sewage smell

there’s a recurring sewage smell in the garden apartment. it mostly happens after the toilet is flushed in the morning. I have checked for leaks in the apartment and throughout the basement and can’t find anything. Can anyone suggest the next step? thanks

MAC

in General Discussion 4 years and 8 months ago

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hkapstein | 4 years and 8 months ago

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Exactly what I’m thinking @dorkofwindsor. If sewer gas is entering the home, it could be a damaged pipe or a lost trap seal, including toilet wax seals. If it is a blocked vent, the mechanism would be that the loss of venting could allow a trap to siphon out resulting in a lost trap seal. So I would focus on finding the source of the sewer gas entry and troubleshoot it before snaking out all the vents, which may be difficult or impossible, particularly without knowing that there is in fact a clog in the vent, and where the clog is located.

Also, I’d expect the smell to be intermittent if due to loss of venting, as the trap would probably refill and only siphon out occasionally, but it’s possible it could siphon out more frequently.

dorkofwindsor | 4 years and 8 months ago

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in addition to all the great responses – is there a washer dryer in the unit? you wouldn’t believe how many times hacks install those without proper traps, the sewer gas would be pushed right out. however it would also happen when neighbors upstairs take showers or flush toilet etc, so if that is not the case it could be a wax seal

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 4 years and 8 months ago

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The only time I had a blocked vent it was VERY blocked and a plumber had to snake it out. I suppose that COULD be a DIY job.

MAC | 4 years and 8 months ago

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Thank you B. Marvin and Urbandad. if blocked vent, is this a DIY project or professional?

hkapstein | 4 years and 8 months ago

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Check all drains, and ensure traps are primed. Floor drains or unusual fixtures especially. Try to determine if the toilet has lost it’s wax seal.

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 4 years and 8 months ago

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It might be a blocked vent pipe on the roof.