Plumbing help- there's an odor...
by
Alex_mercer
+2
We moved into to a new house in Toronto, a year back. At first, it stunk a lot especially when it was quite windy. What we did was, initially, put fittings on the vent channels suspecting that perhaps the breeze was hitting them at a point, causing a vacuum and drying out the p-traps. Our old septic tank died on us last winter. The owner didn't even know where the tank was to have it pumped. So we decided to put in another tank. The odours deteriorated over time. And now, it's back, good grief! I am getting extremely annoyed about this. My wife is home all day with 2 kids, the youngest baby being only 8 months old. I am worried about the effects on their health due to these odours. I requested the mortgage holder to get a plumber to settle this but he really doesn't seem to be bothered. So, I did a bit of research and checked to find a drain cleaning agency. If you don't mind, please suggest if it's any good or some alternatives. Cost isn't really an issue and I'm from Toronto.
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Maybe have old septic pumped. Hopefully its not leaking in the ground and thats why the smell.
Public Health Inspector - Landlord - Insurance?
Is there an air vent in the drain pipe system? It usually is hidden in a wall and goes up through the roof. Look for it outside. They are usually around 1 1/2" pipe. The air vent prevents a vaccum from forming when you drain a large amount of water suddenly (like flush a toilet). If no air can enter the drain system as the water travels down the pipes it will suck all the water out of your traps, allowing sewer gas back into the house. Many years ago they were often placed just outside the foundation and looked like a candy cane made out of iron pipe. You will need a plumber to add one if necessary. It is not good to breath sewer gas!
Something is clearly wrong here. I think you need to have the whole system inspected, new and old as well as get the old one pumped and check the filters for both. The filters for out home are recommended to be cleaned every 6 months. The old tank may not be sealed properly and will overflow into the yard especially when it rains. Is there a pump involved (vs.gravity system)? If so and its not working the liquid is not being pumped out. Was the old system disabled or is it acting as containment in anyway and any part of your home? Is the drain field working? I find it odd that the plumber and mortgage company are not overly concerned here. The good news is that is not currently backing up into your house. What I would do, keep in mind that I am in the US, is check my paperwork if see if the owner disclosed the septic system. If not, you may have recourse. In the US you can not transfer ownership without the septic being pumped and inspected which the mortgage company should have required. The mortgage company should also have pulled the title work or contracted it out to know what the septic situation was. When you put in the new tank was a permit required and an inspection? Know the laws for your area and contact whatever agency is in charge of this mess for further information. Good luck to you.
It is possible your vent pipe is blocked by a dead bird or other animal.