Sewers
Sewer Gas and a Drain question?
Hi I have a sewer gas odor in my laundry room. I discoevred the source the other day I was laying a new floor when I happened to be over the drain in the room, which I originally thought was just a trough in the floor. However when someone upstairs took a shower the sewer gas smell began to rise from the drain in the floor. Here is my question, is there a trap in there that maybe dry? Is it ok to pour water into it? I know that sounds odd but I am so unsure about what to do to this. Thanks BBB I guess I should add I cannot see into the drain, it is a largeish hole in the floor, tht narrows at about 4 to 6 inches in. Will it have a trap? I( think it's called a bell drain) it was obviuosly a part of the original construction (1978 built).
Public Comments
- there should be a u-bend at the bottom of your pipe that keeps the gases from coming up. the u-bend will fill with water that wont let it happen.
- you can pour some cooking oil into the drain. the water will pass under the oil, leaving the oil in the trap to block the gas from rising into the house. you may have to top off the oil from time to time.
- "Here is my question, is there a trap in there that maybe dry? __________________ Bingo. Pour a bucket of water into the drain and the trap will be full and the smell will go away. If the drain is not used regularly, the water will evaporate, so pour some water in on a regular basis and your problem is solved.
- traps need water,did it just start or what?
