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.
Question The two bathrooms in our home has a musty/sewage smell that we can't locate. In one of them, the smell is concentrated in the cabinet under the sink. In the other bathroom, the smell is present, but not in any specific identifiable location. Water drains well. I described the problem to a plumber. He came out, ran the water. Told me that the drain was not clogged. He did not run a snake through. I asked him if it could be a clogged vent. He said no, if there was a clogged vent, it would gurgle as the water drained. He didn't go on the roof to look at the vent or stick any snake down there either. He concluded that it was not a plumbing issue and took off with my money. Should more have been done or can you really tell whether a vent or drain is clogged by simply watching water drain? Please shed some light on this matter for me. I would appreciate any thoughts you may have on why the bathrooms smell musty and sewagey. Thanks.
Answer 8/22/2008 9:36:11 AM
Hi Tanya,
I will help all I can but from the information you have given me (and I realize that is about all you have except I do not know where you live {climate] {I am in Southern California} etc.) BUT if you live in a moist climate it certainly could be contributory to your problem.
The two most likely places the drainage lines would be leaking are where the toilet connects to the drain at the floor; that connection is sealed with a wax ring between the bowl and the closet flange. To check you would closely inspect around the base of the toilet and if suspicious you would need to remove the toilet and replace/repair the flange. Once removed there should be ample evidence if that was the problem. The other most likely place is water leaking into the wall cavity behind the tub and or shower while using and also water running down the side of the tub and soaking up the floor. All of these things should be visible and some hints have been given. Under the cabinets same situation----would have to be something leaking.
It is very important that you find and correct the problem because it will certainly lead to toxic mold if it has not already done so.
Your problem is one that just requires a lot of investigation until you find the answer BUT if the drains are all working as you indicate they are it merely means there is no stoppage and running a snake would not accomplish anything----assuming the drains all drain good.
