[newjersey]

This house was built in 2001 and is a slab house. We are the second owners. There is a mysterious musty odor that is in the foyer closet and in the wall from the foyer closet to the front door. The closet and foyer are back to back to the garage. We have had a mold/mildew inspection done and the results were negative. We have also had the water company come to check the meter (no problem) and inquired about a possible leak from the meter to the outside pipe to the road. Water Company person said there is no hissing sound so no leak. We have also had a plumber come and he could find nothing in way of a leak. We have also removed a small section of wallboard from inside the closet and there are no signs of moisture. We now have the foyer closet sealed with a plastic tarp as the odor is quite strong. If you sniff the walls in the foyer, the odor can be smelled.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what we can do next? Or even what this musty odor could be? I forgot to state that the water meter is located in the foyer closet.

[newjersey]

Hi ----- I forgot to state that the water meter is located in the foyer closet.

[J_9]

<two threads merged>

[ballengerb1]

Water meters tend to sweat when cold water rushes through a metal meter that is at room temperature. Sweet leads to mold and/or mildew. Spayer the metter done with a 1:4 part mix of bleach and water, Allow to soak for 5 minutes and then wipe it down. May need to do this more than once if the smell persists.

[newjersey]

Thank you for your suggestion. We have done that and the odor persists. One of the things we can't figure out is why the odor is in the wall outside of the closet. The wall is from the closet to the front door. We checked the attic and there is no sign of moisture.

[ballengerb1]

I would start considering cutting an inspection hole in the drywall right where you smell the most. Odors are funny things and tend to confuse your nose. I had a person with an odor issue in a wall. When I opened the wall we found a nest of dead mice. It wasn't mold but it sure smelled bad. Good luck.

[newjersey]

We did cut 2 holes in the walls of the closet and nothing is amiss. We just sealed the 2 holes. We decided to use KILZ Odorless on the walls of the closet, the doors to the closet, woodwork and in the foyer. We are hoping this isn't a temporary fix. Would like to cut another hole in the foyer wall, but hubby wants to wait a couple of weeks and see if the KILZ will get rid of the smell. Right now all we smell is KILZ.

We do have mice in the attic (have caught 4 of them) so what you say about the nest of dead mice could be the cause. I thought perhaps dead mice were the problem, but the mold/mildew guy said no, it is a musty odor - and said he has had experience with smelling dead stuff in walls. But how long does a nest of dead mice smell? We moved in here in September and the odor(not as strong) was there in June when we looked at the house. We thought the musty odor was from the water meter located in the closet and could remedy it.

I'm beginning to think perhaps it is in the garage wall including the insulation which is back to back with the foyer and closet.. Right now the garage is very cold so no odor is detected in there. I will be trying to convince my hubby to cut the hole in the garage wall but will be patient for a couple weeks to see what the KILZ does.

[ballengerb1]

Mice would quite smelling after about 3 weeks so it looks like they are not your problem. Let us know how this goes.

[newjersey]

Guess we will rule out mice. Will keep you posted.

[lemony]

You could try running a dehumidifier - if it is mold, lower humidity will discourage growth and the air movement might reduce the smell.

[newjersey]

Seems like KILZ Odorless is doing the job. Have did the final painting. Also have installed louvered doors for better air flow. Thanks for all the suggestions and hopefully this odor does not return. New Jersey