[bongodrummer]

Hi, we have a problem with the soil pipe that we first noticed because of smells in the upstairs toilet. We recently began redecorating the kitchen, which is located below and to one side the toilet, and seem to have unleashed a similar smell (but quite a bit more potent). The housing which boxes the large diameter soil pipe off (underneath the kitchen worktop), was bodged up with some parcel tape, which we removed to paint. The smell is quite bad and similar to that present in the waste inspection hatch outside.

The water appears to be draining running freely - there does not appear to be any blockages. I originally thought that the stench pipe might have somehow been blocked, as it has no mesh cover. But I presume that because it is draining fast that is probably not the problem.

Now further torch investigation where the soil pipe goes down below the level of the kitchen floor, has revealed a brownish looking gunc, accumulating (I think it is at the point where the pipe does a 90degree bend and runs outside to the sewer). It is hard to tell as it is in a hard to get at area.

I will try to get some photos on. Can you help? Am I missing something in my diagnosis? Could it be simply a case of cleaning it all up and patching up? Or is it likely more major?

Many thanks in advance.

[speedball1]

If it's just a crack in the cast iron pipe we can repair that without too much hassle. But you haven't provided enough information for us to go on. You ask," Can we help?" Yes we can, no matter what the problem is. But first we have to know what the problem is. Back to you. Tom

[bongodrummer]

Great thanks Tom.
I think I have narrowed it down to being a leek somewhere. There is dampness and something that looks like soil near the bottom of the vertical soil pipe (which is plastic rather than cast iron). Thing is that it is really hard to get to because it is below the level of the floor boards in the downstairs kitchen. I don't understand how the plastic pipe could have developed a fault though ? If it is a crack, and I do eventually find it how might I go about repairing it (bearing in mind it is mighty hard to get at)? Thanks again.

[speedball1]

As I've stated. Before you can repair a leak it helps to know exactly where it is. White plastic, PVC or black plastic, ABS? Take some toilet paper and start at the top. Work your way down. The first patch of moisture you see on the TP is where the leak is. My bet's on a joint but I'm still waiting on you to tell me where it is. Regards, Tom

[bongodrummer]

Many thanks for your help, found the leak, in the way you suggested and, have got it sorted.
Thanks!

[speedball1]

many thanks for your help, found the leak, in the way you suggested and, have got it sorted.
Thanks!!

You're most welcome. Tom