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    sshook's Avatar
    sshook Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 8, 2012, 06:17 AM
    Basement bad odor from pipe
    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.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #2

    Apr 8, 2012, 07:19 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by sshook View Post
    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.
    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
    sshook's Avatar
    sshook Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Apr 8, 2012, 08:03 AM
    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.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #4

    Apr 8, 2012, 08:37 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by sshook View Post
    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.
    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
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    puffmugs Posts: 184, Reputation: 21
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    #5

    Apr 8, 2012, 09:06 PM
    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.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
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    #6

    Apr 10, 2012, 05:08 AM
    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
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #7

    Apr 10, 2012, 06:50 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by massplumber2008 View Post
    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
    So now a picture would be real helpful. Back to you, Tom
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