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    bcomplex's Avatar
    bcomplex Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jul 18, 2010, 08:45 AM
    Basement shower drain smells
    I purchased a new house and each time I go over to see it (2wks from being done) the shower in the basement STINKS very BAD, just like ROTTEN eggs, definitely a sewer smell. I am going to close on the house soon and it is about time once they finish to get the inspection. Isn't it possible they may have to fix it properly to stop the smell?
    tickle's Avatar
    tickle Posts: 23,796, Reputation: 2674
    Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jul 18, 2010, 08:50 AM

    Yes, I would say you should bring that issue up, fixing the smell. You should not have to buy a new house where the shower stall has not been cleaned well enough by the builder.

    Tick
    bcomplex's Avatar
    bcomplex Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Jul 19, 2010, 02:37 AM
    I do not think I was clear. The new construction house has an issue with the shower in the basement. It smell like an open sewer. Does anyone know what could cause this problem? Thank you very much for your help:)
    435Studio's Avatar
    435Studio Posts: 93, Reputation: 4
    Junior Member
    		  
    #4

    Jul 19, 2010, 06:09 AM

    Next time you go over run some water in the shower. It may be that the trap in the shower drain is dry allowing the sewer gas to enter the home. If the smell is gone after you fill the trap that may be all it takes...
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #5

    Jul 19, 2010, 06:29 AM


    Hi all:

    I'm betting 435 studio nailed this one... ;)

    Most likely the shower trap has dried out... may be other traps, too! Run water at the shower... bet that fixes it!

    While you're at it bcomplex, run the water at all fixtures. This will wet the traps and give you a chance to double check the plumbing for issues... just in case anything got missed by the home inspector!

    Mark
    bcomplex's Avatar
    bcomplex Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #6

    Jul 19, 2010, 10:04 PM
    Thank you everyone. I will give this a try and let everyone know if this fixes it. I just hope it is not just a temperary fix.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #7

    Jul 20, 2010, 06:51 AM

    I just hope it is not just a temperary fix.
    If you have a fixture or floor drain that's not being used and you wish to make a trap seal that won't evaporate pour a quart of cooking oil or anti freeze in the drain. This will give you a permeate trap seal. Goodl uck, Tom
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