Be careful. I did this and yes it stopped it from smelling outside. However the next day the smell started coming back through the upstairs sink drain. Definitely worth trying, but pay attention to over constricting. I drilled a 3/8 hole.
Sam, you've got a sewer gas leak INDOORS. You need my book that I just published four days ago. It's on sale for just a few more days - 50% off: shop.askthebuilder.com/sewer-gas-smell/
@@AlexGoBro Update? I have this problem and am concerned about the air pressure. We already extended the pipe 6" but we still have sewer gas smell in our back yard and it drifts into one specific bedroom window if we open that window. We are considering extension the pipe another 6".
We purchased a small cottage last summer and were having this exact problem. I knew it was coming from the stink pipe. Your solution worked perfectly! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. My wife told me “You better go tell him it worked!l 👍 🙏
@@askthebuilder much better for me today as well, the smell is gone today uncapping the vents on the roof and a days worth of normal water usage did the trick and systems working fine now. No headaches. Was giving me headaches. Cats happier to. Lol. Thank you sir.
I'm here to say this tip is 💯💯🔥!! I was very skeptical about covering my vent pipes as I always assumed they were open for a reason and flowed in one direction..outwards! I placed the exact rubber caps with clamps and drilled a 1/4 inch hole in each and 5 days out NOT A SINGLE ODOR and all fixtures appear to be operating at maximum efficiency! Thank you so very much Sir for your expertise and time put in this video as you literally saved me 1000's
We have a home in South America with a bathroom in one of the upstairs bedrooms. It functioned well without odor for two years after the relocation of the toilet, but now has sewer gas odor with flushing. The sewer line runs 10 feet with drop under the floor then down the outside wall. There is a concrete union box on ground level which serves as the vent? Is it possible to put a vent pipe on this system vented through the ceiling as in the US. Are there reference guides to assist me?
Tim, we built a new home on our country cabin lot in 2016 and have been having the sewage odor issue since then. I though it was a leaching field issue but could not fine the source but narrowed it down to the vent stack. I installed the cap as you directed and have not had the issue since. I just wanted to thank you for such great advice.
Glad it helped! Consider supporting my channel by making a donation using the Thanks text link under the video or in the three-dots menu. Imagine how much pain I've taken away!
Tim Carter, I drilled PVC caps with 1/4" hole on top for both 1.5" and 2" vent pipes. I got 4 total vents for 3 full baths, WORKS GREAT!! Grandpa told me the hole was too small, but after running some pipe volumes, orifice calcs and flush volumes, etc. It worked out fine.
Brenda, I'm glad it helped. How about going back up above and click the *THANKS* text link under the video and maybe give me 15% of what you would have paid a plumber to stop by.
Thank you, I am from a cold climate and we have been having severe problems with the septic smell especially after someone showers and in the winter you will smell it far worse than summer. So we used your tip but instead of putting holes in the top we put two small holes in the sides and we haven't had a problem since. Thank you:) your awesome.
Do you leave the cap on in the winter? I suppose having such a small hole, the 3-in rubber cap would get snow on it and eliminate the vent flow in the winter? If you drilled your holes on the side of the pipe that probably wouldn't happen and you would not need to remove the cap for winter use? Just wondering, that's the kind of maintenance that eventually gets forgotten.
Thank you so much. I purchased a new house and I was dealing with this problem for a decade. Recently, I thought of removing the pipe far from the house entrance, but it was required lots of work and cost. Just realized to see if there is any UA-cam video about it and found yours. I did what you said and it was a miracle. It's been a week. it cut 100% of the smell. None of the family members experience the smell anymore. Thank you so much. It was a great fix.
I'm a happy man because of you, I bought a house 4 years ago and it's been hard to find a solution to the sewer smell in my house and I had planned to sell the house due to the smell until I watched your video and did what you showed in the video and I can proudly say all my problems with the smell is goin. It just cost me $6 and I want to say thank you so so much and stay blessed, you are the best.
Chris, well you can return the favor by clicking the THANKS button under the video. Imagine how much extra money I'll be able to get for you on the sale with the odor issue gone.
