septic stink in basement - help!

[MikeD74T]

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I took WanyeB's comment to mean that if the tank had not been pumped for a long interval that line blockage might have occurred. The recent pumping might not have cleared that blockage.
You apparently took it to mean he can't read and you can!!! MikeD74t

 

[MikePA]

You apparently took it to mean he can't read and you can!!! MikeD74t

I made no assumptions about anyone's ability to read. It's not unusual for people to make posts in threads without reading all the previous posts. So, I posted what hazmat said.

 

[WayneB]

I made no assumptions about anyone's ability to read. It's not unusual for people to make posts in threads without reading all the previous posts. So, I posted what hazmat said.

Mike and Mike (and not in the morning) don't worry about me.............darn I am just getting olde! But, sure hope he finds the problem! there is a Mike and Mike in the morning show on ESPN!

Wayne

 

[hazmat]

Smell showed up this fall. When the honey wagon was here I told him of the odor problem. He had me flush the toilet & listened for the flow to the tank. Said it sounded OK (ie not blocked). We did not snake the line from the house to the tank. From the inside, waste sounds like it is exiting the house at a good rate (ie not backing up towards the house) - but who really knows???

The only plumbing of interest (with a waste line) in the basement is the washing machine. No sump pumps etc.

I'll directly inspect the laundry trap to see if it is being vacuumed.

Thanks for the advice. Might have to call the plumber back to work on the vent lines (getting to the roof requires a 40foot ladder which is a 2 man operation, not a me & my 5'2 110# wife operation). Maybe he has a methane sniffer?

 

[davitk]

This likely has nothing to do do with your problem, but is worth noting. Replaced a sump pump with a larger unit (bigger is better, right? ). Washing machine drains into pit, sump pump turns on, pumps to overhead drain line. Rate of flow from new pump is so high it vacuums the traps from kitchen sink.

Stinky kitchen.

 

[shaley]

Hey Haz, Just a guess, but if cloth lint is caught in a trap it can wick the water out in a matter of hours. Worth a try. Also, you might run a test on the washer drain by removing the hose and duct tape the top closed and see if odor goes away.

 

[kenmac]

can you locate the smell ?? Ie, bathroom etc, Pvc drains from sinks will get a build up of soap, dish washing det. etc, & you will get this odor. I 've had to take apart the plumbing under sinks & clean this stuff out. It is worse where a dishwasher emptys into the sink drain. You can also pour bleach down the dranis & let it sit for a while . This should help . If you decide to take the plumbing apart under the sinks. Hold your nose as this stuff stinks bad ! I have even replaced the drain parts ( pvc) with the brass ( chrome plated) pipe to cure the problem

 

[hazmat]

Thanks for the last couple replies - it makes me feel better that I'm not he only one experienceing a stinky house.

 

[crbr]

Check your shallow P trap on the drain line of the central AC unit (if you have that particular mechanical service).

 

[MossRoad]

Welcome to the wonderful world of sewerage!

If you smell "that smell" in your house, it is most likely a venting problem. You said the septic guy heard and saw the water come into the septic tank when you flushed, so that would mean the line from that stool to your septic is clear. And you have experienced no drainage problems. So my guess is one of your vents is plugged and the gas is coming back out through one of the traps in your sink, bathtub, toilet, etc....

When you flush any of your toilets or drain any of your sinks or tubs, have you ever heard a bubbling or gurgling glub glub sound coming out of another sink, drain or tub? If so, that means there is a venting problem on that circuit, as it should never pull air down another trap, but rather through the vents.

Best of luck.