[daveneedshelp]

Hello all, I just bought a new house (built in 1921) and have just recently noticed a sewage smell in the upstairs. The upstairs was an attic converted into a large open bedroom w/ a bathroom which includes a standing shower. It does not appear that the smell is coming directly from the shower or sink drain. You only smell it 10 - 15 minutes later in the open room, it doesn't seem to be concentrated in the bathroom. The first time I noticed the smell I had previously been running the sink for an extended amount of time with cold water only. The second time was after I took a hot shower. The down stairs bathroom has no issues whatsoever. Could this be due to a clogged vent stack or vent that terminates in the attic? There doesn't appear to be anything leaking in the house, what is my next step?? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[faucetman886]

It certainly sounds like a vent problem. There is a possibility that the vent is either leaking or terminating in the attic somewhere or may not be tall enough outside to allow the gases vented to escape cleanly into the air. You probably need to consult a good plumber to take a look. As you may already know sewer gases are not only unpleasant but can be potentially dangerous. I have a popular blog posted here on the DIY BLOGS, about sewer smells, that you may find helpful and there is a link to my blogsite, with over 60 useful (I think..LOL) blogs, can be found on my profile.

 

[majakdragon]

Yup, it sounds like a vent problem. I have found that in some older homes, the vent was terminated in the attic instead of continuing out through the roof. I have also seen the vent pipe cut off in the attic when roofing was being done. Could also be a bad joint in the pipe that is leaking sewer gas.

 

[daveneedshelp]

Thanks for the reply gents, Another quick question...I popped off the drain cover in the shower and noticed that the piping automatically goes into a curved position and there is hardly any vertical portion, (as in a bathroom sink drain where its vertical before it hits the trap) could this be causing my trap to work insufficiently allowing gas to seep back up?

Thanks again.

 

[faucetman886]

If the trap is holding water it should be doing the job of blocking gas. Can you tell if it is wet or dry? if dry after running water into it it could easily be allowing gas to seep in but it should be doing it all of the time.

 

[doody]

fill sink completly up with soappy water once every two weeks

 

[doody]

fill sink completly up with soappy water once every two weeks

could be coming from overflow in sink

 

[ScottR]

I'm sorry, but did someone named "doody" just reply to a thread called "what's that smell??"

I think we've found the answer... :laughing: