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momma1956 · May 10, 2008, 01:42 PM

Hi,
I'm new to this website but find it very interesting. I have an old 2-story home in Chicago with a sewer odor in the upstairs bath. I'm pretty sure, after reading some of the posts, that the problem is coming from the roof vent(s).
Tom, your advice is awesome. Are you a licensed plumber? Do you live in Chicago? Would love to have someone who knows what he's talking about take care of this plumbing problem!! :)

Fr_Chuck · May 10, 2008, 01:59 PM

Tom is in Sarasota, Fl. But not sure he could get that tool belt past security at the airport

speedball1 · May 11, 2008, 06:17 AM

Tom, your advice is awesome. Are you a licensed plumber? Do you live in Chicago? Would love to have someone who knows what he's talking about take care of this plumbing problem!!

WOW! Thank you for those kind words. I'm a Rockford to Sarasota transplant over 50 years ago. At 81, and retired, the service calls I make are in front of my computer.
The first place to check for sewer gas is the toilets wax seal. Where does it smell the worst? Around the toilet area? From one of the drains? Give it the "sniff test" and get back to me. Regards, tom

momma1956 · May 11, 2008, 07:21 AM

Thanks for your quick reply, Tom. It seems that the odor comes from the toilet area, but I could swear it's worse when the bathroom window is open. It's happening mostly on nice, sunny days. Today it's raining like mad and the smell is gone! I'm planning to have a plumber come out to check it out for me, but I think I'm going to pull the toilet up and check that seal, as well.
Fr_Chuck, your reply about the "tool belt at the airport" made me smile. How true!

Fr_Chuck · May 11, 2008, 01:27 PM

Tom just make me thing, they are starting to use online medical visits in jails, the prisoner is seen by computer by a doctor in some office somewhere, Maybe a home plumbing service, the people would use a cam computer hook up, and show a plumber somewhere in a office and they tell the home owner what to do for a fee.

speedball1 · May 11, 2008, 01:42 PM

Maybe a home plumbing service, the people would use a cam computer hook up, and show a plumber somewhere in a office and they tell the home owner what to do for a fee.

That's what we're doing here Chuck, only it's for free.
I've been trying for years to figure out how to make a living off this and haven't succeeded yet. "Virtual plumber"! I like that. All I need now is "vertual customers" who will send me "real money".

do they make a tool cart to use with that electric scooter all the seniors use in Florida

I have a two wheel electric scooter I tool around in but I have to strap on a tool belt. Regards, Tom

speedball1 · May 11, 2008, 01:55 PM

Hey Momma,

I think I'm going to pull the toilet up and check that seal, as well.

As well as looking for a break or rupture, check to see if it's compressed or flattened out.
Also if you have a downdraft that's bringing odor in from a roof vent you might wish to consider installing a Odor Hog Vent Cap, (see image). Let me know what you find out. Regards, Tom

momma1956 · May 13, 2008, 03:31 PM

Thanks, Tom! I will definitely take that advice. You're a great "virtual plumber"!