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October 15, 2009
Sewage Smell in Basement
I'm getting a sewage smell in the basement, near the clean-out/main street drain, and it's beginning to get on my nerves. I made an enclosed 'meter room' that also has the sewer stuff when I semi-finished the basement. So it's possible the smell always existed but diffused itself away. I don't think so tho.
Recently I had a company come and do a camera inspection of the sewage lines, since we have a tree in front. There were some roots, which were cleaned out, but nothing major. Company said everything was in good shape.
I wonder if there is not enuf flow? It strikes me that there are only the two of us, we put in dual-flush toilets, and did everything else to save water. Never had this problem when there were 6 contractors in the house.
Comments
Try pouring a quart of vinegar down your drain to see if it permeates the same air. Maybe the lead plug isn't hammered in?
Posted by: Arkady at October 15, 2009 11:57 AM
try flushing the toilet on that level a few times while pouring a bottle of pinesol.
if there is a sewage smell, there is most likely a backup occurring somewhere. In older structures it's usually due to sinking of the main line somewhere in the middle which traps sewage there until it is sufficiently flushed.
I only know this from experience. In one of my properties, there is a main line which backflows, I have the line flushed and routed twice a year for this reason. It can clog with exessive cooking grease over a long period of time.
the plumber says we can dig up the line and straighten it at much expense or have the drain guy come by twice a year to keep it in check. I choose the latter, there's a company that does the service at about 50 dollars a pop.
Posted by: Legion at October 15, 2009 12:42 PM
we had the same problem and called roto rooter (sp) who came and flushed it. that was two years ago, and this summer we had to have the entire main replaced as it was 140 years old because there was leakage-gross.
Posted by: witchdoctor at October 15, 2009 1:05 PM
Hi guys:
I'm having the same issue, can you provide the phone number of the plumber.
I would appreciate it.
Many thanks,
Posted by: bigblackpants at October 15, 2009 1:13 PM
Legion, who does it for you???
I've never had mine inspected but it doesn't give me any problem, even during the heavy rains. That said, it does run right through the roots of a big Sycamore (assuming in runs straight out to the street) and that's worrisome.
My lead pipe water line runs right along it too :(
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at October 15, 2009 1:20 PM
It could be tree roots re-growing. Ours are like the Medusa. If you have to replace your entire sewer pipe, that is a very exciting job, like the finale of Billy Elliot where the men go down into the mines; worth every penny for the drama involved.
Posted by: Brenda from Flatbush at October 15, 2009 2:03 PM
Any chance you had a vent removed or sealed during your reno? Or that a vent is clogged with debris (falling leaves, animal nest, etc.), or near a return air duct for your AC? Maybe a cap's been left off the cleanout or water's evaporated from a trap? Somehow these seem more likely possibilities than tree roots, especially since you've had the latter checked.
Posted by: vinca at October 15, 2009 2:21 PM
Arkady/Legion, thanks, I'll try the chemical route. So that's why they have vinegar by the gallon in Costco :-)
Brenda, the roots were done just a few weeks ago. It's probable that it hadn't been done prior in decades, given the shape of the rest of the house.
Vinca, that's interesting. We've removed at least one vent and I believe sealed another. I'll look into that.
Posted by: denton at October 15, 2009 3:58 PM
Try pouring Enzymes, its a sort of bacteria that eats away the junk from inside the pipes. I did it and it worked for me... I can give you the number to the place i ordered it from... Email me if interested alrosariojr@aol.com
Posted by: alrosariojr at October 15, 2009 10:27 PM
Don't spend money on enzymes. Just use baker's yeast it does the same thing. Just remember if you keep using bleech you kill those enzymes and have to replace them every so often. See if you have a check valve and maybe it is blocked in the open position. Otherwise it might be a clogged vent or a dry trap. Make sure you keep water blocking the smell in the trap.
Posted by: hannible at October 16, 2009 10:04 AM
Denton, if as you suspect the roots hadn't been cleared for a long time before your arrival then it will take a few tries to take care of it. We had the sewer smell every 4-6 months for the first 2 years in our house. We'd call the plumber and get it snaked each time and he added the stuff that kills the tree roots. We don't use bleach in our home so we don't have a problem with washing away the enzymes or whatever it is the plumber uses to kill the tree roots. FYI, vinegar and baking soda combo cleans better than bleach both in the bath/kitchen and for laundry and helps clear the pipes.
Posted by: traditionalmod at October 16, 2009 10:44 AM
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