Smell from riser / heat
OK, here’s a problem we can not crack. We had a contractor dig out our basement this summer. All went fine. Then when we turned on our heat there is a strange smell coming from the riser in the upstairs bedroom (it’s the end of the line of this steam heat system). At first we…
OK, here’s a problem we can not crack. We had a contractor dig out our basement this summer. All went fine. Then when we turned on our heat there is a strange smell coming from the riser in the upstairs bedroom (it’s the end of the line of this steam heat system). At first we feared it was cat pee — as after our construction the furnace room they created smelled like cat pee. We have no cats but the prior owners had plenty. The smell is a bit metallic/amonia. I treated the floor and area around the furnace and the smell went down a bit. One recent plumber said immediately that the smell is some substance they use when pipes are cut or fit. For the basement dig out, one pipe was moved. We had the furnace cleaned, and that plumber said the water looked horrible (which makes sense as we never changed it in the three years we’ve lived here). We’ve run he furnace many times hoping to burn it off, but now two weeks in it’s still here. Bottom line, no one has a solution. Any thoughts? Many thanks.
Tangential question – what was the scope of your cellar work, and what was a ball park figure of its cost? My cellar has a dirt floor and it calls out for renovation…
It’s not clear from your post whether you have a boiler (steam) or furnace (air), or whether you need a plumber, a chimney specialist, or both to check vents, draft, flue and chimney to certify that all gases and fumes are being fully and properly exhausted. I do not know, nor am I recommending this company, but here is a link to their elementary FAQ: http://www.newyorkcityboilers.com/chimneys.html
See more detailed consumer information from US Dept. of Energy at: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12530
In my experience, pipe thread sealant takes some time to burn off. If they used a black sealant called Grip, that one has a really strong smell, but hey, it works really great! I think you’re going to have to give this more time. Your boiler isn’t running very long right now. Once winter really sets in, the smell should be gone.