It works great, I been doing this for a couple of years now after seeing this video. Sorta sucks when the winter months show up I have to take them off like you said but summer time on the deck is very nice not having to smell the sewer gases while setting on the deck. Thanks for the great advice it works perfectly.
Thanks this did the trick! We had an odor hog on our old vent pipe but our roofer replaced the vent pipe and upsized larger than odor hog had. We dealt with the stink for a solid year until I found this video. Immediate results
Glad to hear this good news. It's all because of atmospheric pressure. 14.2 PSI is much more powerful than you might ever imagine. LOTS of air can flow through a 1/4-inch hole at that pressure.
I ve been having a stinky bathroom for the winter. We‘re at the top of a hill so we get all the sewer gas. Sometimes I can smell it outside. Definitely when I’m on the roof. We have a washer in the bathroom. I figured that was it. But it didn’t smell behind the washer. I installed a one way flap and it still happened. Figured, maybe wax ring. Changed it twice and caulked around the base. Still get random sewer gas smell. I went on the roof and filled in the gap between the flashing and the sewer pipe. While up there I noticed my bathroom vent fan is only a few inches from the sewer vent. I think I’m pulling the gas in on days the wind blows that way.
I had to stop using my attic fan for the same reason. I'm going to try this approach, at least on my lower roof. Not sure about the high one, I'm chicken...
Great Idea Tim I have a smell on my deck all summer long and this will solve that problem, i am also the inventor of No Frost Venting. so I do live in a cold climate so i know the problems with venting and this solved another one!! JD
Jeremy, TNX. I did a very cool test years ago with another master plumber. We vented an entire shack in a rural area using - are you sitting down? - 1/2-inch copper tubing. The entire system worked perfectly because the air pressure pushing INTO the pipe is 14.2 pounds per square inch - less as you get above sea level. That pressure puts air into the tiny hole so fast it would make your head spin!
Just bought a little place and getting that smell. Was on septic then went to city sewer. Was as is when I bought it and in pretty rough shape. Roof vent pipes had been filled in. Cleaned them out best I could for now. Smell not completely gone but still there at times. Better but not gone.
Well, then you need to experiment. Get a new cap and drill a hole HALF the diameter you currently have. You'd be stunned how small the hole can be and it will let in enough air. Think about the tiny pin prick hole you put in one of those countertop water jugs with a pull-out spout!
Wow, it’s been 2 years. Final update: while this method had a huge effect, the smell still slightly existed. I ended up buying an exterior air admittance valve from Studor. Ultimately, that did it! Downsides: had to McGyver it to make it fit the vent stack, and it was $70. Take it or leave it… Again; great video, got me thinking and solving, and for me this is what worked. Good luck to all out there!
Glad you're happy! Why of course it worked. I paid attention in my high school physics class. You may have been absent out sick the day the Venturi effect was discussed.
Thanks! My swimming pool deck is right behind my house. We have a septic system. We could always smell sewer gas while swimming when there was a slight breeze. I never believed I could do anything about it and what a simple solution!
Very nice information. Just built a house and have same gas smell in the yard. Ive tried charcoal filter and it worked good in the summer but when it freezes out with alittle water in the air it freezes causing our drains to burp. Im going to try your method as I think being here in Mo we dont get alot of big snows and the heat from the baths would thaw out the vent hole and it would be efficient during those cold months
I assist with all these issues on the phone. Too many questions and back and forth: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Good fix.. Thanks for the tip. I did 1/2 hole and still have a small amount of odor. I will try a smaller hole per your recommendation. Will definitely be calling you next time I have a head scratcher problem.
Yep. Go with a 1/4-inch hole. Just realize if you're in a cold climate in BITTER WX, it could freeze up. The sun will melt it fast with the black color.
My vent pipe (2" dia.) terminates in the basement of the house, built in 1950, I recently purchased. There is no smell in the basement, only in the bathroom which is upstairs. I discovered a PVC cap loosely sitting on the pipe opening. After watching this video, I removed the cap, only to find the smell became much worse, filling the entire ground floor with stench; the house is single-story. I then placed the PVC cap firmly onto the vent pipe, and, the smell completely dissipated within 20-30 minutes. I then observed how the toilet flushed, noticing a slight degradation of its' flushing action, but surprisingly not that much. I then removed the cap, drilled a 1/8" hole in its center, and firmly placed it back on the vent pipe. So far, there is no smell and the toilet seems to be flushing normally. I normally keep all my bathroom sink and bathtub drains closed when not in use. I opened them to see if the smell comes out of them. There is a smell but it is very slight, less than what had emanated from them before capping the vent in the way I previously described. Water drains from them normally as well. I Hope this helps others.
