Why Do I have a Sewer Smell in My House or Outside My House | How to Find the Source!

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 7 янв 2025

Комментарии •

  • @TheGrumpyPlumber
    @TheGrumpyPlumber  4 года назад +9

    Thanks for watching The Grumpy Plumber! CLICK SUBSCRIBE for more unbiased, practical, no B.S. plumbing advice.

    • @nathaliejillll
      @nathaliejillll 3 года назад

      how can I detect the source of stinky smell from a. drainage system located in a public market?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад

      Pang Mayo, there might be a floor drain or a sink or a clean-out cap that might have been removed and not replaced. To check out the floor drain and the sink, use a flashlight to see if you see water in the drain trap. If you have a sink, floor drains, urinals, any plumbing fixtures that are not being used, dump antifreeze in the traps because it won’t evaporate. Check the draining system vents in the roof to see if they are high enough. It’s probably a floor drain that never gets used. Thanks for subscribing.

    • @johnhouli3450
      @johnhouli3450 2 года назад

      Thanks for the advice
      My plumber who is a master plumber installed this wax seals.
      I will ask him to do as you said.

    • @johnhouli3450
      @johnhouli3450 2 года назад

      One more question, sir when I have attic fan on there is only a switch with on and off very powerful.
      When I closed the door no smell in bathroom. But in my hallway in front of the bathroom the smell seems to come from the attic. The cast Iron pipe has two pieces joined The bottom part has a wide rim with what looks like gray harden stuff with four nails going into it.
      I’m trying to figure out how I can test the pipe for air leak.
      Can I spray soapy water on it and look for bubbles. Or is their another way.
      Can I get some plumbers putty and just clean it up then apply the putty. As far as the wax ring it was a double one. I remember asking my plumber of 32 years it’s kinds of fat. He said yes better to stop any smells.
      Thanks Houli
      Thank you.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      John Houli, I think your problem is with the attic fan. I’d leave it off and see what happens. The only way to test that pipe is using a smoke test. A plumber would need to do that. Can you just cut that part of the pipe out and use a couple of Fernco couplings and a piece of pipe?

  • @brendaweber2124
    @brendaweber2124 4 года назад +19

    He's not so grumpy! Thanks for the tips... wish we had a plumber in the family!!

  • @mikrettop2851
    @mikrettop2851 2 года назад +8

    This was a excellent layman explanation for this dummy old woman. Thank-you sooo much for solving my problem and saving me thousands of dollars from “ not so honest” plumbers. Bless you!

  • @FijiRoots
    @FijiRoots 2 года назад +9

    Awesome video. Gonna try RV antifreeze. Smell comes from the shower, which gets used everyday. Right next to it, there’s a jacuzzi tub that never gets used. Thanks for sharing your expertise.
    Also, is it just me, or did anyone else notice the 🦎 🦎 on the back wall??

    • @lynnmdobson8111
      @lynnmdobson8111 Год назад +1

      👍sure did.. Django the gecko! 🦎 🤣 was wondering how many others 👀 it 🤔

  • @seanmcgill6126
    @seanmcgill6126 2 года назад

    Grumpy plumber you are one of many of my teachers I wish I could have been your helper for 5 yrs the Knowledge you have I wish I had thank you for the videos

  • @TexasSweethearts
    @TexasSweethearts 2 года назад +10

    Im a teacher I just got my masters and I feel like I’m in the wrong profession. Plumbing is important for house maintenance and all of this is fascinating !!

  • @chrisbaah4939
    @chrisbaah4939 2 года назад +1

    I watched several videos and your dad is a pro he answered all my concerns. Thank

  • @petelikespizza
    @petelikespizza 2 года назад

    Jim you nailed it … drain trap in garage dry as a bone … bada bing!

  • @michellehaward6723
    @michellehaward6723 Год назад

    THANKYOU!!! I finally know why my house stinks and how to stop it!!!!

  • @spencerji6162
    @spencerji6162 Год назад

    I am having the sewage smell now and thanks for the silver advice.

  • @Themartita1
    @Themartita1 Год назад

    Thank you! Jim and son, your advice was superb! 🎉😊

  • @apatterson8128
    @apatterson8128 4 года назад +1

    I binge watched your videos. You're the "Mike Haduck" of plumbing. I subbed. Thank you.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  4 года назад

      I have no idea who Mike is but I appreciate the comment and thanks for subscribing!

    • @apatterson8128
      @apatterson8128 4 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber Old school mason on RUclips. No nonsense.Shhots from the hip like you. I appreciate that.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  4 года назад

      Thanks! We checked out Mike and he is great. I appreciate the compliment. We want to do more show and tell videos like Mike.

    • @apatterson8128
      @apatterson8128 4 года назад +1

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber That would be great. Thank you for your time.

  • @jerrytkaczyk-ng8hc
    @jerrytkaczyk-ng8hc 2 месяца назад

    You solved my problem with the septic. Can’t stand sitting on the porch smelling gasses.

  • @khalidsr1
    @khalidsr1 Год назад

    My pleasure to fallow you. 😇thanks 😊 and good luck to you 👍

  • @Scotland50
    @Scotland50 Год назад

    Ty. I was wondering about my sump pit. The line attached to the pump comes out the top but there is a another pipe that comes into the pit lower, a larger pipe. I figured that would be a line that comes in from the garage or weeping tile but I put a hose in it the other days and the water just never came back. What is that line? : /

  • @johnhouli3450
    @johnhouli3450 2 года назад

    Sounds great thanks. I have a smell in my only bathroom only when the attic whole house fan is on. Checked the tank and pumped out also changed the wax seal twice also checked the vent pipe on roof no clog ran water down it. The house is 70 years old cast iron pipe in it from tank to and through the attic. Is their smoke in a can I can buy to see if the pipe is cracked in the attic

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад +1

      John Houli, you say you changed the wax seal but when you set the toilet back on the seal, did you feel the bowl squish into the wax? I recommend using two wax rings and if that doesn’t work, raise the closet flange.

  • @daphnejackson9461
    @daphnejackson9461 3 месяца назад +1

    Can i use baking soda and vinegar in my tub and sink? The smells coming from my main bathroom

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 месяца назад

      @@daphnejackson9461 give it a try. Did you put your nose at the base of your toilet to make sure the smell is not coming from there? If it is, you need to replace the wax rings.

  • @boo-boolip7528
    @boo-boolip7528 3 года назад +1

    I have a question. I have a septic take and one bathroom. We get a sewer smell about once or twice a month coming from the air return vent in our living room wall. They used the empty space between the studs as the vent. What is causing the sewer smell to come out of the air return vent?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад

      Boo-boo Lip, is there a return vent in the bathroom? If not, get your nose down to the toilet where it meets the floor. Check to see if you smell anything there. If you do, add another wax ring on the toilet flange. Don’t caulk around the toilet. Make sure you do not have any floor drains in the basement that are dry. It’s common to use a stud space for return air vents.

  • @monica0574
    @monica0574 3 года назад +1

    Hi i just moved to a house and it has a septic tank i need help my water smells like rust. And I also have a machines w salt and water softener cleaner but it doesn't take the smell away. What can I do please help our 1st time w these issues.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад

      Monica, I don’t think you are having a problem with the septic tank. Is the smell coming from the cold water or the hot? The water softener will only soften the water, not take the smell out. You might have to add a whole house filter. Let’s see if we can find out where the smell is coming from. Lookin forward to hearing back from you.

  • @light1888
    @light1888 2 года назад

    i'm having this trouble, i will try when i get home. i just hope it works.
    funny you mention a dead body cause i thought maybe my neighbor had one and wasn't my house 😂

  • @edmondcaldwell1945
    @edmondcaldwell1945 4 года назад +2

    Having an sewer or shit smell outside the house check for crack in line had to put a new 🚽 in the kids bathroom since my father been hear for three weeks and the bathroom rarely gets used now outside smell bad ... I check vent pipes etc

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  4 года назад

      Have you found the cause yet?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  4 года назад

      Are you on a septic tank? If you are, the line running from the house to the tank needs an elbow placed in the tank so it breaks just below the water level.That should stop the smell.
      You also could be getting a down draft from the vents from the city sewer line. You need to put a running trap in the city sewer line outside the house. You must add a clean out on each side of the trap.
      A smell inside a bathroom could be coming from the toilet seal which is a wax ring. Replace the one there and add another one.
      Check outside for any open sewer lines like a clean out cap that’s been removed.
      Good luck!!

