OOh that smell - Plumbing question

[Romer]

It seems when someone goes to the bathroom in the first floor bathroom, a stench comes up through one, and only one of the upstairs shower drains.

Any ideas?

 

[Capt. Jim]

Do you use that shower on a regular basis? If not, the trap may be dry allowing the sewer gases to escape.

 

[Romer]

Do you use that shower on a regular basis? If not, the trap may be dry allowing the sewer gases to escape.

In fact we never use that shower. Should we just run water down it?

 

[Capt. Jim]

Yes, run it for just a minute or so and the trap will seal with water, closing the open trap with water and preventing the gas from escaping. A common problem, especially down here in Florida with all the part-time residents. Be sure to run it occasionally, just enough to keep the trap full of water. It will evaporate.

 

[Romer]

Thanks Capt Jim

 

[firetruck41]

Took me two shifts to figure this out at work, the floor drains/traps in the bathroom had evaporated all their water, boy was it stinky!

 

[RHINO]

romer, if your in the mood with some extra cash they make a product that automatically keeps water in the trap of anything not used regularly. it get installed under floor and is unnoticeable.

 

[Toyo FJ40]

romer, if your in the mood with some extra cash they make a product that automatically keeps water in the trap of anything not used regularly. it get installed under floor and is unnoticeable.

It's called a trap primer. Hooks to a toilet supply line and every time the toilet is flushed it squirts some water into the trap. We have to use them on floor drains in commercial buildings.


Kevin

 

[stayalert]

In my mind an auto primer is overkill for this application. If you never use the shower dry trap is def. the problem. occasionally fill with water if you cover or plug the drain it will slow the evaporation of the trap water. Mineral oil can alos be used instead of water to slow the evaporation....Cheers

 

[stayalert]

whiskey bottles....brand new cars.......dry trap for the shower that doesn't get u-s-e-d.......oooooo ooooo that smell

 

[Romer]

No reoccurence since I ran a little water. Love those free and easy repairs

 

[reffug]

and you an engineer................LOL

 

[MoJ]

I went through a similar problem last winter. Finally tracked it down to the floor drain next to the HVAC. It only gets used to collect AC condensation so the trap dries up in the winter. Gotta love a cheap/easy fix.