Hey, great channel and great video! I have a quick question for you, but I have to rant a bit about my situation... and maybe this will help someone else experiencing similar. I'm on city sewer and have been dealing with this problem, off-and-on, for the last 10 years. It seems to be seasonal, and even related to the weather. I am about a block away from the sewer lift station, but my home is the lowest point on the street, even the lift station is higher. My home is also shorter than my neighbors, and consequently, my vent is a bit lower... I seem bear the brunt of sewer gas wafting out the vent nearest the road. None of my neighbors have the same complaints. The only thing that really helps is when the city runs the lift station fan to help purge gases, but it's not always helpful. It's worse at night when everyone in the neighborhood is showering and doing dishes, plus the atmospheric conditions at night appear to allow it to settle right near my front door and yard. The city recently started injecting a chemical into the sewer system to help prevent gases, but that hasn't really helped. They won't install a check-valve because they say it's not really a "problem", and conversely, would cause me to experience main-line clogs. My question for you is... my vent pipe seems to be covered by a lead fascia/shroud... it comes up and over the pipe, and is bent down inside the pvc pipe. How exactly would I go about adding a cap in this scenario? Would it benefit me to try and raise the pipe higher, as weird as that would look? Thanks!
I've been solving homeowner sewer gas issues for years over the phone. I've been a master plumber since 1981. You might want to schedule a call to get this smell issue under control: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
The smell is in the basement and at the top of the stairs, we smell no odor outside, it’s inside, it comes and goes, but when the smell does come back, it gets in the heat vent system and can be smelled throughout the whole house. I think the vent pipe might be clogged or partially clogged. Not sure what to do.
The best thing to do is invest in a short phone call with me. I'm an expert on the topic. As a master plumber, I've solved HUNDREDS of sewer gas problems over the phone. shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Yes, that makes total sense. I'm an expert on the topic and can help you solve the problem over the phone: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
what about using one of those Odor Hog filters instead? Im having this same problem. Im starting to use sinks and washing machine connected to a 2nd septic tank on my property that hasn't been used in a while, so the sewage smell from the vent pipes are really churning out stink.
You didn't explain why or how this keeps gas from coming out, just smaller hole causes backwards restriction enough to not let the gas up and out those holes?
I have a different question. We are planning to have a metal roof installed and the roofer suggested we remove and reroute our 4” vent stack a bathroom exhaust to the gable end of our home, which is 25’ away. It may be helpful to know we have a conditioned attic and live in a northern climate. What are your thoughts about this?
My thoughts are you should invest in one of my consult calls. There's FAR TOO MUCH TO TYPE: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
I have that smell under my home. It was built in the early 50’s. I will try the caps if I can locate any. But I am unsure if that’s my issue. For now I have a squirrel cage fan venting the air out the back. It no longer seeps into the house since I’ve done that.
I'm desperate for answers. Brand new build. Sewer smell coming into the house through the air vents when air is circulating. Not every day but often and every day this past week. It's been 6 months of this problem and builder cannot solve it. Says it's a wind issue. They put an extension on the roof stink pipe as they thought maybe the air intake was sucking the sewer gases into the house. That did not solve it. We are on a septic system. Plumbers and HVAC have been here. No solutions. Smell is horrible and nauseating. We can't live like this.
Anita, I solve ALL sewer gas issues over the phone. I've been a master plumber since age 29 and have solved HUNDREDS of sewer gas issues just like yours over the phone. Have the builder pay for my call. Based on past experience, we'll need 30 minutes: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Awesome advice and thank you for sharing this with us. i just had my septic pumped and now our vent pipes are gassing the neighborhood. Our neighbors actually called the gas company cuz they thought there was a gas leak. I had a plumbing company come out and they put a studor vent on ine of the vent pipes now the smell is coming out of one of the other pipe vents. The guy that pumped the tank said dump a gallon of bleach down the sink and that didnt work so i started googling and this video came up so i will try this and if it works i will post another comment. One question i have though is what if we have multiple vents? Do we cap all of them and put a hole in all of them with this method?
