Smell in Cabin -- gas from septic?

[dave1949]

Hmmm. If it really doesn't have a septic and drain vent, I would add one.

The vent would usually be a 2" or 3" PVC pipe; a tee or wye connection to a drain line and going up through the roof.

 

[Ford850]

I still say check the toilet. I had a similar experience, and it was difficult to trace. The house smelled in different places at different times. Eventually after leaving the one bathroom door closed unintentionally while we were away, helped us narrow it down to that room. I wasn't sure until I closed the door again and sealed the bottom gap with a towel for a day. That held the odor to that bathroom. After checking everything else in there, I finally pulled the stool and replaced the wax ring. Problem solved.
Of course that might not be your issue, but try closing doors to see if you can at least narrow down your problem area. Good luck.

 

[DrRod]

Hmmm. If it really doesn't have a septic and drain vent, I would add one.

The vent would usually be a 2" or 3" PVC pipe; a tee or wye connection to a drain line and going up through the roof.

Good point. There is a pipe that emerges from the roof above the bathroom but can't be sure where it ties in or if its open [like not clogged with a dead squirrel or something]. I'll check that out as well.

 

[DrRod]

I still say check the toilet. I had a similar experience, and it was difficult to trace. The house smelled in different places at different times. Eventually after leaving the one bathroom door closed unintentionally while we were away, helped us narrow it down to that room. I wasn't sure until I closed the door again and sealed the bottom gap with a towel for a day. That held the odor to that bathroom. After checking everything else in there, I finally pulled the stool and replaced the wax ring. Problem solved.
Of course that might not be your issue, but try closing doors to see if you can at least narrow down your problem area. Good luck.

Another good point. The whole plumbing system was redone about 20 years ago. The guys who did it were some locals who did most things well but had a bit of sloppiness to some aspects. Might be time to call in a real plumber but I'm afraid he'll find something not up to code and we will end up ripping out pipes, walls, trenches, et al.

 

[Loadstar]

You check for sewer gas leaks with plumbing smoke bombs. It is about as hard as tying your shoes. Last good one I did with a plumber was at a red lobster. We found a couple toilets and a urinal with bad seals. They had us do it before opening and the whole restaurant smelled like smoked **** when it opened.