  • @anthonygould6865
    @anthonygould6865 2 года назад +1

    how far past the water line can i go? i have a sewer smell like u described outside my house. we just got the septic tank sucked out 2 months ago and my wife said it still stinks. can i go a foot lol, that maybe over kill, i tend to do that in my life. well thanks for the response, and your video. it was so informative.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад +1

      Anthony Gould, you just need to break the water line by 2-3 inches. The water level in the septic tank goes to the first baffle.

    • @anthonygould6865
      @anthonygould6865 2 года назад +1

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber Thank U so much for ur reply.....Youarte Awesome!!!

  • @sallystutzman1311
    @sallystutzman1311 Год назад +1

    You mentioned what to do if you smell sewer in the yard and you have septic tank. What about if you are on the septic system?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  Год назад

      sally stutzman, do you mean a municipal system vs. a septic? What you are probably getting is a downdraft from your roof top vents. Put a device called a studor vent on your roof vents. It’s like a reverse check valve. When your plumbing system needs air, the device opens and when done, closes. That should stop the smell.

  • @ktholroyd6761
    @ktholroyd6761 2 года назад

    This was so helpful! I have been trying to fix the smell for a year and we have had a few different plumbers
    All summer we didn't smell anything and now in the winter it is every time we use plumbing
    Since we are on a septic I believe it's the downdrafts.
    Do you have any videos of installation the trap on the septic to stop the emission of sewer gas?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      KT Holroyd, the easiest and best way to stop that sewer gas smell is to put a 90 degree elbow on the inlet pipe in the septic tank. When you put the elbow on the inlet pipe, it needs to be below the water line in the tank. That will stop the sewer gas smell. A running p-trap can create another problem as it will plug up.

  • @gregbennett357
    @gregbennett357 9 дней назад

    New home with many un used bathrooms. Sewer smell in garage that does not have a drain. Should I put the antifreeze in the showers and sinks of the unused bathrooms? Is the smell because the vents go to the roof and smell comes into the garage thru the attic?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  9 дней назад

      @@gregbennett357 if you have unused bathrooms, the easiest thing to do is walk through the house about every two weeks and open a faucet for 10 seconds and flush the toilets. This is what I recommend if you live there year round. Otherwise, add RV antifreeze to the drains.
      Regarding the garage smell, you want to make sure there is not a heating or air conditioner drain or a water softener drain that is not in use. Add RV antifreeze or cap it off. You could have a problem with the down draft on the vents. If you have neighbors who are close, the smell could be coming from their vents. Check to make sure there are no unopened drain pipes. They should have clean-out plugs.

    • @gregbennett357
      @gregbennett357 8 дней назад

      @ thank you

  • @mr.nonamanadus4463
    @mr.nonamanadus4463 2 года назад

    Sink overflow can be a cause as well. Ours really stunk up the house and it's used constantly. I boiled a bunch of water, poured it into the sink and added some bleach. The smell was gone, mentioned that to our local plumber and he said he has to do his every 4 months (might be the design of the sinks).

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      @nonamanadus4463, you stated kind of a rare problem but I have cleaned sinks with that problem doing the same thing you mentioned. After cleaning the overflow, I have removed the pop-up drain and used less putty so it doesn’t cover the opening in the pop-up drain. I tell my customers not the fill water so it runs into the overflow.

  • @benhoshor5769
    @benhoshor5769 3 года назад

    Always enjoy hearing the advice from a pro. On a similar subject of venting fixtures you may give your thoughts, opinions and advice concerning AAV's. I used one under my upstairs vanity as the drain came up from the floor with no return air vent. It would have been a very difficult retrofit to tear into a wall or remove flooring to connect to an outside vent source. Your thoughts as long as it doesn't make you too grumpy. This solution worked very well for me and far less expensive.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад

      Ben, great idea! Did you use a brand named Studor Vent? Most plumbers call them “cheater vents” but this is the best made as far as I know. Great solution, that’s what they are made for. 👍

    • @benhoshor5769
      @benhoshor5769 3 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber I used one made by Oatey, I believe. I understand Studor to be a very good one but wasn't available without ordering it online. During this pandemic I remodeled two of our bathrooms and I used one for the bathtub/shower also as it wasn't vented properly as well. I had checked your videos to get your input and thought it valuable for your advice to others. Thanks!

  • @rotfan77
    @rotfan77 8 месяцев назад

    I have an attic fan that works to pull air in from outside the house and it covers the whole house. And when I run the attic fan I often get sewer gas smell from the septic tank, what would be the best fix for this? Would it be to put an elbow on the line going into the septic tank to make sure that it goes below the waterline or do something else? Thanks

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  8 месяцев назад

      There are two different things you can try. Put the elbow below the water line in the septic tank as you suggested. Best and cheapest thing to try. Or, install studor vents on each one of your roof vents. That will be expensive and, over the years, might become a maintenance issue because they are a mechanical device.

  • @morac1130
    @morac1130 2 года назад

    Hi, I need help pls. I have a very bad sewer smell from my basement room. I have a sewer ejector pump. My question is can I put RV anti freeze in the shower still even though I run the laundry often and the pipe is connected between basement full bathroom to laundry to ejector pump? The smell is so bad that when I turn in the heat, the whole house stinks.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      Mora C, you can put RV antifreeze in the shower drain because each fixture has a separate trap, even though they share a common drain.

  • @roycastillo8576
    @roycastillo8576 2 года назад

    Can that happen also with sewer line from the city. If so can I put a trap there

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      roy castillo, it’s rare to have a sewer gas smell from a city line. If you install a running trap, you have to put clean outs on both sides of the trap. I would look for a floor drain or a drain that’s not used but is open. There is always a trap on a floor drain and the water can evaporate and then sewer gas can come up through the drain. You can use RV antifreeze or regular antifreeze because that won’t evaporate. Cap off an open drain.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      roy castillo, P.S. if you are not using a bathroom, the traps in there could have water evaporating out of them. Again, add water or put in antifreeze.

  • @illertmm
    @illertmm 11 месяцев назад

    Is it okay to use the RV antifreeze in our drains if we have a septic mound?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  11 месяцев назад

      Yes, you can use the RV antifreeze. It’s not toxic.

  • @artifactsantlersoh
    @artifactsantlersoh 2 года назад

    This tip for there septic elbow below water level, I THINK THIS WILL FIX MY ISSUE!
    This would be done in the very first trash tank, correct?

  • @silasbarbie4416
    @silasbarbie4416 2 года назад

    Thanks for the advice. I have a similar lad problem, my shower and kitchen tap water smells so bad while running. I don’t know how to go about it and would like a little help please

    • @silasbarbie4416
      @silasbarbie4416 2 года назад

      It really feels disgusting cooking now cause I feel something is wrong with the water. So if you have any suggestions I’ll be happy to try. Thanks

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад +1

      Silas barbie, if the smell is coming from the hot water and smells like rotten eggs, then you hope it’s the magnesium rod in the water heater. You remove the magnesium rod and flush out the heater. Your choice if you want to put another magnesium rod back in. If you do, the smell might come back. If you’re on a well and you’re getting the smell from the cold water, you have a big problem. Sometimes you can use a filter or an aerator to remove the smell.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      Silas barbie, P.S. if the smell is coming from the hot water, then it’s the water heater. You don’t need a new water heater. I hope this helps you.

    • @silasbarbie4416
      @silasbarbie4416 2 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber thank you. I check it out. It was the water tank that was dirty so the water smelled really bad. Thanks for the reply

  • @rogermarlatt2853
    @rogermarlatt2853 Год назад

    I am on city sewer, I have a bathroom sink that is used daily, and I get a sewer gas smell once in a while. I removed the P trap to see if there was something in it, but is it okay? This is a single-level private home? Any ideas? I have a companion sink across the same room with no problems.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  Год назад

      Are you sure the smell is not coming from the base of the toilet? Another thing to check is the overflow hole in the sink. A lot of times over the years they accumulate dirty water which could give off that smell. Maybe you can pour over the counter drain cleaner or vinegar to clean it out.

