Can an electrostatic furnace filter cause a smell similar to sewer gas in my laundry room?

Question

I have had a very foul smell in my laundry room (also where my furnace is) that resembles sewer gas. I have had six plumbers leave scratching their heads. I have had all of my toilets professionally replaced, drains snaked, and a even had a smoke bomb test done today, so I know that there is no crack in a visible pipe or a blockage in any vent pipes. The next step is to have my basement floor ripped apart to proceed with a very expensive camera test. This is getting awful pricey. I was asked if I use "electrostatic furnace filters" today and I do. Could that be the cause? Anyone? I am at my wits end. It is no longer comfortable in my own home. I can't run the furnace and it is getting colder. I would be so grateful for any light that could be shed on this very frustrating and puzzling matter.

I tried disconnecting what I thought was only to the electrostatic filter, but shut the entire furnace off. The 6th plumber said that the only way to get a camera down the drain was to go through the basement floor because we have something called a "back water preventer" and a P trap and the camera will not maneuver through such angles. I am at a loss. I know what natural gas smells like versus sewer. Without sounding crude-- it smells like.... crap mixed in with a dirty drain.. a diaper genie... just.. foul. It is the hardest smell to explain and it originates in the basement. Thank you for your suggestions.

Answer 1

We had an electrostatic filter for years and never noticed any unusual smells. If you think the electrostatic filter is causing the odor, disconnect the power to just that part of the heating system and run the rest of furnace as usual, and see if the smell is still there. Also if you haven't already done so, check for gas leaks (if you have gas pipes).

Added: how old is the house/pipes? Also, did the problem appear suddenly, at full stench, or did it gradually get worse? How long has this been going on? Did this start after any renovations or repairs?

Answer 2

No high efficiency filters do not cause sulfur odors. It is possible that you have a broken sewer line under your floor.

Look for a plumber that will put a camera down your sewer line to look for a break in the pipe. There is no need to tear up the slab to snake a camera. They put in the cleanout or through a toilet.

Also look for dead stuff like mice or rats they make an awful stink similar to sewer gas.

Have you had somebody test your furnace for gas leaks? The additive they add to natural gas smells like sewer gas.

Answer 3

electro stactic filters dont make hydrogen sulfide, or sulfer dioxide.

i would venture the sewer gas is coming out of a drain that does not have a "P" trap (usually the washing machine)

Possum, HVAC guy