We have been experiencing a "septic" "sewage" smell in the house for the past month. Our Ktchen sink is in an addition, and it appears that whomever built this addition did not vent the plumbing. The smell is worst when we do laundry, which is located in the basement. When the washer is draining you can hear a constant gurfling in the kithchen sink. (A sump pump bring the water up to the main drain) We "treated" the septic system several times, and cleaned out all of the pipes from the kitchen sink to the main line, but the smell continues. Any ideas would be appreciated!

We have been experiencing a "septic" "sewage" smell in the house for the past month. Our Ktchen sink is in an addition, and it appears that whomever built this addition did not vent the plumbing. The smell is worst when we do laundry, which is located in the basement. When the washer is draining you can hear a constant gurfling in the kithchen sink. (A sump pump bring the water up to the main drain) We "treated" the septic system several times, and cleaned out all of the pipes from the kitchen sink to the main line, but the smell continues. Any ideas would be appreciated!

If you can not find a vent pipe above your kitchen there is a chance the original plumbing install used what's called a "Cheater Vent" these can stop working over time and stay open.

Look for signs of a vent pipe and if none is found try and find the cheater vent. Often they are installed under your sink up high or in the wall behind your vanity. You might need to cut through the back of the cabinet if that's the case.

Using and inspection camera is handy but often the cost of purchasing one or hiring someone is more than your willing to undertake.

You may also have a floor drain with no vent and it might be dried out (the PTrap) look for any floor drains than might need some water. We drizzle a little olive oil to extend the dry times between tops ups.

Was any new work done? Is there perhaps a chance a screw was driven into a pipe hanging a new shelf or TV some time back?

Have you noticed any settling of your home? Cracks in drywall or foundations big indicators of this. This could have caused a break or crack in a vent or drain line.

Keep digging. You'll find the fault soon enough.

Best,

John Whipple
By Any Design Ltd.

We have been experiencing a "septic" "sewage" smell in the house for the past month. Our Ktchen sink is in an addition, and it appears that whomever built this addition did not vent the plumbing. The smell is worst when we do laundry, which is located in the basement. When the washer is draining you can hear a constant gurfling in the kithchen sink. (A sump pump bring the water up to the main drain) We "treated" the septic system several times, and cleaned out all of the pipes from the kitchen sink to the main line, but the smell continues. Any ideas would be appreciated!

And there we have "The Smoking Gun". The washeer's not vented and it's attempting to vent through the sinks trap. That's the sound you here. So if the sink's unvented also then the washer's pulling the trap seal out of the sink trap allowing sewer gas to enter your home. The solution would be to get in outside help to check and bring your plumbing back into code.

We "treated" the septic system several times, Save your money ! RidX, Septic Savior are all scams based on "fear advertising" Good luck, Tom.

Tom is right on... Also make sure you have P-Traps installed and vent from sewer ejector is a dedicated vent going all the way through the roof. Back to you. Milo