    • @rogermarlatt2853
      @rogermarlatt2853 Год назад

      definitely coming from one of my bathroom sinks, and not all the time. It must be a plumbing issue? @@TheGrumpyPlumber

  • @nickd9274
    @nickd9274 2 года назад

    Hello, so whenever I take a shower on the main floor, the basement laundry room/bathroom has the sewer smell which stinks up the basement and goes away after a while. I have a septic tank...how can I troubleshoot this? Thank you in advance.

  • @thehojo15
    @thehojo15 2 года назад

    I can't put an elbow below the water line, can I put a couple of holes in the clean out stacks out in my yard just before the septic tank? I have at least 2 of them. Please help! I'm sick of smelling the sewer and not being able to invite people over due to this problem. Thanks

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      thehojo15, sorry, but you can’t put holes in the clean out because you will still smell sewer gas. Is this an old septic system? Another solution you might try is to use studer vents or “cheater vents” on the vents on the roof. They are like a reverse check valve.

  • @AN-kr4fr
    @AN-kr4fr 2 месяца назад

    Can you please help me. I get a skunky odor in my basement that comes and goes. I cannot pinpoint where it is coming from. Can sewer gas have this odor? Also, if it is sewer gas would it be a constant odor rather than comes and goes? Thank you.

    • @teecna2669
      @teecna2669 2 месяца назад

      hey same exact issue here! have you figured out the problem?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 месяца назад

      @@AN-kr4fr the smell could come and go. One thing you have to look for is the floor drains in the basements that never get used. They might be by the water heater or even under the wash machine. It might be an old shower that you never use, or an old drain line not being used. Pour RV anti freeze in the drains that have a trap that you are not using. Antifreeze does not evaporate. Another thing to look for is a gas leak. Natural gas and propane have no smell so the manufacturers add a smell, much like a skunk odor. If you have natural gas or propane pipe lines, you might want to do a
      pressure test to check for leaks. We test with 15 lbs. of pressure for 10 minutes or longer for leaks. You might find leaks in unusual places. I once found one on the pilot tube of a water heater. The smell only showed up once in awhile.

  • @rosebailey7009
    @rosebailey7009 Год назад

    Hey, Mr. Grumpy Plumber. l smell sewer gas in my crawl space…l opened the hatch and found a small leak. The leak was on an old galvanized pipe( house built in 1957) the pipe was warm to the touch. The Hot water heater, tub, and furnace is in this location above. What lm l in for and what price tag should l expect? Thanks, Rose

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  Год назад

      Rose, that’s a hard question because I don’t know what your piping looks like in the crawl space. If it’s a galvanized water line, it could be very easy to fix by cutting and replacing the pipe. If it’s a galvanized drain line, they would probably replace that with PVC. If you have a sewer gas smell, it might be a cast iron pipe with a crack. I can’t tell you how much money this will cost because I’m not there and I don’t know the plumbing rates in your area. On thing I do want to say is don’t hire a flat rate plumbing company. Have it done with time and material. A good plumber should be able to look at your situation and tell you how long it might take to repair and he should have the material on his truck to fix it. It would be wise to send a picture of the leak. First thing…..don’t ask for a bid, when the plumber comes to look at it, he will tell you how long it will take, the material cost should not be too much. Asking for a bid will probably cause you to spend more money.

  • @sallybenigni9864
    @sallybenigni9864 Год назад

    Did enjoy the video but why might a sewer gas smell appear under a shed with no plumbing? I believe our sewer line runs under the shed. Is there a way we can find out if the pipe is broken?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  Год назад

      You could hire someone to use a camera ( around $350) and find out of the pipe is broken. It might be easier to reroute the pipe if it is broken.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  Год назад

      P.S. don’t sign any paperwork, just have them camera the line.

  • @dliv1687
    @dliv1687 4 года назад +4

    I've tried all of the suggestions. I even paid to replace my sewer line, and every now and then the sewer gas smell comes and then suddenly disappears. I don't have puddles in my basement and I'm just confused

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  4 года назад +3

      If you are on a septic tank, add an elbow and a piece of pipe to that inlet line. It must go below the water line in the tank. Maybe your vent pipes are not high enough and you might want to raise them another foot. Or, you could add a studor vent which is very good quality, not a cheater vent which is very cheap. You might get down on the floor and sniff your toilet for sewer gas smell. If that is where it is coming from, you might add another wax ring or raise the toilet flange for a better seal. Caulking around the base of the toilet will not stop the smell. If on city sewer, you could install what we call a running trap which will have a trap seal. My big question is, do you live on a hill? Sorry I did not get back to your question sooner. Hope these suggestions help.

    • @ChooChooRooter
      @ChooChooRooter 4 года назад +2

      Do a smoke test

    • @dliv1687
      @dliv1687 4 года назад

      @@ChooChooRooter thanks

    • @rebeccajohnson1368
      @rebeccajohnson1368 3 года назад

      Did you get it fixed? I'm smell sewer smells in my master bathroom, used daily. Not sure what s the issue. Yes, I am on a septic system and the house is situated downslope, but not a ton

  • @gingeradams3624
    @gingeradams3624 2 года назад

    What about a toilet that is not used ever in a commercial building and water doesn’t flow into the toilet tank. The smell of sewer gas is awful. What do you suggest for this type of problem ?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      @gingeradams3624, buy RV antifreeze. It is pink in color. Take half and dump in the bowl of the toilet and the other half in the tank, if it has a tank. RV antifreeze will not evaporate and will seal the trap so smell can’t come into the room.

  • @Harley-bq2sx
    @Harley-bq2sx 2 года назад

    Hello
    I got a bathroom upstairs. I smell sewer ordor. We have a septic system also. The upstairs is the worse. I notice on the p trap it wasn't glued on the main drain pipe, would that be an issue? We installed a new toilet few months ago same bathroom I don't smell a odor on bottom of toilet.
    The sink you can really smell it. I will run water in or bleach it just won't go away. It funny cause when I use the shower downstairs it makes it worse upstairs the smell. It all upstairs the smell nothing downstairs at all. Please help thanks. Eric.

  • @richardalvanos7435
    @richardalvanos7435 Год назад

    We have a double sink vanity in a hall bathroom. When we turn on the water to brush our teeth we can smell sewer gas. I no that the toilet flange has a problem because it sits way down in the concrete floor and I had 2 stack 3 wax rings to set the toilet. Do you think the toilet is where the sewer gas is coming from. Some times late at night we wake up and smell the sewer gas without using the Sinks.
    Help. Thanks Richard

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  Год назад

      Richard, I believe your problem is the toilet. The only way to fit it is to replace the flange. The flange needs to be sitting on the finished floor. If the bathroom sinks have traps on them, you should not be getting the sewer smell coming back through the drain.

    • @richardalvanos7435
      @richardalvanos7435 Год назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber Thanks. I will pull the toilet tomorrow and see what I can do to get the flang above the floor.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  Год назад

      I have a video on a 4” repair flange that will give you some help.

    • @richardalvanos7435
      @richardalvanos7435 Год назад

      I pulled the toilet and I have 3" ID black ABS sewer pipe. It is 3 1/4" below the tile floor. I have ordered a IF333P 3" extended flange and will glue it to the existing sewer pipe with all-purpose glue. Does this sound like a good plan?
      Thanks Richard

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  Год назад

      Richard, your plan sounds good.

  • @barbaralenard4644
    @barbaralenard4644 2 года назад

    I have poured Rv antifreeze down both old bathtub and commode drains and then sealed them with plugs that have a wing nut on top in hopes to get rid of the sewer gas smell. How long does it take for the smell to go away?
    Thanks

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      Barbara lenard, did you find where the sewer gas smell was coming from? If you found the problem, it usually takes a couple of hours if you get some air flow for the smell to go away.

