Odor Source

Originally Posted By: lprinzi
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Need some help please.


I inspected a home today that the homeowner said has a very strong odor coming from the master bath only when it rains very hard. He says its a strong sulfur odor. Soft rain does not cause the odor and there is no odor any other time. The home is on a slab so the waste lines could not be fully inspected. There was no sign of any backup at any of the drains or any odor coming from them. The exterior had good drainage from the foundation and the homeowner says the rain water does not sit long at all. The attic shows no signs of any leaking either. Any suggestions?


Originally Posted By: bking
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The only thing I can think of is the hvac condensate drain may be plumbed to a plumbing vent stack in the attic.


Bad toilet ring seals can produce odors just part of the time too.


Originally Posted By: jfeig
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The rain thing might be a coincidence. The only thing I ever encountered that caused an odor coming from the shower was rotting hair in the shower drain. The fix is chemical drain cleaner like draino.


Originally Posted By: Jay Moge
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sulfur is a mineral found in the ground, it seeps into water and can cause a “rotten egg” smell if in your water system and will cause other minor side effects (like soap/shampoo not “lathering” as it should). no major health issues are related to nominal amounts of sulfer in the water. mayby he has a high sulfer level in the ground under that room? water can carry it and it will smell as the water evaps. just a thought. icon_cool.gif