AboutCortez (cort) Cate Expertise I can answer most questions related to residential and commercial plumbing for buildings up to ten-stories in height. I have excellent knowledge of the UPC, Uniform Plumbing Code and UMC, Uniform Mechanical Code. In the event there is a question I am not sure of I will at least let you know what I think and try to give you realistic options. Some problems are unique and may not have a simple answer. In those cases I will try to give you all the variables I know of.
Experience Since 1972 a California licensed B-1 General Building Contractor, C-36 Plumbing and C-16 Fire Sprinkler Contractor; also installing and servicing Heating, Air Conditioning and Sheet Metal operating as C and C Building and Plumbing, California State License 279516. In 1995 I downsized the company to become semi-retired. Still I remain active in the construction industry.
As head of a company I placed personnel and job safety as the number one objective followed closely by training and continuing education. Always seeking to stay informed of leading edge technology in the industry.
Also I have spent several years as an Apprenticeship Instructor in the Pipe Trades Unions.
Additionally I am a certified OSHA instructor.
I live in a 3 storey townhouse condo and am on the end unit. Today I noticed a turpentine-like smell in my basement. I think I have pinpointed the source as being the floor drain in my basement laundry room. Is this concerning, and what should I be doing?
Thanks!
Ann
Answer 8/21/2008 11:57:31 PM
Hi Ann,
The most common cause of the condition (although “turpentine-like” is not a common description) you describe is the water has evaporated out of the floor drain trap and is allowing sewer gas to enter the living space. In residential construction it is not uncommon to have a seldom used drain (such as a floor drain) installed without a trap-primer. A trap-primer is a device that will periodically distribute a small amount of water to a drain that does not get a lot of use and thus keep some water in the trap. The primary purpose of a p-trap (required on all drains and or fixtures) is to create a water seal preventing sewer gas from entering the living space.
This may not be your problem but if the floor drain is seldom used then I have to guess that is the problem. To correct the situation just pour a little water down the drain occasionally (once a month should do it unless it is really hot then a little more frequent may be in order).
Good Luck, cort