I haven't tried your solution yet and I am a woman renting a 1 bedroom house. But I have done everything in my power to clean drain. I took the trap apart and cleaned it good and put the vinegar and boiling water and bleach. Then the sani sticks which actually work sometimes, but it seems that at monsoon season here in Arizona nothing is getting that prwtred smell out from under the sink vanity So this would be my last hope.
I've solved HUNDREDS of sewer gas problems using a simple Q & A format. If you need help, consider purchasing my Sewer Gas Ebook: shop.askthebuilder.com/sewer-gas-smell/
Ask the Builder , Tim, in the attached video the comments are turned off. So my question would be, about that second bathroom venting though the large common vent, could you also just run a separate vent for there? I see lots of vent stacks in California and Oregon houses. Is it a local code thing, perhaps? Thanks. I’m loving your channel, by the way
@@askthebuilder hi tim! Just a question: in the video referenced above you mentioned making sure to not let your builder or plumber use smaller sized vent pipes then what you've used in the video. However, wouldn't the cap with the quarter inch or 3/8 inch hole drilled in it also effectively reduce air flow? I know in another comment you mentioned that you plumbed a whole house using half inch copper pipe once as an experiment and it worked really well. Just wondering if that large vent piping is actually necessary?
@@travishanson2119 The sizing of the vent pipes by code is about creating enough volume of air in the overall system... and also to function correctly as a drain where wet vents are used. You need that volume, but you don’t need a 2-3” hole at the top to let air in to equalize when you flush a toilet. Not sure that 3/8” will be adequate in every situation though.
Tim, thanks for video. We have sewer smell inside one bathroom in 2 bathroom home. Bathrooms are right next to each other . We replaced the wax seal, checked under the house for leaks, no leaks. We have a septic tank system. These smells coma and go. We ran water in in shower and sinks to fill those P traps to no avail. What could solve the problem?
Simple. You can start to solve the problem yourself by reading my ebook: shop.askthebuilder.com/sewer-gas-smell/ This simple short book has brought relief from the smell to over 100,000 other consumers who have read it. Get the book and your odor should be gone in one hour or less.
What the heck happened? Give us a full report! If you want FREE unlimited tips like this each week, subscribe to my newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com
I tried this and it really didnt work. The Smell is way better, but still there. It now makes my shower gurgle when flushing the Toilet so I am not questioning if 1/4" hole is adequate in my situation.
It sounds like your vent pipe is partially clogged. Get back up on the roof, remove the cap, and put a garden hose in the vent pipe and turn on a full blast of water. Station someone inside to look for LEAKS in case the vent pipe system is not sealed properly. If you read many of the other comments, you'll discover my solution DOES work. Read more about why it works on my www.AsktheBuilder.com website.
Hi Ask the builder, I added a bathroom and this is a new roof vent that was added to vent the toilet, shower and sink, its coming in off a fork from the main line leading out to the street, about 50 feet of new 4 pipe leading back the new bathroom, this new vent on the roof is for that new bathroom. The work was done by an experienced plumber and passed inspection, but this vent has a MUCH stronger smell than the three existing ones on my house, Why would this be? I'm trying your cap idea on this one pipe.
Yes. But understand what's in play, especially if you have a pump that forces 150 gallons of effluent up to the leach field. You'll get LOTS of odor because the pipes in the ground are being flooded with stinky water. Once the pump stops, the odor will dissipate.
I’m curious if you tried this on the yard vent. I recently had a new septic installed and unfortunately had a “candy cane” vent put about 10 feet from my pool and right next to my sitting area. I’ve been looking at all the charcoal filters online and stumbled across this video. I’m excited to try this method before cutting the pipe and spending the money. I don’t have a pump up leaching field just a gravity system. Please let me know… thanks
Because over time a small hole could get plugged up with debris. In cold climates hoar frost would clog it. This is a great fix for those that suffer from sewer gas because the vent pipe was put in the wrong upwind location on a home.
