I live in a city row house renovated about ten years ago. There's an awful sewage smell that penetrates the ground floor, particularly in the closet that holds our hot water heater. The smell also seems particularly strong in the morning. We don't smell the scent near sinks or other dranks, but when you walk in the front door, the smell can be quite strong. I've read other posts that refer to an anode rod problem. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks. - Renee

Hi Renee,
Is there a heater pan installed under the washer to cary away spills? If so where does the 3/4" pan drain connect to?

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I've read other posts that refer to an anode rod problem.

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This only affects the water inside the tank. It has no effect on outside smells. Did this smell just start up or has it been there since day one? Any work been done on your drainage lately? Any new fixtures installed? Is there a floor drain in your unit anywhere? Let me know. Tom

Thanks, Tom. It's pretty much been here since we moved in (so about three years now). No work has been done to our drains or fixtures. Our furnace is located in the same closet, and we replaced the whole unit and some of the ductwork last year. We have a crawl space under the house, though we'll need to cut a hole in the floor to access it. Overall, we feel that the owner that renovated the house cut a lot of corners, so who knows what we'll find here. Where would I see a foot drain?

R.

DC MOM..

Tom Meant FLOOR drain... it would be located in the floor near water heater...

Could be that the floor drain.. if present.. could have lost its trap seal, i.e. the water in the trap has evaporated and is allowing sewer gasses into the home.

Check around and see if there is a floor drain... let us know what you find. Easy fix if this is the issue... ;)

MARK