Hi - We had a problem with drainage in our kitchen sink after a remodel. It was a year ago I came to this site and asked for help. It was recommended we install a studor vent - which seemed to correct the problem and has worked great.
However, we are now getting a terrible sewer smell from the sink. No amount of hot water flushes or Drano type pipe clearing makes any difference.
Is there some way to correct this?
My husband thinks the pipe leading to the vent may be too long, or too horizontal - but we don't see any other way to mount it. It is next to the bowl of the sink and as high as possible, under the counter. Is there something we can do?
Jackie in flat rock

Hi Jackie:

Is the odor coming from UNDER the sink... or coming from out of the drain at the sink?

If the odor is coming out of the drain then there are a few different concoctions that some recommend around here that seem to help with odors... They will chime in soon... ;)

If odor is from under the sink then you may need to replace the studor vent... although unlikely after only 1 year of service, but you never know... huh?

Anyway, just so I'm clearer.. where exactly is that odod originating from? And is the horizontal pipe under sink PITCHED, level or even back-pitched? Let me know...

MARK

Mark,
First, thanks for answering! :)
There is a constant smell from the sink drain, but you can also smell it under the sink, in the cabinet - some times worse than others.
I tried baking soda first, then Drano gel and flushing with very hot water. There was a very brief relief after each.
I wondered if the vent might be stuck - but I don't see any way to check it without removing it.
The horizontal pipe started slightly pitched, but now appears to be level, or even slightly back pitched. There are no leaks.
I thought it needed to be mounted with the vent higher than the sink drain (from the directions), which limited choices for placement since this is a single basin sink with a dishwasher also piped into the drain. I don't have a clue how to correct that, though I suspect that is the culprit.
:confused:
Jackie

Is a studor vent also known as an aav? If so, just replace and see if this solves your problem. Also secure vent pipe so it is pitched upwards toward aav(or studard) . Im not sure what a studard is, please inform me so I will know for future reference.

Hi,
I'm pretty sure the studor vent and aav are the same thing. It's only been in place for a year, so I didn't think it should need replacement already. Responses so far, like yours, point to me needing to re-install with a better pitch... so thanks!
Jackie

Okay, so if it is indeed an aav, the reason we suggest replacing this first, is because it will be the cheapest, easiest fix. We like to make the job the easiest it can possibly be.(and correct) for the homeowner. Please just try this first and let us know if it helps.

Hi all...

Studor vent and AAV pretty much the same thing except that the AAV is 1.5" and the studor vent is 2". You can unscrew both COUNTERCLOCKWISE to remove. Quick easy fix to replace either one.

See pics. Below: Studor vent on left... AAV on right... price difference about $20.00.

Which vent do you have.. studor or AAV?

Mark,
I've got the Studor vent.
Jackie

Jackie..

Increase the pitch on the pipe if possible and then, if that fails to help then it may be a good idea to purchase a new studor vent.

Rare they go so soon as you said, but overall a cheap fix if this is the issue (they just spin in and out so easy to do this).

You may also want to try Speedballs (Tom') remedy for smelly drain... Try This. Tonight before bed time pour a 1/2 gallon of bleach in the drains and let it set overnight. Next morning take a large pot of boiling water, (this is important) and pour it it the drains to flush it out. Cutting a lemon into quarters and running it through will also make your disposal smell better if you have one.

Let us know how you make out... :)

MARK

Mark,
We're going to take your advice and try to re-fit things first. Since we're in Michigan and comng into our worst wind chills and temps for the year, we'll probably be waiting till next week to do anything more than that, if that's what it takes!

If we need to replace the vent, that's not a big deal. Maybe we can even figure a better way to fasten and support it.
I'll let you know how things turn out, but don't be surprised if you don't hear from me until next week. I'm not a winter person (obviously living in the wrong part of the country!), so I'll avoid shopping in the frigid winds if that's how it goes!

Thanks for all your help!
Jackie

We were able to re-fit our pipes and pitch the pipe to the Studor vent. It seems to have corrected the problem! Thanks for responding and helping us solve a stinky problem!
Jackie

Glad things worked out for you. Hope all is well for years to come. Please come back and let us know if you need any further advice.

Ok Mark, if you're going to do Tom's concoction we got to do mine too. 1/2 cup of baking soda mixed with 1/2 cup table salt dumpped down the drain followed by a cup of white vinegar. Allow to sioak over night and flush with a bucket of hot water. So much for the concotions, I'd replace the AAV.

Hi all:

Jackie... super glad to hear things are improved!

Bob, I actually tried to find that! Thanks for posting it... now I have both home brews! :)

Talking about BREWS... I'm off to get one now! Good night all!

Thanks.

Had the same issue with sewer gas smell coming from under the kitchen sink. Jackie, I simply unscrewed the studor and rinsed it in hot water. If you shake it you can feel the valve working or not. Thus far.. No more odor.. cost.. zip.. time 5 min.
Good luck.
Roby~