For all asking why this works, decreasing the diameter of a 3" pipe to 3/8" decreases the volume of airfow by about a factor of 10x. (I think) That's a lot less gas coming out of the pipes
@@askthebuilder My problem is sewer smell in my house after heavy rains. I installed one at the problem area. Hopefully it will do the trick. And yeah, my math was a wee bit off 😄
Well i am very intrigued as we have the odour issue and its in our bedroom as the septic is just outside our window and the vent is directly above us in the roof. We live in rural Ontario, cold climate, lots if snow. I understand the reason for removing in the winter, but as some others - our odour is much worse in the winter. We have a wood burning fireplace just outside our door so i am assuming the “draft pull” from the chimney is pulling in the odour. So not sure how to solve my winter issue with your “removal” recommendation. Robert.
Gina, I've been a master plumber since 1981. I've solved HUNDREDS of sewer gas issues like yours over the phone. It's too much back-and-forth here. shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
At my with ends .my husband and I have purchased property Have an odors that we smell in our home• We can’t pin point where it coming from but it makes our family sick •We have call out 7 plumbers and still having problems with the odor•
How many hundreds of dollars did you spend on the plumbers? If you get my Sewer Gas Smell eBook - shop.askthebuilder.com/sewer-gas-smell/, you can probably solve the problem yourself in an hour. Otherwise, I solve it in a phone call. I've been a master plumber since 1981 and have SOLVED hundreds and hundreds of sewer gas problems.
that makes no sense =the vent pipe on that roof wass like a 2" opening so how does putting a cap on that pipe with an even smaller hole allow no gas smell, its still going to smell- how about a carbon cartridge filter in or in the pipe
It makes all the sense in the world had you not been sick that day in high school when the venturi effect was discussed in physics class. Here's another pro tip: It pays to read many comments before you start pecking away on your keyboard only to make yourself look like a mental midget.
As a plumber myself adding a cap and one 3/8 hole is a recipe for trouble. It is not big enough to adequately vent the household. Flush a wc when someone is showering or laundry in draining it will not be enough. This is crazy.
Kyle, did you not pay attention in the video to the part about the tiny tiny vent hole you put into plastic jugs of drinking water? Would you believe it if I told you that another plumber and I did a test where we vented an entire bathroom using 1/2-inch copper tubing and it worked perfectly? Instead of discounting a new idea that you've not thought of yourself, you should train your brain to TRY it first. If it doesn't work, then by all means come back with your test results and share them. Were you absent that day in high school physics class when this topic was discussed - air passing through tiny orifices at high pressure?
Hello Terry, do you have experience with septic field systems (6 tanks), we put the septic air outflow (bull horn style pipe from the tank with carbon filters) but there is still a very strong septic smell. Thank you.
Hi. Late to this post. As the smell exits the vent pipes is it not a gas? The gas still needs to go somewhere? This solution doesn't cause a gas backup? Maybe it slows the gas release and still allows the plumbing to work properly? Very interesting. Windier why Venta aren't smaller in diameter.
You need to read all about vent pipes and HOW THEY WORK on my www.AsktheBuilder.com website. If you need more help, I offer phone coaching/mentoring: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Yes. I've been a master plumber since 1989. I can tell you how to do it over the phone: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
The smell is natural. The issue is most gravity septic systems do NOT have a vent in the leach field. Thus, any gas that builds up in the tank has but one place to go - out through the roof. Understand the primary purpose of the roof vent pipes is to LET AIR INTO the system.
Hello Tim, question I'm installing a underground septic tank hooked up to a toilet about 10-12 ft away is the toilet vent enough venting for the septic tank or does the septic tank need its own venting. Thank you Eli
Eli, this requires a phone conversation. There's far too much to type that you need to know. This is the BEST $$$ you'll spend on the entire job: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/ If you decide against doing the call, I'd love to know your honest answer as to why. You won't hurt my feelings.
We have bin finding these pipes frozen on a lot of our homes its bin blowing snow and -38 for a couple of weeks now we chip out the ice then in a day or less there frozen or covered with snow again please looking for a great tip/fix
I have one of those turbo type toilets (no water in tank) and when I turn the Central heater on at or around 77 degrees sewer gas smells up the one bathroom. Would a vent cover fix this? Thanks...Ron..
