In my basement there is a pipe with a cape on it. It is flush with the floor. It's located under carpeting but I do remember seeing before the floor was carpeted many years ago that the pipe is made of pvc.

Recently I detect an odor coming from this area. What is going on? Could the cap be cracked? Should this pipe have water in it?

Suggestions are much appreciated.

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Originally Posted by sshook

In my basement there is a pipe with a cape on it. It is flush with the floor. It's located under carpeting but I do remember seeing before the floor was carpeted many years ago that the pipe is made of pvc.

Recently I detect an odor coming from this area. What is going on? Could the cap be cracked? Should this pipe have water in it?

Suggestions are much appreciated.

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Would this be a 4" toilet stub up? What kind of cap are we talking about? A thin plastic test cap or a heavier PVC permeate cap? Back to you. Tom

This is not a toilet stub up. I have a full bathroom in the basement. Since it's been covered for many years this is going on what I remember. I believe it is a heavier pvc cap. Sorry I know nothing about plumbing.

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Originally Posted by sshook

This is not a toilet stub up. I have a full bathroom in the basement. Since it's been covered for many years this is going on what I remember. I believe it is a heavier pvc cap. Sorry I know nothing about plumbing.

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What size is the pipe? PVC caps come in two types. A test cap and a perminate cap, (see images) which is yours and are you sure that's where theb odor comes from? Could it come from a unused flooer drain? Lrt me know,m Tom

Like Tom said, it might be from an unused floor drain that the trap has dried up, or it might be from a floor cleanout which does not have a trap.If the cap is a test cap rather than a permanent PVC cap that is probably your problem.

Hi guys!

I'm thinking the cap you refer to may be a cleanout cap or since you have a basement bathroom it could be a backflow preventer, but neither one should be allowing odors to escape into the home... even if the cover was slightly cracked as the gasses would have a tough time getting through the carpet.

You can always pull the carpet back to double check here, but I'm wondering if perhaps you have a forced air furnace in the home... could be odor or mold issues associated with the basement duct work... maybe?

Let us know what you think,OK?

Mark

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Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Hi guys!

I'm thinking the cap you refer to may be a cleanout cap or since you have a basement bathroom it could be a backflow preventer, but neither one should be allowing odors to escape into the home....even if the cover was slightly cracked as the gasses would have a tough time getting through the carpet.

You can always pull the carpet back to double check here, but I'm wondering if perhaps you have a forced air furnace in the home...could be odor or mold issues associated with the basement duct work....maybe?

Let us know what you think,OK?

Mark

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So now a picture would be real helpful. Back to you, Tom