Odor from basement shower
#1
02-04-06, 08:12 PM
Odor from basement shower
I just completed installing a shower in my basement. The drain had been roughed in when the house was built and the basement slab poured. Since installing the shower, I have noticed a sewer gas smell coming from the drain. Strangely, the smell is most pronounced when the furnace is operating. It also seems that when the furnace is on, there is a slight draft coming from the drain.
Is this a problem with the trap? With a vent? I can only assume that whoever stubbed in the drain did so correctly.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Is this a problem with the trap? With a vent? I can only assume that whoever stubbed in the drain did so correctly.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
#2
02-05-06, 05:03 AM
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Location: Cinti, OH
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The furnace drain, does it have its own trap ?? Regardless you shouldn't get sewer smell up from your shower drain. Look down in it with a flashlight and see if the trap has water in it.
#3
02-05-06, 05:12 AM
No. The shower trap has no water in it. A couple of other observations. When I listen to the shower drain, I can hear water draining when other fixtures in the house are draining, and I noticed that the smell and "breeze" are more pronounced when the shower upstairs is being used.
Is it possible there is no trap connected to the shower stub to which I hooked up the shower? Is there any possibility that a stub for the shower drain would have been installed with no trap?
Is it possible there is no trap connected to the shower stub to which I hooked up the shower? Is there any possibility that a stub for the shower drain would have been installed with no trap?
#5
02-05-06, 05:57 AM
Member
Most rough-ins for showers do not have the trap installed. This is done when the shower is actually installed as you may have to "swing" the trap to get it lined up on the drain. There should have been a cap or plug on the stub during rough-in. Was the stub 2" or 3"?
#6
02-05-06, 06:00 AM
There were two stubs, on 3" for toilet and one 2" for the shower. I tied into the smaller one.
I'm beginning to have the sinking feeling that I installed a shower base (in mortar) over a stub with no trap. In fact, I just checked again, and there is no water below the drain, and the waste pipe simply turns at a right angle.
Assuming I did screw this one up, what are my steps to fix it? I'm afraid the first steps will involve a sawzall, hammer, and chisel.
I'm beginning to have the sinking feeling that I installed a shower base (in mortar) over a stub with no trap. In fact, I just checked again, and there is no water below the drain, and the waste pipe simply turns at a right angle.
Assuming I did screw this one up, what are my steps to fix it? I'm afraid the first steps will involve a sawzall, hammer, and chisel.
#8
02-05-06, 06:48 AM
Member
Your fears are justified. There is no trap on the shower. Only way I can see to fix it is remove the shower and install one. That smell is sewer gas which contains dangerous chemicals. Sorry, not the answer you wanted.
#9
02-05-06, 09:19 AM
Thanks for the advice. Sounds like some demo work ahead.
I may need some advice when it comes to installing the trap, but that stage is some time away.
I may need some advice when it comes to installing the trap, but that stage is some time away.