No, that didn"t work. Inside my home it smell like sewage and up on the roof the vent pipes smell like sewage coming out of it. It is real bad. All p traps have water in it. The smell gets real bad when it windy, raining and cold outside. i snake all the pipes found no clogged and disconnects. What more can I do to solve this problem. Sleepless
I've solved HUNDREDS of sewer gas issues. You can start to solve yours by reading this short ebook that takes you down the source pathway: shop.askthebuilder.com/sewer-gas-smell/
Great video! But, what do I do during the winter?? We can even walk out of our house without gagging! I smoke so I'm outside year round. Can I leave this on year round??? Thanks!
You can try. If it gets bitter cold the small hole could ice up. But on a sunny day, it will melt fast with the black rubber absorbing the solar radiation.
Hi Tim, I really appreciate all of your content, thank you very much! I'm having this issue with the front vent pipe of my house, it's constant and so bad I can't even be in the front of my house if the wind isn't blowing the gas in the opposite direction (issues is a 10 of 10 level)! I'm definitely going to try your idea! I've tried the Odor Hog and it does absolutely nothing, the odor is that strong and it's sad because we love our home. Two neighbors directly to the east of our home (very large attached condos) are having the same issue so our corner of the cul-de-sac is really bad. My question is, could this be a city sewer issue if so what could potentially be the issue? This is my 3rd home and I've never experienced this issue. Thank You Sir!
There are several things that could be causing the issue. If you need detailed help, I offer a phone consult service: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
why not drill more holes on the pvc vent pipe itself, and leave the cap alone? This should prevent leaves entering the vent pipe, and allow permanently leaving the cap on
I think it's pretty obvious that you must have been sick that day in high school when the venturi effect was discussed in physics class. But thanks for your input nonetheless.
Hey Tim, Great stuff, we have been smelling the horrible gas/sewage smell for a few years now but only outside when on our back deck and especially in the fall/winter seasons. Never had the smell inside our house though, so would we still smell this odor outside? The vent is on the backside of the house which is where our deck is located and occasionally we get the smell and it’s unbearable, every day really. Thanks for any insight. I’m definitely going to try this but wanted to get your advice on the smell outside the home. Thanks a lot Josh
Watch the video once more. If you need help after that, I offer phone coaching. I've been a master plumber since 1981. Go here: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Hi Tim! Or anyone! I'm in a situation where I can't vent to the outside nor tie into existing venting. (Condo) I'm draining laundry water into its own Ejector Pump that requires venting. I can vent through the ceiling. If I use this method, will there eventually be a foul odor?
It's time for you and me to get on the phone before you make a HUGE mistake. I've already done three calls today: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
I have sewer gas issue in my room from my shower drain hole. It happens if I flush the toilet but not using the shower for a couple of days. I suspect it's the vent valve issue, either clogged or it's a check valve, air can only goes out.
The fix is to talk with me. I've been a master plumber since 1981. For unlimited tips like this video, subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com
Our sons bedroom has always had a sewer odor. We recently had a new septic tank put in & with the change in weather the whole house has started to smell. Could this be the vent as well? Thank you for any response
I solve ALL sewer-gas issues over the phone. Far too many questions to ask and too much to type. I've been a master plumber since age 29 and my phone rate is 50% of what you'll pay a plumber to come out: shop.askthebuilder.com/30-minute-recorded-consult-call/
Curious what a solution might be for colder weather. I spend a lot of time outdoors even in the cold and have noticed the smell even more recently. Can I drill more than one hole to allow for proper venting with a similar result?
Hi, hope you will see this comment. We have a 4 -Storey Building and the plumbing is vented out the roof. However at times there is a sewer smell in the groundfloor rooms. We have temporarily installed a fan at the top of the vent to force more air out and this has solved the issue for now. But it seems to be only treating the symptom. What would you suggest we do? Thanks!
Well, it's removed in COLD climates in the winter because of hoarfrost. You may need to do a phone consult with me to solve your issue: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Even tho I thought it vented up I did get the t n y rite because the logic was the same. So now I gotta ask you for the trick to keep the top from freezing in the winter. Is there something that does both u can leave on ??
