skip to main content

septic or plumbing problem?

11 years ago

We have a strong urine smell coming from heater vents/switch plates along the middle section of the entire length of bottom floor of our house. It began when our septic system was re-piped. We have had the septic company out but they can't find any leaks. Cleaned out vents as well. Not rats, no cat, children gone, outside house sealed of openings. We live in SF Bay Area and the house is 20 years old. This has been going on since December--help--it wakes us up at night as the smell wafts through the air....

Comments (3)

_sophiewheeler
11 years ago
Heater vents and switch plates do not emit sewer gas or urine smells. I would suspect a dead animal behind the walls. That can give off sweet almost urine type odor in the later decomposition stage. It's time for you yourself to crawl under the house and use your nose to find the center of the issue.
kirkhall
11 years ago
I've heard that insulation can give off an odor too. Did they do anything related to that? Or, if they didn't seal an air entry just right, could you have air "wafting" through your wall insulation and through switch plates bringing the odor?
Related Professionals
Fish Hawk Handyman · University City Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Artondale Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Avondale Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Fremont Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Independence Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Lomita Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Newberg Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Park Ridge Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Pearl City Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Sicklerville Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Skokie Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Turlock Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Walnut Creek Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · North Chicago Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers
suburbanmd
11 years ago
What exactly do you mean by re-piping the septic system?

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES The Hidden Problems in Old Houses

By Matt Clawson

Before snatching up an old home, get to know what you’re in for by understanding the potential horrors that lurk below the surface

WORKING WITH PROS How to Work With a Plumber

By Lisa Frederick

Follow these guidelines, and your plumbing job will flow as smoothly as water through clean pipes

BATHROOM DESIGN Light-Up Mirrors Offer Bright Design Solutions

By By Any Design Ltd.

If you're taking a dim view of a problem bathroom area, try the flash of design brilliance that is the electric mirror

PETS Room of the Day: Laundry Room Goes to the Dogs

By Mary Jo Bowling

Muddy paws are no problem in this new multipurpose room

INSIDE HOUZZ There’s a Party in the Backyard, Says a Houzz Landscaping Survey

By Mitchell Parker

Entertaining, growing edibles and solving problems are goals for homeowners planning to revamp their yards

DIY PROJECTS Make Your Own Barn-Style Door — in Any Size You Need

By No. 29 Design

Low ceilings or odd-size doorways are no problem when you fashion a barn door from exterior siding and a closet track

EARTH DAY Grow a Beautiful Garden With Ecofriendly Greywater

By Greywater Corps

Reducing home water waste means lower bills and a healthier planet. Here's how to set up a greywater home irrigation system that can help

REMODELING GUIDES 5 Ways to Protect Yourself When Buying a Fixer-Upper

By Christine Tusher

Hidden hazards can derail your dream of scoring a great deal. Before you plunk down any cash, sit down with this

LAUNDRY ROOMS A Kitchen Laundry Cabinet Full of Surprises

By Mitchell Parker

A little DIY spirit allowed this homeowner to add a washer, dryer, kitchen countertop and dining table all in one

Houzz Interview: Rebekah's Weekend Farmhouse Retreat

By Becky Harris

More Discussions

Help! My hair is green :(

12

Best way to run RO water to fridge icemaker

5

Brizo Vettis Roman Tub faucet not sitting flat mounted on tub deck

1

Can you show me an Apron Kitchen sink with 1cm thick countertop?

4

kitchen Faucet Opinions Please

2