  • @defj2005
    @defj2005 2 года назад

    Loved your video and tips. I recently moved into our home and after we used the bathtub upstairs *from what i believe* we started noticing a sulfur/sewage smell that comes and goes in the upstairs bathroom. I was told to block the sink/tub drains to see if the problem was a due to the bathub possibility missing p-trap. Even after that trick seems to randomly come back from time to time. Any tips? I will try pouring the RV antifreeze in the sink-bathtub drains tommorow

    • @defj2005
      @defj2005 2 года назад

      I can also say that u can smell it downstairs in the laudry room where main drain that connects them is located. The smell will be in the closet on the opposite side of bathroom tub. Its not constant, its just random occurrences. We can go 1 day without it and in the afternoon it will smell for 5-10mins and stop

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      Jonaki, do you smell it while taking a shower with hot water or running hot water in a sink? If so, it’s probably the magnesium rod in the water heater. Check and see if you have an open drain in a closet or a floor drain that never gets used or a bathtub that never gets used or floor drains in the basement. Get down on the floor and smell around the base of the toilets in the house. If you smell the order there, remove the toilet and add another wax ring. When you reset it, make sure the toilet squishes into the wax ring. If on a septic tank, the odor might be coming from there. Let me know so I can help with that situation. Try to keep windows closed for a few days and see if you can smell the odor.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      Jonaki, P. S. Don’t bother with the antifreeze. Do you know when your house was built? If it’s old, you might have a cracked sewer pipe. Don’t panic. Check the other things out first. Hope to hear back from you.

    • @defj2005
      @defj2005 2 года назад

      Thanks for the reply, ok so basically it smells randomly, we dont use the shower upstairs anymore ever since it started smelling after my wife took a bath. I noticed on the lower floor the old owners had a pipe that was probably used for the washing machine that was upstairs probably. We tried tracing it upstairs and i think they hid it behind a wall. You think that could be thr problem? We are on the city water system

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад +1

      Jonaki, that could be the problem. Try to find the pipe in the wall or the trap and cap the pipe off. If you don’t use the shower or any fixture, you need to add water every once in awhile to the fixtures to seal the trap so you don’t get a smell. The trap is what seals the drain line so you don’t smell sewer gas.

  • @jeanbrown4653
    @jeanbrown4653 Год назад

    Question…. When I use my basement utility sink I can smell sewer gas after I’m done cleaning paint brushes. I don’t smell it before I clean. Can I use baking soda and vinegar in the same drain as the air conditioner? That is the drain I get the smell from.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  Год назад

      Just use vinegar and see if that takes the smell away. Can you flush the drain on the air conditioner?

  • @FixItWithMe
    @FixItWithMe 2 года назад

    I have well and septic and only my HOT water smells like eggs/poop. Is it the anode Rod? If Is it safe to switch the anode Rod on a 12 yr old water heater or will it break my water heater? Thanks!!! :)

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      N Chen, it is the anode rod making the smell. Remove the rod and flush the heater.

    • @FixItWithMe
      @FixItWithMe 2 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber do I just replace the magnesium rod with a zinc one? If I use a zinc one, do I need to replace it every few years? Or should I use the corro-protect since I heard it never needs to be replaced? Thanks!!! I’m soo happy u saw my comment and actually answered back!!! Thanks for all the helpful videos!!!! :)

  • @MelPieper
    @MelPieper 2 года назад

    I've had issues the last couple of years with the roof drain vents getting covered with ice and snow. What is the best way or type of cover to prevent this, and me having to go up on the roof again?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад +1

      @user-of1ts8pq1u, you need to extend the vents higher on the roof.

    • @AP-nc6dy
      @AP-nc6dy 2 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber Any specific height from the ridge? I heard about a "sewer skewer." What are your thoughts on it?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      @user-of1st8pq1u, I don’t know what that item is. Coming from northern Michigan, where we sometimes have that problem, we would either clear the snow from the vent or raise the vent another foot. My suggestion is to clear the snow from around the vents. If you know how high the snow accumulates, raise the vents above that.

  • @professorben7071
    @professorben7071 2 года назад

    I have a sewer gas / unpleasant smell... have checked the P traps, ( all used regularly), put drain cleaner and bleach separately down, got the sewers checked ( everything is flowing)... any ideas? thank you

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      Professor Ben, I would install double wax rings on all the toilets. Do you have a attic fan in the house? If you do, don’t use it and see if the smell stops. Do you smell it outdoors?

  • @krevin14
    @krevin14 2 года назад

    Haven't heard of the elbow in the sceptic tank before. I get the smell in my first floor bathroom and sometimes behind the kitchen sink only when it is really windy out. Think that could be making the down draft and I should try the elbow? Or do you think it could be something else?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      krevin14, when it’s windy that’s when you notice the smell the most. Put the elbow in the tank and make sure it is 2” below the water line.

    • @krevin14
      @krevin14 2 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber Hi! Yep. Only time we get the smell is when it's windy. Think it might be worth a new wax ring too?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      krevin14, when you put your nose down to the base of the toilet and you smell sewer gas, add a wax ring. If you don’t, put the 90 elbow on the pipe in the tank.

  • @Oldguy80-vh1em
    @Oldguy80-vh1em Год назад

    I have a very strong sewer gas smell outside only at night. It’s only on one side of the house. During the day the smell is gone. I live in Nevada and there is no septic system. Before I call someone in do you have any idea what is causing it.

    • @teecna2669
      @teecna2669 2 месяца назад

      hey did you ever find out what this was?

    • @Oldguy80-vh1em
      @Oldguy80-vh1em 2 месяца назад

      @ brought a company in to do an inspection. It turned out it was my neighbor who had a clogged line. Neighbor had it fixed.

  • @CeezOn2
    @CeezOn2 3 года назад +1

    My sewer smell is coming through the vents. Every time I turn the heat on, the smell comes! I've tried cauking the sump pump lid, the floor drain around my furnace.. nothing works! What would you suggest?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад +2

      Clarence, sounds like you have a return air vent located right at the furnace. If there is sewer gas in the mechanical room, the return air is pushing it throughout the house. Have you flushed the sump pump? The floor drain might not have any water in it and water makes a trap seal to keep the sewer gas out. One way to cure that is to pour about two cups of antifreeze into the floor drains. If there is a sink in the area that you don’t use, put antifreeze down that drain to make a trap seal. Antifreeze won’t evaporate. Give that a try.

  • @titalx7169
    @titalx7169 2 года назад

    Hi. I am on the last floor of condo unit The air conditioning just been clean but still smells like sewage coming from behind the air conditioning. Today it’s windy outside and it’s worse. I got sinusitis because of it. Please help me. What should I do? Thanks

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      Tital X, whoever cleaned the air conditioner evidently didn’t clean it well enough. Probably should use Clorox this time. I don’t do heating and air conditioning any more but I do clean my own filters.

    • @titalx7169
      @titalx7169 2 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber thanks but I was referring to the plumbing. I believe the problem is in the air vent on the rooftop. I would appreciate your opinion regarding the air vent vs the sewer smell behind the ac. Thanks again.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      Tital X, thanks for clarifying that. You must have a sewer vent. The association can do a couple of things. They can raise the vent up and that might let the wind carry the smell away. Now the easiest fix is to install a studor vent or mechanical vent. It is like a check valve so when someone runs water, the vent will open for a second and then close. When you raise the vent, it is very noticeable, but a studor vent is not.

    • @titalx7169
      @titalx7169 2 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber thank you very much. I really appreciate it. Have a nice day.

  • @bethserure2713
    @bethserure2713 2 года назад

    My tenant called to tell me the house smells like sewer.I locked off my master bedroom where I have a master bathroom .could the smell be coming from there because it hasn’t been used in only one months time?

  • @DandyBeingTandi
    @DandyBeingTandi 3 года назад +1

    We just bought a mobile home in September (water wasn't on when we bought it). It had set up for about a year previously. We don't have a septic tank. Had the water turned on and moved in, no problems. The toilet clogged up on my end recently and the tub was slow to drain and about an inch of water backed up in the shower. I was able to unclog the toilet with Dawn, hot water & plunger. A day afterwards, I began smelling the sewer gas smell, only on that end of the house. If I keep my bathroom shut, it helps. If I lean down towards the cleaned toilet, I can really smell it. I don't really smell it much from the tub or shower or sink. I can't afford to call a plumber. Help?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад +1

      Tandi Nicole, you need to pull the toilet and add another wax ring. You might need help lifting the toilet. You need to get all the water out of the bowl and most of it from the tank. Leave the old wax ring there and add another one, even a third ring. The wax ring is called a number one. When you reset the toilet on the wax rings, you can feel the toilet squishing into the wax. Tighten the bolts, a couple of turns on one side, do on other side and repeat. Make sure the toilet does not rock from side to side or front to back. Hope you understand this and good luck. It is not necessary to caulk the base of the toilet. The caulk does not keep the sewer gas out.

