A few of us recently moved into a duplex, my girlfriend and i were cleaning out the closet from webs and dust when we noticed a pipe in the closet, at further inspection, we noticed this pipe stinks. We removed any clothes we had in the closet from fear it would smell. We know the pipe is directly connected to the bathroom toilet upstairs and it everything must go through that pipe in our closet. We need to get rid of this smell, and perhaps put a wall up around this pipe. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
2007-07-23 02:58:59 · 13 answers · asked by PHOSHO™ 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I believe you have a sewer gas issue. Call out a plumber and have them check it out because the fumes can make you sick.
2007-07-23 03:02:12 · answer #1 · answered by ubiquitous_mr_lovegrove 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
if you have a P-trap there would be no sewer gas smell. If you can access where the pipe goes into your basement (if you have one) you may be able to see up into the wall from underneath to verify if there is a trap on the line. As a temporary fix, when the washing machine is not in use, remove the hose and stuff a rag into the drain hole. Make sure it is long enough that you don't push it into the drain where you can't get it out again. If you can live with a small hole in your wall behind the washing machine, cut a hole there and see if there is a trap. You can also get a pre-mde plastic access hole cover at most Home Improvement stores. You cut a hole in the wall to install it.
2016-05-21 00:23:30 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you say "pipe", do you mean a drain pipe? If it is a floor drain, simply pour about a quart of water in it every month or so.
It is code that every drain with opening to the sewer must have a "trap" ( an elbow that water can be trapped in to keep air from backing up into the living space.)
If the drain is never used, the water dries up and the sewer smell starts...those gases are not safe either....that is why it is in the safety code.
I had one in a closet in my old townhouse....and once I thought about pouring the water in, the whole problem was gone.
2007-07-26 13:11:17 · answer #3 · answered by novamanassas 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what the pipe is made of. If it is cast iron, made up of short sections joined at a bell shaped joint, you probably have a leak at one of those joints which could be caulked or sealed with epoxy putty. This is an emergency repair only. It is also possible the pipe may be corroded through if it is old enough. PVC pipe (plastic pipe) is cemented at the joints and is usually very reliable, but it is possible that there is defective workmanship involved, especially if your duplex is one of the new slammed-up ones. These leaks can usually be patched after-the-fact with the same two part solvent-cement system the pipe should have been put together with in the first place. If the pipe is lightweight plated brass, which is sometimes found in 1970's vintage buildings, it is probably rotted through and needs replacement. Ir you are renting the place, you can raise a stink with your landlord about the stink in the closet and maybe get them to fix it. I wish you well.
2007-07-23 03:07:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
does the pipe end in your closet with a cap on it that looks like it might have a spring loaded top? If so, this is a vent that is not legal in many building codes for exactly the reason you mentioned. If there is no cap, and the pipe runs through and back out the closet, check to see if there are leaking seams.
Call the landlord and insist that they inspect the pipe and replace or repair it if it is faulty. If they resist, tell them you will call building inspection if you can't get it resolved, as you don't intend to live in a sewer.
2007-07-23 03:04:31 · answer #5 · answered by John M 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
if you are renting then it's up to the landlord to fix the stench issue...I think I had the same issue years back when my father, brother and I moved into a duplex....the bathroom was behind one of my two closets and one time the stench was horrible (from the pipes that ran behind the closet). it resolved itself and never stunk again, but I can see where you are comming from here. My only idea for now is to hang some air fresheners in there...
2007-07-23 03:04:44 · answer #6 · answered by ♥Mommy to 3 year old Jacob and baby on the way♥ 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Hiya that sounds terrible! i can empathise with you because i have the same problem with petrol when we go on holiday. All i can suggest is like you said to put something around the pipe to trap the smell inside it. Is there any way you could vent this smelly air outside or de-oderise it like using oust or something. I'm sorry thats all i can suggest but if it gets worse or just wont go away consider getting someone like a plumber in to have a good luck at it. He/she might be able to offer valuable advice and are most likey to help you with it!
Good luck! it sounds terrible...
Ruth xx
2007-07-23 03:05:23 · answer #7 · answered by Rufu99 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I would say that there is a leak in the wax seal under the upstairs toilet and the smell is actually coming through the wall or ceiling.
2007-07-23 03:17:55 · answer #8 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
It must have a broken seal. Have maintenance notified immediately. They may either relace the pipe or put some waterproof epoxy for metal around all joints.
2007-07-23 03:06:25 · answer #9 · answered by coolbreeze44105 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You have a broken seal somewhere, or the p-trap has gone bad. You will need to have a plumber come out and look at it. If you are renting, the mainenance department of the complex can fix it quickly
2007-07-23 03:08:19 · answer #10 · answered by Michelle J 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