[sarmcl]

Backstory

Last night, noticed a chemical smell in my kitchen. Very faint but still noticed it. Went to basement and it got stronger. When I opened up a storage closet I had the smell was very evident. Similar to turpentine or nail polish remover. Walls are cinder blocks in there. Only thing in there is my kitchen plumbing(kitchen sink is directly above) and the A/C tubing.

At first I thought maybe the AC was leaking. But have not had AC on for about 2 1/2 weeks. I checked all corners of closet and the smell was concentrated by the kitchen sink plumbing.

To be safe I called Fire Department to do a check for natural gas. They came out and there is nothing detected.

We are completely stumped. Any suggestions. I have been told to pour about 5 gallons of water down drain to see if there is blockage(I am single and I do not use sink repeatedly)

Any other help is GREATLY appreciated!

[tickle]

If you do not use sink repeatedly and it is suggested you pour all that water down the drain, then why don't you do it. It may determine what is wrong.

[speedball1]

Smells are the hardest foe us to nail down without being there. Having said that, check all the drains ( including the floor drain) to see if the traps have water in them.
Anything open in the storage closet(like a old can of paint?)
Let your nose be your guide. Good luck, Tom

[sarmcl]

I am going to pour water down drain but wanted other suggestions

[tickle]

I am going to pour water down drain but wanted other suggestions

Sarmci, tom is our senior plumbing expert and I can't fault his advice of let your nose be your guide. It is hard to nail this down (play on words) without being there. I think your best bet is pouring water down the drain to detect a blockage. Keep in touch and let us know okay.

Tick

[speedball1]

wanted other suggestions

Yeah, click on this link for more help. http://www.inspectapedia.com/sickhou...nosis-Cure.htm
As a last resort there are companies that specialize in locating smells. You could hire them. Good luck, Tom

[sarmcl]

I believe the water helped... had some friends over to take a look. They couldn't find anything. The smell was not nearly as bad when I got home from work but had a lingering smell. My friend checked the outlets in the kitchen which is the same wall the storage locker is on. He said if there is an electrical issue, the insulation can burn and make a similar smell. However, he didn't see anything when we took plate off. No charring or smell

It's a mystery. I dumped the 5 gallon bucket down, then did the baking soda/vinegar/hot water concoction. EVerything flowed down. No draining issues... no leaking. I took my dehumidifier and placed it right next to storage locker... and that has seemed to help

I will monitor it. Thank you everyone for your suggestions