  • @victormorales6242
    @victormorales6242 Год назад

    Have you ever smelled sewer gas that smells like garlic? I occasionally have this smell that happens randomly, no pattern to when it shows up, that shows up in my basement and then permeates to the half bath on the first floor and even my second floor bedroom. I thought it might be a natural gas leak but I had the gas company come out and check everything, but nothing was found. I thought it might be coming from my water heater, but it doesn't smell like what I was smelling. I changed the anode rod just in case. I have all my p-traps full. I even checked the trap for my washer, but its fine. I'm afraid that there is a slow leak from the 2nd floor bathroom but there is no evidence of water leaking anywhere. I am at my wits end, please help lol. Thanks and I love your channel.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  Год назад

      The smell might be coming from a dead @animal in a wall. It takes about 15 days and the smell should go away. You have really checked about everything I can think of but a crack in a pipe is a hard thing to find especially if it’s in a wall.

  • @gjackson8811
    @gjackson8811 Год назад

    We are smelling a sewer smell downstairs .. it seems when we use the bathroom toilet we can smell it in our hallway behind the bathroom from our master bedroom?? Can there be a broken pipe leaking sewage?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  Год назад

      @gjackson8811, you might have a plugged vent. When you flush the toilet in the master bathroom, if the vents not working, the flush will siphon the water from the trap seals and cause the sewer gas smell. Another thing, if you have a cracked pipe, you’ll notice water or damage to a wall or ceiling. You might have a bad seal on a toilet. Even though it’s tight and caulked, you can still get a sewer gas smell from that. Is there a bathroom downstairs that you seldom use like a shower or bathtub? Is there a floor drain in that area? If so, pour two cups RV antifreeze into the drain. Antifreeze does not evaporate.

  • @paultaylorgolfinstruction
    @paultaylorgolfinstruction 2 года назад

    My basement was just redone and having the gas smell. Got a plumber coming tomorrow to make sure it was done properly.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      @pdtaylor88, I hope the plumber finds the problem. Hopefully, it’s just a loose connection to one of your gas appliances.

    • @paultaylorgolfinstruction
      @paultaylorgolfinstruction 2 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber drive valve and poor caulking, thanks tho!

  • @debraallen7828
    @debraallen7828 3 года назад

    This problem is driving me and my son crazy . I’m going out to buy some RV antifreeze right now and I will tell you how it goes. Thank you.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад +1

      Debra, hopefully the RV antifreeze will work. Another thing you might want to do is pull the toilets and put two w@x rings under them. You can still get a sewer smell even if the toilets appear to be sealed well.

    • @debraallen7828
      @debraallen7828 3 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber I need to buy another toilet. The tank was cracked. I’ll need to save up for it and then I’ll watch your RUclips videos and see if I can do it myself.I priced a plumber last month . His quote was over $500 . Will the RV antifreeze work if I already pulled the toilet out ?

    • @debraallen7828
      @debraallen7828 3 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber I am wondering if this smell might be coming from very old sewer pies . I live in an old mobile home and the park doesn’t do the major repairs like they should be doing . They just keep patching things up .

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад +3

      Debra, do not buy the RV antifreeze. You need to do more research about the smell. Get underneath the modular home and check for any leaks or cracks in the drain pipes. Check the connection to the sewer line. Make sure the toilet is tight to the floor. Walk around the outside of your home and the neighbors to see if you can smell sewer gas. Hopefully these suggestions will help find the problem so if you need someone to repair it, it might save you some money.

  • @lblasso
    @lblasso 2 года назад

    Thanks, this was very informative.

  • @jamesmooney5348
    @jamesmooney5348 Год назад

    Very good information, thanks....

  • @PPLL463
    @PPLL463 Год назад

    Mr . Grumpy,
    Question? I’m helping a friend clean and pack up an older house . There are 3 floors, I am noticing a sour smell coming from bottom 1st . floor, and second floor , and not smelling it on the 3 rd .. any answers ????

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  Год назад

      @shakennotstirred2739, it could be a dead rodent causing that sour smell.

    • @PPLL463
      @PPLL463 Год назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber , Well , kinda thought that myself. However, the smell comes and goes . Any other possibilities ?

  • @BoneCowboy
    @BoneCowboy 2 года назад

    I need help! Started smelling potent sewer like smell in the bathroom a day ago. It started smelling strong around the shower and the small closet directly outside of the shower (where the pipes are located). Both sink and bathtub have p traps and no Oder is coming from under the toilet. I have not checked the roof vent yet. It’s getting stronger and stronger. We have lived in the house for a little over two years and this is the first time smelling this. Any info or suggestions would be appreciated!

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      Draco Cornelius, is there a fixture you are not using? If there is, add water to the trap. Check and see if you have a dead animal. I would definitely run water in the vent located on the roof.

    • @BoneCowboy
      @BoneCowboy 2 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber thank you for the response. I actually went up on the roof and looked down the vent which was surprisingly very clean and bad order was non existent from the vent. It actually smelled like the beach. Should I still pour water down?
      I got a string whiff of it when I turned the shower on and some suggestions pointed to the rod in the hot water tank. They said it makes water smell like rotten eggs but to me the scent is more like nasty sewage.

    • @BoneCowboy
      @BoneCowboy 2 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber thank you for the response. I actually went up on the roof and looked down the vent which was surprisingly very clean and bad order was non existent from the vent. It actually smelled like the beach. Should I still pour water down?
      I got a string whiff of it when I turned the shower on and some suggestions pointed to the rod in the hot water tank. They said it makes water smell like rotten eggs but to me the scent is more like nasty sewage.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      Draco Cornelius, you answered your own question. It’s the magnesium rod in the water heater. Pull the rod out, flush the heater and either plug it off or install a new rod. You don’t need to buy a new water heater.

  • @nynative137
    @nynative137 2 года назад

    So I have a sewer smell coming from my basement, I'm not sure where our drain is and we use all our bathrooms pretty often. Any suggestions?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      mynative137, you either have a floor drain that has evaporated the water or a sump pump pit that needs to be cleaned or an open drain line from an unfinished/ roughed in bathroom. You need to play detective before hiring a plumber.

  • @TopFitnessStrategies
    @TopFitnessStrategies 3 года назад +1

    Thanks for the video! I have a question about sewage smell. Recently, we had a strong sewage smell coming from out basement. Turns out, the cover of our grinder pump tank, in the downstairs bathroom, had rust holes in it, so I changed the cover about a week ago, no more smell! I cannot bolt the lid down so today I put caulking all around it. Today, we had the AC off and windows open all day. We closed the windows and turned on ac and now our house has a sewage smell to it. It hasn't happened at all since I put the new cover on the tank, until today. I can only assume the smell is related to the cover some how, but no smell until today. Have you ever ran into this? If so, any suggestions? Oh, we are on a septic tank. Thanks!

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад +1

      Andrew Poletto, check all the floor drains and shower drains that are related to that ejector pump. The air conditioner can pull all the moisture out of the traps. If that is the problem, put in enough RV antifreeze in the traps to make a seal and stop the smell. Do you smell it outdoors?

    • @TopFitnessStrategies
      @TopFitnessStrategies 3 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber Thanks! Do not smell it outdoors.

    • @urgentlaborllc8370
      @urgentlaborllc8370 3 года назад

      Hey I smell mines outdoors

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад +2

      Urgent Labor LLC, if you smell sewer gas outdoors, it’s a down draft problem. When you have air flowing over the roof, it will pull the sewer gas smell from the vents down to the ground. How you fix that is you open the septic tank on the end where the pipe is coming from the house and put a 90 degree elbow facing down into the water. That will stop the sewer gas every time.

  • @spencore
    @spencore 9 месяцев назад

    thank you ! hopefully this fixes my problem.. also green lizard photo bomb😅

  • @earthdaddy
    @earthdaddy 8 месяцев назад +1

    Um Isn't it illegal and harmful to dump antifreeze into the sewer?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  8 месяцев назад +1

      That’s why you use RV antifreeze which is non toxic.

