plumbing question

[buckmaster27012]

have a sewage gas smell coming out of one of the vents on top of the house. it doesnt happen all the time, just sometime when washing clothes and take a shower in the near bathroom? any suggestions on what to do to try to fix the problem? thanks

[JD]

I have never had to work on that particular problem, but I know there are vent filters specifically for that situation. There are mechanical ones that basically works like the Air Admittance Valve we find under kitchen sinks sometimes. It allows the vent system to suck air in, but not push air out. There are also charcoal filters made for this problem. Doing a quick Google search on these filters brought up this product.
http://www.spotfree.net/sweetfaq.html
It might be a good way to go. At least it heads you in the right direction.

Again, I have no personal experience with this problem.

JD

[Greg]

Are you talking about the vents that go through the roof? Greg

[buckmaster27012]

yea talking about the vent that goes through the roof. but it also can be strong at time under the sink in the kitchen. i think one of those vent that was previously mentioned is found under the sink

[Greg]

It sounds like the vents are working, If your drains are working correctly (not sluggish or gurgling). I would suspect that that possibly weather or wind may be a factor.

You could try running a snake down the vents. If you have a ground vent somewhere in the system I would check that also. Greg

[Rod]

The vent under your sink is most likely a Oatey Sure Vent. When they go bad the allow the water to drain with no problem but also allow the sewer gases/odor to escape.

You should be able to find replacements at a local plubing supply house or a good hardware store.

These are cheap and if this is your problem it will be a quick & easy fix.

Sure vent.jpg

Good Luck

Rod