We have just moved into a large house, and didn't notice a smell before we bought it. We are putting less water through the drains than previous owners though. Outside drains are running freely but show 'tidemark' evidence of earlier backing up. We propose to get these cleaned, but think the smell shouldn't get up past the traps. Are enzyme treatments and such a waste of money? House is 10 years old.
There is a constant sour drains smell in the main bathroom and adjacent airing cupboard (only heating pipes in here). There is a boxed section, presumably a Durgo valve, in the bathroom. Top of this is well higher than WC cistern. Can only think Durgo is leaking air, and that air is free to travel into space between the floor and ceiling and gets out in airing cupboard. The only visible bit of waste plumbing is the hand basin's, and it doesn't have an air admittance valve on the trap. Yes it could be dirty overflows, so I cleaned them, and why's it getting into the airing cupboard? And why is it constant?
This is not quite the full on sewer smell. I'd describe it more as a cross between sour wet dishcloths, accute BO, strong coffee grounds, and emulsion paint! UGH! Despite not drinking coffee, admitting to BO or putting paint down the sink, I get it (different sewer) in the kitchen sink occasionally and Mr Muscle foamer sees it off. But not this.
Would there be an anti rat device in a 10 year old house? Do you think something has died in there? No, I remember I forgot to check a mousetrap in another house once and found a dead mouse, poor thing. The smell was richer somehow. Dear God
All pipes and drains run freely, no gurgling or similar. Each behaves seperately, no backing up or bubbling elsewhere. No smell in downstairs loo below (which I presume shares the sewer pipe).
There are two other spurs from the house to the main sewer, and toilet/sinks off these do not smell either.
I have tried proprietory drain cleaners and unblockers.
No evidence of any leaks in ceilings below, but have not checked behind closed structures.
Grateful for your opinions!
Thanks
There is a constant sour drains smell in the main bathroom and adjacent airing cupboard (only heating pipes in here). There is a boxed section, presumably a Durgo valve, in the bathroom. Top of this is well higher than WC cistern. Can only think Durgo is leaking air, and that air is free to travel into space between the floor and ceiling and gets out in airing cupboard. The only visible bit of waste plumbing is the hand basin's, and it doesn't have an air admittance valve on the trap. Yes it could be dirty overflows, so I cleaned them, and why's it getting into the airing cupboard? And why is it constant?
This is not quite the full on sewer smell. I'd describe it more as a cross between sour wet dishcloths, accute BO, strong coffee grounds, and emulsion paint! UGH! Despite not drinking coffee, admitting to BO or putting paint down the sink, I get it (different sewer) in the kitchen sink occasionally and Mr Muscle foamer sees it off. But not this.
Would there be an anti rat device in a 10 year old house? Do you think something has died in there? No, I remember I forgot to check a mousetrap in another house once and found a dead mouse, poor thing. The smell was richer somehow. Dear God
All pipes and drains run freely, no gurgling or similar. Each behaves seperately, no backing up or bubbling elsewhere. No smell in downstairs loo below (which I presume shares the sewer pipe).
There are two other spurs from the house to the main sewer, and toilet/sinks off these do not smell either.
I have tried proprietory drain cleaners and unblockers.
No evidence of any leaks in ceilings below, but have not checked behind closed structures.
Grateful for your opinions!
Thanks