I recently moved into a 2 story duplex and am experiencing a horrible smell emanating from the ground floor kitchen area. At first I thought it might be a dead rodent in the walls, but after three months the smell seems to be getting stronger. Could it be sewer gases backing up through the floor drain or ground floor bathroom. It also appears that the ground floor bathtub is horizontal and I am wondering if there is an S pipe or P pipe somewhere? Would the absence of either of these pipes cause gas backups? Should I contact the landlord for a plumber visit?

Yes the absence of P- trap will make gas backups but you are not sure, try to put some vinegar or bleach in to the kitchen drain and bath tub drain leave it overnight next morning put some very hot water into the drains and see if it will help, good luck.

John

Hi, I would absolutely pour vinegar and/or bleach down the drains, but unfortunately the kitchen sink was removed by the landlord to install a washing machine and dryer. Because of construction complications, they also had to rip the bathroom apart to get at the plumbing. I have told them about the smell and asked for a plumber to investigate the smell, as he will be here anyway working on the plumbing for the washer/dryer. This is a very long and silly story about having to move the washer/dryer into the basement from an outside shed (very cold in winter and wet in summer - I live in Vancouver, BC). It is taking longer than anticipated and I am very tired of waiting and putting up with a half finished ground floor. I hope the plumber will be able to tackle the problem (whatever it is) and I can finally settle into my new residence. Thank you for your answer, it will help to have an ear and support as this problem unfolds. I will keep you posted, if you wish.