke bomb is in a metal bucket that I can move away when somebody inside yells smoke! Much fun.KK
LOL... clever idea, thanks!PaulB
http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com
http://www.finecontracting.com
What do you use for the "smoke bomb"? Is something commercially available?
fingers,A real plumbing supply house should have them or HVAC supplier.I am hesitant to tell how to make them since I don't like the black helicopters but you can google.KK
Edited 10/19/2009 8:16 pm by coonass
First thing I'd suspect is a bad wax ring on the toilet, especially if the toilet seems to rock at all.
But if the home has galvanized drain lines there could be a rust-through problem just about anywhere. Check the trap under the sink and make sure the pipe as it goes into the wall is solid and not going soft.
You could have a situation where past mold (or even a leak of "stuff" that never got cleaned up) was moistened by the water leak.
Sigh... I hate stank hunting... last time I tangled with a sewer line I had to throw out everything I was wearing from collateral damage :SPaulB
http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com
http://www.finecontracting.com
Remember, there may be an access panel behind the shower valve. If so, it's worth taking a peek in there. And look under the sink for an access panel -- some older homes have them there.
Re-hydrated a mummified critter in the walls somewhere?
Quantum materiae materietur marmota monax si marmota monax materiam possit materiari?
Oh man. Must be a sign.You posted while I was writing...It's all fun and games, until someone puts an eye out..You are always welcome at Quittintime
Dead/mummified rodent in the wall/floor that got wet ?
do a peppermint test down the roof vent- sure to find any rotted lines/open hubs that way. Boil some water and mix the peppermint oil in (get it at the drug store) Have someone else pour it who will stay out side the house while you look for the source. Don't forget to plug the house trap vent!