    • @earthdaddy
      @earthdaddy 8 месяцев назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber oh ok I wasn't aware that it was different.

  • @michaelarnett9786
    @michaelarnett9786 3 дня назад

    I get a sewer smell in the house when the one and only bath tub is draining. The only bathroom has a toiler, one tub, one sink and one shower. The only time we get the small is when the bathtub is draining. The washer, deep tub sink and kitchen sink are not hooked to the same septic system.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 дня назад

      @@michaelarnett9786 sounds to me, the vent was not installed correctly in the right spot. Does it gurgle when the tub drains? Hopefully it has a trap on it.

  • @officialteetee4652
    @officialteetee4652 4 года назад +1

    Yes I have a bad sewer smell coming up in my house.all my traps are working good .and its coming up in my vents from under my house .I took my sewer cap off and smelled in it all smell good no stinky smell at all.but I looked under my house and I see water lying i under there.

    • @GUSS_LCNM
      @GUSS_LCNM 4 года назад

      You have a broken sewer line. That water is sewage.

  • @Tpachal
    @Tpachal 2 года назад

    Hopefully this gets noticed even though its an older video.
    I have temporary bouts of a smell coming and going from my basement and I haven't really been able to connect it to anything. First I thought it was the dishwasher but I could often run the dishwasher with out getting a smell so the few times I noticed the smell during a cycle must have been a coincidence. Same thing with having a shower, using the toilet, and after a rainfall. I couldn't connect the smell to any of it. The smell seemed to be absolutely random. After watching your video you mentioned un used fixtures and we do have a stand up shower in the laundry room that never gets used. Could that cause a smell in the basement or would I only notice the smell in the laundry room? And if that could be the problem, is antifreeze all I need to shove down there or is there some other things I should try as well?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад +1

      Travis, I would simply add the antifreeze to the drain and don’t add water. P. S. Use RV antifreeze.

  • @carmenacevedo6867
    @carmenacevedo6867 2 года назад

    If I don’t use a bathroom and toilet on the second floor can the odor go down to the basement? I always use the shower in the basement for cleaning the dogs towels but never used the sink…could that be the issue because the smell is ONLY in the basement bathroom

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      Carmen Acevedo, it could be the sink or it could be a floor drain. I always recommend using RV antifreeze in the drains of any fixture not being used. Antifreeze will not evaporate.

  • @leslieyates8957
    @leslieyates8957 2 года назад

    Hi! We did a kitchen remodel approximately 18 months ago. A couple months ago sewer smell is coming from under the sink and from the top drawer (next to the sink) replaced the p trap. Expandable foamed where the pipes are in the drawer ( which fixed the drawer problem) The smell is STILL under the sink. SOS!!!

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      Leslie Yates, during the remodel, the drain might’ve gotten broken or you have a leak. Does it smell in the garbage disposal? If it does, clean the rubber spoon catcher on the disposal.

  • @TheSoundofRainfall
    @TheSoundofRainfall 3 года назад

    Hi guys,
    My wife and I own a house that is scheduled to have sewer installed in the next 2 years or so as we try to ride out the septic system until then. We know we have an old septic tank that leaks, with clay piping etc. We recently replaced the interior sewer exit line, and the plumber did not replace the whole-house trap. I purchased a sewer gas detector, tested it with the propane gas to make sure it was working, and it is. I detected small amounts from the two downstairs sinks, and when I put it close to the ground over the septic fields it went crazy. At some point, I felt that I did small some light odor coming from the sinks last year, but I haven't since.
    I'm trying to figure out what is and isn't a problem, and if we're safe to just continue to ride out this system until we can connect to town sewer.
    Thoughts?
    Thanks guys.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад

      Noah Berger, you could try to dig out the outlet side of the tank, like a 5x5x5 hole. Fill it with gravel, cover it with straw and top soil. This is just a suggestion but you didn’t hear it from me. I tried it on a customer that had your same problem and it worked until they got their sewer.

  • @brittanychozinski8604
    @brittanychozinski8604 3 года назад

    I get an occasional sewer smell in the master bedroom. There is a bathroom on the other side of the north bedroom wall and another bathroom on the west wall. Neither bathroom has a smell and both are frequently used. The smell only occurs in the fall/winter so I think it has something to do with my HVAC. At a loss. Any ideas?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад

      Brittany, check and see if there are any floor drains or unused showers or any plumbing fixtures you don’t use very often. Water might be evaporating from the traps causing a smell. If you have floor drains, add RV antifreeze to the drains to fill the traps. You only need a cup in each drain. You might check to see if you have any loose toilets. P. S. See if this stops it and let me know.

    • @matbutch3790
      @matbutch3790 Год назад

      Did you ever figure this out? This sounds a lot like what I'm experiencing

  • @missygarretson4547
    @missygarretson4547 Год назад

    My washer smells when running. I have taken it apart, cleaned the drum and frame, replaced the water hoses and cleaned the top loader regularly. I am completely dumbfounded about WHERE the odor is coming from. I have also pulled the drain hose out and no smell from there either!! HELP!!

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  Год назад

      So you have a top loader washer and not a front loader? I know front loaders can get a smell if the large rubber gasket around the door is not clean. Have you checked the 2” drain pipe and had it cleaned?

  • @danieb4273
    @danieb4273 5 месяцев назад

    Some good tips here....
    However this is like sewer smells 101...
    I'd love a video that talks about more serious less frequent issues a master plumber may have come across.
    Like sewer smells 301.

  • @Hanna_W
    @Hanna_W 2 года назад

    We are on city sewer and we use our master bathroom regularly but our shower drain smells like a sewer and we haven't been able to figure it out for over 10 years. We had a plumber take a look at the vent and seems to be fine but the smell is still there. We use baking soda and vinegar to make it better for a few days but in less than a weeks time it smells again. Sometimes the baking soda and vinegar doesn't help much. I called a plumber today and he said it could be a hole in the vent and someone with a smoke machine may be able to help. Do you have any suggestions?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      Hanna W, are you positive the smell is coming from the shower? Someone could have hooked the vent up to the shower trap incorrectly. Have the plumber check the drain and the vent. Take a flashlight and check to see if there is water in the trap.

    • @Hanna_W
      @Hanna_W 2 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber Thanks for responding. Both my husband and a plumber checked and there is water in the trap. He also checked the vent and all seems okay. It is very frustrating.

    • @Hanna_W
      @Hanna_W 2 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber Usually when the smell gets intense and I add baking soda and vinegar to the drain, the smell gets so intense and revolting and you can smell it coming from the drain directly. We have two other full bathrooms and there has never been a smell in those.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      Hanna W, I’m sorry I don’t live in your neighborhood so I could come over and check it out. Can your plumber repipe your shower drain? Maybe even relocate it?

    • @Hanna_W
      @Hanna_W 2 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumberThe plumber looked at it about 5 years ago and since then I haven't had it checked. My husband changed the pipes himself and the smell was gone for some time but returned after a few months. I will see if I can find a reputable plumber. What do you think of the suggestion to use a smoke machine to see if there is a hole in the vent?Thanks for your suggestions, you are so helpful.

  • @JoeMama-vv1wk
    @JoeMama-vv1wk 3 года назад +1

    I’m in a mobile home and every time someone takes a shower we smell a sewer smell we tried pouring bleach down the drain and it still doesn’t work

  • @mariliclark2486
    @mariliclark2486 3 года назад +1

    A dead body 😂😂😂😂😂
    🤔Oh yeah I forgot about that body ,I guess out of sight out of mind ,until the smell hits you. Love the dark humor, all fun🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @susiedupas6845
    @susiedupas6845 Год назад

    I have a bad odor in my house since for last 5 months coming out of my A/C vents I have had everything can think of check recheck, a/c pipinibg chane, new heat furance, mold spe oalist, plu.bers, pipes on the roof clean with Zapp, p traps check on regular base, the odor was bad all day, now it seem to get worse starting around 8 and late its so strong I can't stay in my home day or night. No one can smell this odor except for me fonally a week ago the a/c & a plumber smell the odor they thonk it sewer but not sure.This is about to drive me crazy what else can I check or do please, please help. I had spent so much mo ey trying to detect the smell. Thank Help

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  Год назад

      @susiedupas6845, has anyone looked for floor drain or open pipe in the basement? If you find a floor drain, add antifreeze into the trap. Antifreeze does not evaporate. The next thing I would check are the toilets. You’re probably going to tell me they are all down tight and have been caulked well. If the toilet flange that the toilet is bolted to sits more than a half an inch below the finished floor, you need to raise it flushed with the finished floor or a 1/4” above the finished floor. Above the finished floor is better. You can repair that by using a repair closet flange and spacers. Don’t use closet rings to repair but can be used as spacers for the repair flange. A good plumber will know what I’m talking about. If you are on a septic tank, you need to add a 90degree elbow on the inlet pipe of the septic tank. Make sure it goes at least 2” below the water line. If you have a sump pump in the basement or a sewage ejector pump, you need to clean it. Unplug the pump, add water about 6-8 inches above the pump, add a gallon of Clorox bleach and let it sit for about an hour, plug the pump in and flush the tank out 3-4 times. Has the heating guy checked to make sure no varmint died in the hot air pipe? Rodents can chew through flexible ducking. It takes about 4-5 weeks for the smell to go away. Just make sure all the plumbing fixtures in the house has a trap on them and have water in them. Make sure to check the washing machine drain. Sorry you are dealing with this.

