Thanks to all who gave me their opinion of where this annoying smell from a bathroom could come from. After a month of searching the owners have located the source of the smell: it came from a faulty sink. The odor was coming directly from the overflow holes in the sink.
Carol
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Replies
Was there no water run in that sink?, ie filling the P-trap underneath, blocking the sewer smell. Thanks for the update, Jim J
The water seal in a P-trap does not seal the overflow. It got full of junk for some reason or another. Maybe a flawed design. Maybe it just happened. I would put Bio-Clean in the overflow and that would take care of it.
The water in a p trap DOES seal the overflow... from sewer gasses.
I think the point was that with no water in the trap, even if the drain were plugged, sewer gasses could move freely up through the overflow on the sink.
But my thinking on the cause was like yours. The p trap has nothing to do with it. It is not sewer gasses. There is a biological culture or something in the overflow. Use bleach, or bio clean or whatever to clean out the overflow.
: )
One way to do this with guaranteed results is to remove the p trap. Put a cap over the bottom of the drain pipe. Plug the drain. Then slowly pour a strong bleach solution into the overflow,(maybe half and half with water.), until the entire overflow is full.
Leave that overnight, and there is not a culture in existance that would survive the caustic environment in there, even if the solution did not actualy touch some spots.
In the morning, put a 5 gallon bucket under the drain pipe. Remove the cap. Replace the p trap. Flush the sink out. (Wash the bleach solution off your hands, and basicaly clean out the sink at the same time.) Don't bother flushing out the overflow unless the bleach smell is just too much for you.
A good heart embiggins even the smallest person.
Quittin' Time
you are good. were you a plumber in a past life? your insight makes me wonder.
I've earned a few paychecks as an unlicensed plumber.
Never had any complaints of even the slightest kind. Ever. No callbacks, and every code inspection passed as unsurpassed, above and beyond. Just like any electrical work I have done.
"Fixing" a bad plumbing job is a bit like fixing the wiring on a car. You trace the problem to it's source, and fix the source problem correctly. You figure out what caused the source problem in the first place, and you take steps to make sure it never happens again.
You don't just treat the symptoms.
The real source of a problem is not always readily apparent. You have to be able to think in three dimensions, and to logicaly follow a course that you cannot physicaly see.
I haven't had any past lifes that I am aware of. LOL
: ) A good heart embiggins even the smallest person.
Quittin' Time
Luka and Wet Head Warrior, it's discussions such as these that I enjoy so much about this Breaktime. Not only enjoyment, but I learn, and I hope too remember, "Gunk in the overflow space". Luka what you just posted ie symptons vs source problems, hit Home for me. My HVAC guy thought in three D and I hope cured the Problems on a swamp cooler. For some reason the Plumber "Had three copper runs all tied together" feed, drain,and??, Anywho, each start-up season, burst pipe in HO attic,, Uggg, Swamp is on the Roof, last year we just fixed the sympton, two days ago I hope we fixed the Source problem, won't know until Home goes thru another winter. Cut drywall "again", abandoned one Copper, and are fairly certain all is well. Be Safe out there Jim J
It's fairly common in those moulded vanity counter/sink units for the over-flow passage to become clogged and cause the sink to drain slowly too. The DIY solution starts with just blowing down the over-flow passage. Just put your mouth over it like you were going to give it CPR and give it a strong blow (like blowing up a balloon); you'd be amazed how much crude will dump into the drain pipe. A very strong disinfectant or caustic agent is about the only thing that will kill the growth.
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
That must be the Canadian version of CPR. Remind me never to have a heart attack north of the border. Just kidding Phill, I'm sure you meant "mouth to mouth" resuscitation not CPR. As for the caustic chemicals, remember to blow, not suck while performing that job!
Experienced, but still dangerous!
Your lucky I figured it wasnt slim shadey If it was someone would have to dial 911. man bugesy ran outta my shop the other day never to return...
Darkworks: No Guns No Butter squilla and the bling bling.
"blow not suck" now thats some good advice! and a similar vein, suck- squeeze- bang- blow. the principles of a four stroke engine!
Well, if your version of CPR doesn't include mouth-to-mouth; then may I suggest you'd be safer to scheule that heart attack during a visit to Canada..
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario