[dvdyi]

I'm trying to buy a townhouse. Today, I noticed sewage smell outside, near the entrance to the house. What could cause this smell? Broken pipe? The townhouse is newly built.

[Milo Dolezal]

Inspect around front of the townhouse. There should be sewer clean out ( pipe sticking up from the ground that connects to the main sewer ). See if it is capped and sealed. Also, while there, look for puddle of sewage . Back to you. Milo

[dvdyi]

Thanks Milo, There are 2 pipes sticking up from the ground. I didn't see any puddles since the pipes are located in the grassy area next to the entrance wall. Pipes seem solidly closed. I'm not sure about the seals though. What are those 2 pipes for?

[Milo Dolezal]

I assume those should be Sewer Clean Outs. They are connected to the sewer pipe and are used by plumbers when sewer backs up. Plumber removes the cap and inserts a sewer cable through that pipe to reach the blockage. That cap has to be screwed in so no sewer gases escape.

Back to you. Milo

[ballengerb1]

A sewage system vents via a stack sticking out through the roof. When weather/temperature conditions are just right the sewer gas can fall down the roof and then to the ground. Usually it floats up up and away but not always. Do you smell it everyday?

[dvdyi]

Ballengerb1, No. I just noticed it for the past few days. There was a temperature change in Dallas though. It got much cooler. I have to close on this property soon. Is this a major concern where I need to postpone or reconsider purchasing this property?

[ballengerb1]

Since its new I'd complain to the seller or builder. Are you using a real estate agent or just the sellers people

[dvdyi]

I'm buying it from a builder. What do they need to fix? Or do to resolve this smell issue? At least when I talk to them I'll know what to expect and demand. Thanks Ballengerb1

[ballengerb1]

I should have asked where this is located. New buildings normally need to be inspected by the local building department, I don't know if yours was or not. Have you told the builder about this issue? Telling him you might not close because the place smells like sewage could get him moving. This can happen to a perfectly built building under unusual weather conditions or it could be faulty sewage system. I can't tell without seeing the property. I am just trying to give you some ammo for your talk with the builder

[dvdyi]

Yes. I spoke to him today about the smell. He said he'll check it out. I didn't know weather conditions can cause this problem. I just noticed the smell few days ago when temperature changed. Before it was fine. Are their any signs that may clue me in as to conclude problem to be faulty sewage system?

[ballengerb1]

Detecting a poorly designed or installed system can be complicated. Some plumbers would try a smoke test to follow the invisible sewer gas.