Plumbing in the Home/sewage smell in bathrooms

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Expert: Cortez (cort) Cate - 8/22/2008


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.  

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Cortez (cort) Cate

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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 and UMC. When I am not sure of the best answer or exactly what you want to know I will at least let you know what I think and try to give you realistic options. Many problems are unique and have no simple answer. In those cases I will try to give you some guidance and you should use that to refine the question further and we, together, can seek the answer via a follow up. Plumbing codes and practices vary around the world--If you don't tell me where you live the answer I give may not fit your locality. I no longer seek ratings for my answers and my time. I am giving my time to you as a way of fulfilling my perceived obligation to share. All the volunteers here deserve the highest rating all the time for their efforts to help and share. Many of you will not take the little time to say thank you; that's ok, it is not required. I am here to try to help you find a solution to your problem. If my answer solves your quest for knowledge that is great and you are welcome BUT most often I will merely be pointing you in the right direction and giving you a little knowledge boost to help you find your answer. REMEMBER, If you want a good answer you need to ask a detailed question and include where you live, type of pipes, type of building, water pressure if it is a water problem, type of heater, age of appliance & building all these and many more are variables that have an effect on various situations. We can't give you a good answer without good information.

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.

Education/Credentials
United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Instruction Training, Ann Arbor, MI Bakersfield College, Bakersfield CA Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA Foothill College, Los Altos, CA California Licensed Contractor from 1971

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