  • @gk_filer
    @gk_filer 4 года назад

    I'm going to try the elbow in the septic tank to solve the downdraft issue Thanks

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  4 года назад

      That should work Greg as long as the elbow and a piece of pipe go just below the water line. You’re very welcome.

    • @TravisDoesFirewood
      @TravisDoesFirewood 4 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber I live on a hill and I swear the smell is coming from the roof vents. I'll try the elbow down at the inlet (pipe from the house to the tank/s, correct?). But what about charcoal studor vents a the roof pipe vent; what brand would you reommend?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  4 года назад +1

      Travis, Studor vent is a brand name. Dig up the opening to the septic tank, put the elbow on the inlet piece of pipe, add a piece a pipe until it’s just below the water line in the tank. I’ll bet that will work and you won’t need the Studor vent.

    • @TravisDoesFirewood
      @TravisDoesFirewood 4 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber Thank you for the quick response. I was using Studor as a general name for the vent ;) I think I can do the elbow with the filter setup I have. Will check tomorrow.

    • @TravisDoesFirewood
      @TravisDoesFirewood 4 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber The lid is on an extension piece so I don't have to dig two feet every time to get to my tanks. The bottom of the extension is like 2" from the T of the inlet = I don't have enough room to fit a 90. I could just cap it off (temporarily) but my concern, since I cover the lids with a tarp and ~2-3" of sand, that the capping off/putting a 90 on the inlet wouldn't make a difference vs. the actual lid for the tanks. No need to respond further if you don't have time; I think I've tapped out on my free advice already ;)

  • @luckyspin956
    @luckyspin956 3 года назад

    I just called the warranty department to come and check it out, but this is a new house, and the smell is horrible. On a new house, what do you think could have been installed incorrectly that is causing the smell to come up into the house? I've been here for a month, new construction, we moved in as soon as the house completed.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад

      Hector Gonzalez, you probably have a down draft coming from the vents. If you are on a septic, put an elbow on the inlet pipe dumping into the septic and it should be just below the water line in the tank. If on a sewer, you might put cheater vents on the vent pipes. They are like check valves that put air into the vents. Another thing you could do is go in the bathrooms, get on the floor next to the toilets, and see if you smell sewer gas. If you do, you need to add one more wax ring to the toilet flange. Do not exceed two w@x rings. Check and see if you have any floor, shower, or lav drains that have not been used yet. You can pour antifreeze in the floor drains and that will make a trap seal and will not evaporate. For the other drains, run water for 30 seconds. See if any of these ideas alleviate your problem.

  • @SarahPowers-b6v
    @SarahPowers-b6v 11 месяцев назад

    A little background info first: We have an earth shelterd home built in the early 80s. We have a well and septic system. We have 2 fullbaths, one off the main livingroom and the other is our master bath with has a jacuzzi tub and a stand up shower. Its a single floor home sitting on a cement slab. There is no basement. Essentially all our plumbing pipes, hot water and blue tank washing machine, muck sink etc is in our "Backroom". Each bathroom is located to the left and right of the "Backroom" For almost a year now we've had a foul smell that happens in our "backroom" on and off. We dont smell it in the bathrooms at all. For a while we couldn't narrow down what was causing it, when it would occur, where exactly it was coming from. We first thought maybe it was a dead mouse we couldn't locate but the smell never went away just got stronger and weaker at times. Now I'm realizing it gets much stronger when someone in our home showers in the main bathroom. As I just watched your video, I remembered that the stand up shower in the master bathroom hasn't been used for over a year due to broken tiles. We haven't wanted to put the money and time into fixing it yet so we just use the other shower off the living room. no big deal. Or we use the jacuzzi tub. But I'm now curious if because we don't use that other shower if that could be a cause of the smell in the "backroom". So I guess my main question is, if the trap of that unused shower has dried up would that foul smell typically come from that drain only or could that be the cause of the smell in the "backroom" . We don't have any smell coming from the unused drain or that bathroom so we're just trying to figure this out. Thanks in advance for any advice you may have

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  11 месяцев назад +1

      Put RV antifreeze in the shower drain, about 2 cups. I’d also look for any floor drains in the “back room” or any fixtures that are not being used. Pour antifreeze in those traps. A trap weir is designed to hold water that keeps the smell out of your house. If you have air conditioning, that can suck the water from the trap, especially when you don’t use the fixture. Check that out.

    • @SarahPowers-b6v
      @SarahPowers-b6v 11 месяцев назад

      Thanks so much

  • @craigpowers4867
    @craigpowers4867 4 года назад

    I live in a park model and I’m getting a sewer smell from the washing machine drain, is there a trap on this drain too?

  • @adamjuarez9752
    @adamjuarez9752 Год назад

    Getting a small from the clean out in the front yard

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  Год назад

      Remove the clean out plug, pipe dope and Teflon tape the threads on the plug. If you have a cap on the drain, put a new rubber coupling connection on it. If there is a mushroom cap on it, which is called an overflow, remove it and cap it off. I never thought a mushroom cap was a good idea and most inspectors don’t allow them.

  • @jewelclark1039
    @jewelclark1039 3 года назад

    I have this smell of gas in my bathroom. I use to have two bathrooms and one of them was removed. I have an old house that is up off the ground and I went under it and found that the pipes from the old bathroom were not capped off. The pipe that came from the toilet (cast iron pipe) was removed and the balance of the pipe that has three openings were stuffed with rags. I had a backup in the sewage line and material came out of it. Can this be causing this smell of sewage in my other bathroom?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад

      Jewel, yes, most definitely. The pipes need to be capped off.

  • @laurenbooth3044
    @laurenbooth3044 2 года назад

    What would it mean if anytime we flush the toilet, use shower, or sink in guest bathroom the whole house smells like sewer blown through the A/C vents?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      Lauren Booth, the first thing I would try is to replace the wax rings with two new wax rings on the guest bathroom toilet.

  • @manyourcoolchris
    @manyourcoolchris 8 месяцев назад

    Super helpful thanks!

  • @clarkclark9832
    @clarkclark9832 3 года назад +1

    The little lizard on the wall must be Grumpy's mascot.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад

      Clark, great idea to make the little lizard my mascot! 😂

  • @VaL-ln3im
    @VaL-ln3im 3 года назад

    Hey guys, we have a rotten egg smell in our house as well. We have a septic tank. Any advice on what we should do? Thank you in advance.
    Btw, he’s not grumpy lol. He’s very knowledgeable. Thanks for sharing.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад +1

      VaL, do you notice that rotten egg smell when taking a shower? That is caused from the magnesium rod in the water heater. You can pull the rod and drain the heater and then flush it. If it’s an older heater, just leave the rod out or replace it if you have a newer heater. If the smell is coming from the septic tank, open the end where the pipe is coming from the house and put a 90 degree elbow on the end of the pipe. The elbow should break just below the water line. That will stop the smell.

    • @chadspinalbosd007
      @chadspinalbosd007 Год назад

      Do you have natural gas?

