Replies

1. 
   Ablesupe | Dec 08, 2003 05:21am | #1

   Thor,

   Does the smell occur in heating season only? It seems unlikely that any smell can be coming from a trap with water in it. A situation I encountered 20 years ago was an HVAC contractor that ran a condensate drain into a conveniently(close) sanitary sewer line. All summer when the AC unit was producing condensation the trap in the line was full and prevented any gas from backing up from the sewer line. In the heating mode it was a different story. No condensation was produced,the trap dried up and everytime the air handler turned on a slight vacuum occurred and sucked sewer gas back into the system. The condensate drain was only 3/4" so the odor was faint but definitely noticeable. It took awhile to figure it out but once properly diagnosed and corrected the problem stopped.

1. 
   brownbagg | Dec 08, 2003 05:59am | #2

   of course you going have a sewer smell, without change the water in the floor P trap daily it will go bad too.

   The best employee you can have but you wouldn't want him as a neighbor " He the shifty type"

2. 
   poncho | Dec 09, 2003 03:59am | #5

   I actually noticed it more in the summer than now.  I may have to just give in and tear out sheetrock to see what is going on.  Thanks

2. 
   MojoMan | Dec 08, 2003 06:24am | #3

   Is it safe to assume these drains are properly vented? If not, water may be siphoned  from the traps periodically, allowing sewer gas to escape. Are the drains always used frequently enough that the traps don't dry out?

   Al Mollitor, Sharon MA

1. 
   poncho | Dec 09, 2003 03:48am | #4

   I guess they are vented correctly.  Both plumbers have been in business for at least ten years, so short of tearing out sheetrock to peek, I assume they did it right.  One drain is used daily, the other hopefully will never be used as it is the overflow floor drain in the laundry room, but yes, I've checked them both for water, and they both are wet.  I guess it's possible that the laundry room may not have quite enough...I'll check that.  Thnxs

1. 
   MojoMan | Dec 09, 2003 05:47am | #6

   Before you start tearing things open, do as much looking from below and above as you can. If you have access, look in the basement and attic to trace any traps and vents that might be visible.

   Al Mollitor, Sharon MA

1. 
   poncho | Dec 10, 2003 05:16am | #9

   Thanks for you response.  Unfortunately I'm finished above and below problem areas with either living space or the main forced air trunkline.  I think I'd almost wrastle the sheetrock than the ductwork.

3. 
   Meadowdale | Dec 09, 2003 06:02am | #7

   Thor: First have you always experienced this odor problem or did it occur recently? The people who have replyed to your question gave you good answers. The fumes have to originate from your drain if your plumbing fixtures were installed correctly. So  you may be allowing one or more of your traps to dry out. I had that problem when I moved into my house a couple years ago: The kitchen cabinet installer was afraid to light up his cigarette (methane). The problem was a dry trap in the laundry room. If all else fails you may have a plugged plumbing air vent. I have had that problem once in an older house. It can happen. It can be cleaned out with a plumbing snake. Hope this helps.  Harry

1. 
   poncho | Dec 10, 2003 05:14am | #8

   Well, these homes were just finished within the past eight months, so I guess we've always had the problem since the house was moved into and started being used.  I think the laundry room drain could be drying out, and is is possible that it could "burp" when the dryer is turned on with the pull of air out the dryer vent? It is a SIPS house and is pretty airtight...I'm beginning to wonder if that's it.  The other house is what has me concerned.  It's in the master bath and is a standard framed house and the master bath gets used daily so shouldn't be drying out at all.  Finished space above and below has me a little depressed to have to open the sheetrock, but gotta do what gotta do.