We just purchased a brand new costructed, fifth floor condo. The building was actually constructed in 2007 and we purchased and closed last year (2010). The building is in Florida and the builder suffered bankruptcy due to the recession. A bank in New York bought the buiding and sold about 70% of the units thus far. Because it is in Florida, most purchasers bought these units as a winter residence, as did we. Unfortunately, we just began moving things in when we noticed a strong sewer gas smell coming from the second bathroom (that has never been used). We did our research and attempted to fill the drain trap, assuming that it had dried out. This sewer gas small comes and goes on an almost daily basis. We had a plumber come out who found nothing. After we did our own research, it appears that thinset had been poured into the bathtub drain. Upon our visiual inspection we found tile spacers and an accumulation of dried thinset. We believe that prior to selling this unit, someone had to rod out the drain causing a crack or leak. We believe this because the trap refuses to stay filled. Our dilemma is that the condo association will only pay if the problem extends to multiple units. The problem is OUR bathtub trap. Is there a way of sealing this leak without having to tear out walls and/or tubs? Anyone have any advice?

If you are on the fifth floor that leak will soon extend to the 4th floor. Push a bit harder with the HOA and ask to shoow you in your purchase documents where common property starts and stops, in a condo its usually at the surface of the drywall. No way to fix this without coming up from the 4th floor unless there is an inspection door on the other sidse of the wall behind the tub valves

Thanks for your quick response. I understand the condo common property beginning at the dry wall, but if the leak is directly under the tub, do you know where does the condo begin their responsibility? We have been getting the run around and this is quite frustrating. My better half keeps telling me that he is going to park the car with a big sign in front of the sales office that says, sewer gas with purchase! We have a home owners warranty that expires on May 1. We filed a claim with them just in time, but the plumber they assigned (to be coming out Monday May 2) called and said that he is only authorized to do basic work! This is crazy! What a disappointment when you take your life savings and attempt to buy a BRAND new constructed reitrement home!!

If you believe you have a leaking drain or trap, run lots of water. The people below you will be complaining to management very quickly.

However, a block vent pipe can also cause a trap to be siphoned dry.