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    jlynn48's Avatar
    jlynn48 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 6, 2010, 08:53 AM
    Sewer smell coming from vents
    I have a sewer smell coming from the vents in my house when my heat and air conditioner is on. My house is a ranch style and I was wondering if you could help me fiqure this out.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #2

    Nov 6, 2010, 03:21 PM

    Hi Jlynn...

    When I hear this complaint the first thing I check is the condensate pump next to the furnace.

    If the condensate pump isn't working properly water can collect/pool and become stagnant and give off a sewer-like odor throughout one room or the entire house.

    Check the pump and the hose coming out of the pump.

    Good luck...

    Mark
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #3

    Nov 7, 2010, 05:22 AM

    Hey Mark,Are condensate pumps common in your area. Most of the units we've done have gravity drains installed at rough in.
    When I converted from a wall banger to central air they put a condensate pump in but mine is the only one I've run across. But then I'm not a AC guy so I don't see too many unless the air handler and water heater are in the same enclosure. Regards, Tom
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #4

    Nov 7, 2010, 06:05 AM

    Hey Tom,

    YUP! In my area all forced air furnaces, combo. Heat/AC units and even the newer condensate boilers all get condensate pumps.

    Here, codes enforcement won't let us poke a hole in the floor and stub the condensate drain into it... has to be a pump and it has to drip into a properly vented/trapped drain (usually goes into the washing machine standpipe).

    Mark
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