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catholicgirl · Dec 11, 2005, 11:32 AM

We've lived in this apartment for a few months. It's a three bedroom ground level that is about 1250sq ft. In certain parts of the apt, there is sometimes a random but unpleasant stench that seemingly comes out of nowhere. It disappears, too. We were chalking this up to our neighbors' cooking habits, but we're now worried it could be a gas leak. However, we have electric heating, an electric stove, a/c. etc. Is it possible to have a gas leak when we are using electric appliances??

I would not describe it as rotten eggs, just very unpleasant.

Any ideas? Could it be a gas leak or just something having to do with the neighbors??

labman · Dec 11, 2005, 01:14 PM

If the entire building is all electric, I doubt it is natural gas. I would more likely suspect your drains. Do any of them gurgle? If so, one drain could be pulling the water out of the trap of another leaving a path for toxic, explosive sewer gas. Later running more water down the drain fills the trap allowing it to do just what it is meant to do. Was it worse in the tweener weather when you weren't using the A/C or forced air heat much? Odors linger worse then. One way of checking is to duct tape the drain shut. Don't forget the sink or tub overflow. If that fixes the problem, you have found it. Our plumber whizz recommends pouring full strength bleach down the stinky drain, let it set over night, and pouring boiling water down it.

If the problem is a gurgling drain losing its water, the solution is to snake the vent coming down from the roof, best to allow the landlord to meet his responsibility.

If my answer doesn't help you solve the problem, perhaps repost what you have tried under plumbing. Tom has much more experience than the rest of us on drain problems.

Fr_Chuck · Dec 11, 2005, 02:11 PM

First there has to be gas in the building, not all buildings have gas, I own several homes and none of them have gas in any of them.

Next ask the landlord if there is gas in the building, or merely look around the outside and see if there is a gas main.

The leak if there is one could be upstairs, gas will go to the lower levels.

If this is an apartment you need to have their maintenance check it out.
Or also you can normally contact the gas department of your city and they may check it out

labman · Dec 11, 2005, 04:01 PM

Sorry, natural gas is enough lighter than air that it can be used in balloons. It is going to rise. Many other toxic gases are heavier than air and do settle into low places.

catholicgirl · Dec 12, 2005, 08:21 AM

Hmmm I wonder if it IS the drains. We have had to use draino several times on both our sink and our shower. In our guest bathroom, we use the toilet and sink but rarely take a shower in there.

Plus, the smell seems to emanate most in the bathroom and master bedroom.

Is explosive sewer gas dangerous??

Maybe I should post in plumbing. Thanks for your help! :)

labman · Dec 12, 2005, 10:20 AM

Yes it is dangerous to have sewer gas in the house. Fortunatly the odor usually forces people to fix the problem before any harm.

We are finishing up the last details of a redecoration of our master bath. Started with replacing the wax ring in the toilet because of the odor problem.