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Author:
ckrogers (MD)
After 4 plumbers and $2k spent I still have no solution to this issue and am desperate for some advice....
We moved into a new home 2 months ago. The day after we moved in a bad septic smell started in our main floor half bath. Only there. It is the first bathroom off the septic. The septic tank is brand new - was replaced right before we moved in. The installer and county inspector said the drain field looked fine. We have never had smells outside. Plumbers have replaced wax ring, cut into drywall and capped a tiny hole they thought was leaking gas, checked the p-traps. The plumber we had out last week snaked the vent pipe and found a large obstruction - some kind of nest. He cut out the section of pipe, replaced it. We thought the problem would be solved. The smell is still there. The smell comes and goes but is a million times stronger when it rains. Our house is on a hill and the pipe sticks up about 1 ft over the house. The bathroom is over an unfinished basement and we have never had any leaks.
Please help! What else could it be? We our out of money and patience.
Thanks in advance.
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Author:
North Carolina Plumber (NC)
Sounds as if it's time for a smoke test. No monkeying around or guess work. if the sewer system is leaking the smoke will show where it is.
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Author:
ckrogers (MD)
Would just the bathroom smell if it was a crack in the vent pipe? Or would the smell travel to other rooms, too? I ask because. There is a bedroom right above the bathroom and that room never smells. Also, is it possible to do a smoke test without getting on the roof. I am having a hard time finding someone that will get on the roof bc of insurance issues. Thanks!
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Author:
Prudoco (FL)
Having my own sewer smell problems. Call around and get a guy for the smoke test. They will have to go on the roof but that's what professional plumbers sometimes have to do. Make sure they have the right machine. Many times, guys try to get away using a wet vac and the pressure is to strong and blows the water out of the traps and screws up the whole test. I've had many smoke tests, one repair, but still a sewer odor. My next test is to fill the lines with water to the downstairs sink level with test balls blocking other fixtures. Not thrilled about this but I've run out of options. Good luck. If this was like this from the day you moved in, you should move. Sounds like someone didn't tell you the whole picture.
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Author:
AptManager (TN)
I had a similar problem in an apartment building I managed. It ended up being a leak in a pipe underneath the building. Replaced leaking pipe, smell went away.
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