Smelly Drains?
Smelly Drain Pointers
- The well-designed and correctly installed plumbing system is odorless. Odors are most likely to arise from leaks in the waste or vent piping, or from traps which have lost their water seal. There are many opportunities for odors to result from incorrectly installed systems, particularly if not properly vented.
- Unusual odors should never be ignored. Such odors are often an indication that sewer gas is present. Sewer gas, while not always deadly, is noxious and capable of causing headaches and other minor illnesses. Sewer gas is foul smelling air and should be prevented from entering the house.
- If it is suspected that sewer gas is entering through a leak in the piping, a plumber will subject the system to a test either by means of smoke, water or oil of peppermint. The test will indicate the location of the leak.
- In order to explain how sewer gas may enter a house through a plumbing fixture, it is necessary to clarify the function of traps and vents.
- Every plumbing fixture is the terminus of the municipal water supply system and the beginning of the municipal sewerage system. The faucets control the water supply. The traps and vents control the sewer air. They do so by a very simple method. Sewer air will not penetrate a water barrier. Therefore, a device is employed which keeps several inches of water between the house air and the sewer air. This is the trap, which is plainly visible under such plumbing fixtures as sinks. It is built into toilets. In the case of bathtubs and showers, it is usually concealed in the floor or basement.
- A trap would lose its water seal by siphonic action every time a fixture is used unless the air on the sewer side is balanced with the air on the house side. This is the function of the vents. Occasionally, due to changes in atmospheric conditions, a correctly vented trap will lose its seal. Usually, when a trap loses its seal, it is due either to incorrect design of the vents, absence of vents or to evaporation of the water in the trap. Traps under fixtures that are used infrequently should be filled with water from time to time to ensure an adequate trap seal.
If you still have a problem call us at 630-554-3336 to schedule a service call.