  • @matbutch3790
    @matbutch3790 Год назад

    Can sewer gas only smell like poop? I have a mild poop smell that comes and goes in my basement, but in the bedroom is where it's strongest. The bathroom itself which isn't attached to the bedroom doesn't really smell like poop and it gets used daily. It's not that typical rotten egg smell. It smells like poop. We are hooked up to city sewer so no septic tank. We have never had issues with the sewer. Maybe it's something entirely unrelated to the sewer like stinky carpeting etc? It's making me crazy.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  Год назад +1

      @matbutch3790, if you have plumbing fixtures in the basement that aren’t used often or a floor drain in the basement, put some water in the drains and see if that stops the smell. If there is a toilet in the basement, smell around the base and if there is an odor, reset the toilet with a couple of wax rings. Check and see if you have any wet/ soiled carpet. It’s hard for me to tell because I’m not there. Check things out before calling a plumber.

  • @uwuloluwu
    @uwuloluwu 3 года назад

    hmmm my basement big black pvc (Wyes) pipe there big triangular water stain is and there is sewer smell coming from heater vent going into my 1st floor bathroom

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад

      kam, if it’s a black pipe then it is ABS. You should repair it which shouldn’t be hard to do. I bet the sewer smell is probably coming from the base of your toilet. I would pull the toilet and add a couple of number one wax rings.

  • @trulyagoose
    @trulyagoose 2 года назад +1

    Can somebody explain one for a rusty smell that suddenly bursts through your house with no warning? My house smells like rust all of a sudden and it’s very confusing-

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад

      TrulyAGoose, very confusing indeed….I don’t know what to tell you.

    • @trulyagoose
      @trulyagoose 2 года назад +1

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber I actually found this out btw, but thank you for the concern! Apparently, *MY FUCKING AIR CONDITIONER CAUGHT FIRE-* But no yeah lmao it’s a good thing we caught it

  • @jiddukelvin9132
    @jiddukelvin9132 2 года назад

    This miraculously seemed to solve my very bad downdraft of septic smell from the roof vents problem (especially when it's cold outside)--and it did for two days--but alas it has returned. The septic guy put a plug in the top of the T pipe going into my tank (which is pretty deep), and it seemed to work instantly. But suddenly it's back. Any suggestions? I canceled a smoke test I had scheduled--but now I'm wondering if I should go ahead with it. None of the plumbers and septic experts I've had out has solved this. One plumber put charcoal filters on the vents, but that drove the smell into the house. Could there be a leak in a pipe or vent somewhere? Any help would be very much appreciated! At our wits end--oppressed by toxic air outside our house and sometimes inside! Btw I believe the T goes down more than 2" into the tank, and I'm not sure the septic guy fully secured the plug, since it's fairly deep and hard to reach. Could that be the/an issue?

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  2 года назад +1

      Jidda Kelvin, if it worked for two days, I would check the plug again. Another thing you could do is install studor vents on the vents outdoors. They act like a reverse check valve. I think you found the problem with the septic pipe smell so try that.

    • @Jiddu-g3w
      @Jiddu-g3w 16 дней назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber please help! the problem is back (it's been years trying to solve this). I checked the plug in the septic tank and had a plumber re-do it. That stopped smells coming from the roof vents, but now the smells are coming up from the ground around the tank (there is a ground vent, which he sealed better, but the smell still comes up), and that's worse than the downdraft. Could he have put the plug in the wrong pipe? Could the pipe go down too deep? Now he wants to put yet another plug in the fluids(?) outlet/inlet(?) (or somewhere, in addition to wherever he put it--there are two lids to the septic tank (is one solids and the other fluids?)--I think you say put a cap on the one closest to the house, though mine are close to each other, so it's hard to be sure which is which). He said this will trap the gas. Is this safe? Will it work? Any advice here? The gas has to go somewhere, no? And if it's not going out through the roof, it's coming up through the ground, unless the gas just gets trapped. But wouldn't trapped gas create pressure and then somehow damage the system or worse? I tried studor vents, but that didn't work either. Would extending the vents above the ridgeline work (though not sure how to do that, how to secure them if they go up high)? The roof vents don't go very high up, we're on a bit of a hill, and the roof has lots of weird angles--perhaps that contributes to the downdraft problem.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  9 дней назад

      @@Jiddu-g3w first thing I would recommend is when you have the lid off the septic tank, push your plumber into it. I want you to do it like this: put an elbow on the inlet pipe in the septic tank and make sure it goes at least 2” below the water line. The sewer smell is only above the water level in the tank. When you open the tank and it’s full of waste then that means you’re having problems with your drain field. That’s a different problem than your sewer gas smell. Thank goodness you didn’t do the smoke test. Check to make sure there is water or RV antifreeze in the floor drains.

  • @georgeconnell2432
    @georgeconnell2432 Год назад

    Lately when it rains heavy i get sewer smell in my house in the basement too. Can't find any leaks drains work good toilet flushs good . Only one bathroom in home. Can't locate the source but makes the hole house smell. If anyone mite know what's going on could you let know I appreciate it ty.

  • @garydohe
    @garydohe 4 года назад +2

    Cooking oil does the same job as antifreeze

  • @50toinfinityatleast
    @50toinfinityatleast 3 года назад

    Is it possible that collapsed storm water pipes in my backyard and side yard are causing my ejector pump to back up? Apparently my upstairs and one downstairs the toilets and everything are all going to one ejector pump! All I know about this is that it’s wrong and that I have had collapsed stormwater pipes in my backyard that the city has been promising to fix for at least 15 months now. Any ideas you have would be so helpful. Thank you so much. I’m so tired of having crazy plumbing problems in my house. It’s my home and I don’t wanna have to get rid of it just because of this I’ve worked too hard as a single mom to keep this home :-(

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад +1

      Always Learning, you might have a bad check valve on the ejector pump that won’t allow it to discharge the waste. It’s not the storm drain because it is not connected to your sewer system. I really think it’s the check valve. Hope this helps.

    • @50toinfinityatleast
      @50toinfinityatleast 3 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber thank you so much for replying !! That helps a lot.

  • @barnaclebill1615
    @barnaclebill1615 2 года назад

    Thanks very much kind sir! 👍👍😁

  • @aimlessnow
    @aimlessnow 3 года назад

    Hi. I bought house in Dec. It has a bit sewer smell in main bathroom occasionally. The house was vacant at viewings... not sure for how long. No smell from ensuite bathroom which is very close to main one. We changed the wax seal which was a mess. This was yesterday. The laminate floor under the toilet is logged with water...i assume its water. Hopefully will dry out. It doesnt smell though. We figured this resolved problem but now last night we noticed when fan was on the smell returned. Turned it off smell gone. So i turned fan on in master bath today and got the odor in my bedroom but when i checked the main bath with toilet other side of my bedroom wall...no smell. So ive determined the smell is related to air moving. How can i fix this. Im a woman but im handy. Hoping i dont need plumber.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад

      Linda, pull the toilet and dry out the floor. If the flange sits below the finished floor, use two wax rings. If that doesn’t stop the smell, check the shower drain with a flashlight to see if there is water in the trap. If you have a tub, you really can’t see if there is water in the trap. Is there a window in the bathroom and do you leave it open? If open, close it and see if the smell goes away. See if any of these things work. I’m almost positive the smell is coming from the toilet. Do not open any walls until you check these other things out.

    • @aimlessnow
      @aimlessnow 3 года назад

      @@TheGrumpyPlumber ty. I will try these things. Neither of my bathrooms have windows. The smell is back last night when kitchen range hood fan was on. No tubs in either bathroom. Both have showers, sinks and toilets only.

    • @TheGrumpyPlumber
      @TheGrumpyPlumber  3 года назад

      Linda, it is definitely the toilet. Put in two wax rings or put a repair flange on to raise the toilet flange. Make sure you use a number one wax ring.

    • @aimlessnow
      @aimlessnow 3 года назад

      So we just placed a 2nd wax seal. The flange was level with floor on left side of toilet but right side was below the floor slightly. Seal is from plumbshop ps2091 EF. Not sure if that is a # 1 or not. Hopefully this resolves issue. Ill let you know. Ty Much.

    • @aimlessnow
      @aimlessnow 3 года назад

      So we thought the dual seal was working however we are still getting the smell but not as often.

  • @joshuanorris9785
    @joshuanorris9785 3 года назад +1

    thanks fellas!