If the hole chokes off with hoar frost, no air can get into the system. As I said in the video, in the winter you generally have your windows and doors closed so no odor will get in. It could be an issue if you have an air INTAKE vent close to a plumbing vent pipe. I'd always shoot for 10-feet minimum spacing.
Yes. You might start with one of my consult phone calls. I've been a master plumber since 1981 and I solve sewer gas issues on the phone each week: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
What about when the smell is coming from the inside basement bathroom? The roughed in plumbing was already done before we purchased the house. We put in the new bathroom and the smell is strong in the bathroom. When using the tub, it floods the next room over (Laundry room) from the drain in the floor.Only in the winter (Cold place). In the summer we do not get the oder.
Dave, I've solved HUNDREDS of sewer-gas odor problems over the phone. I've been a master plumber for 40 years. If you need help, you've got this option: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Ours smells inside the house at any given time throughout the year. It just started the past few weeks and has gotten worse. We don't open the windows in the summer spring or fall as it's too dusty for my wife's allergies. We have a septic system and wondered if the smell is coming from it somehow through the basement pit ad in through the A/C. It comes and goes throughout the year but for some reason, when the wind blows or we haven't had rain for awhile, it gets bad. Can I vent the clean out caps to help air flow from the septic or is that a no no? Help please! Thank you!
I’m going to try this for sure! Question for you…why do I need to remove it in the winter? The septic smell from the pipe is year round. My winter temps get to -15F to -22F and usually 2-3 ft of snow on the roof. Thanks!
I don’t, but I spend a lot of time outside and it smells in the winter. Also I don’t want to climb up on to the roof to take off/put on twice a season. I live alone, rurally, ladders aren’t my thing.
You say to remove the cap during the winter, but, that’s when it’s the worst for us due to temperature inversion. Do you recommend removal so that the hole doesn’t get plugged with snow and ice? If so, what if there were a shield over the cap that allowed full vent but protected it from snow?
Confused, so you're implying that in the winter you spend lots of time outdoors and are offended by the odor, correct? Yes, hoarfrost. A cover will not stop the ice. Sun will help melt it.
@@askthebuilder no sir, we’re mostly indoors. But because of where our bathroom fan vents are situated in proximity to the vent stack, the septic smell enters them. If we’re running water, two of the fans need to be on or it gets into the house.
I’m having the smell come inside my home from one of my bathrooms but only when the temps are dropping lower than the 60s. All new plumbing underneath, but the vent stack is not new. Any suggestions on what to do, it smells awful!
Hi Tim, I do not have a main exhaust pipe in my home. I am on a septic system and have a crawl space where inside the craw space I have two air admittance valves on two different drain pipes. I want to encapsulate my crawlspace to dehumidify it and remove mold so the crawl space vents will be closed but of course there will be an access door. The crawl space is 1800 square feet. The septic also does not have an exhaust pipe on it but it does have an inspection pipe 4' away from the septic yet it has a screw cap on it. Will I need to add an exhaust pipe to my system and if so, where do they go? Can I drill a hole in the inspection cap? Can I leave it as is? Thank You.
All plumbing issues/questions require a phone call. Far too much to type. I've been a master plumber since 1981. Very affordable: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Doesn't the vent pipe need to VENT gas at volume, and wouldn't the cap solution you propose hold sewer gas in the house because the hole is too small? You describe the stack as it if were necessary only for pressure relief/suction...but it seems like it's venting gas constantly...
This is my concern too Auden. From what I understand the pipes also let gasses OUT when pressure builds up in the sceptic tank. Not allowing them to do so (my sceptic tank has two pipes) might create significant pressure in the sceptic tank and a create a bomb underground. These gasses might be caused by an unstable sceptic tank eg not the correct balance of bacteria etc, from what I understand but whilst i really want to believe this solution, I'm concerned to try it due to this question of pressure build up. Would love to book a call with Ask the Builder but not sure he is still active. Does anyone else have any thoughts or suggestions here?
Would this fix an intermittent problem of sewer gas smell during high winds? I'm getting gas smell in an old bathroom, that was supposedly capped off. but only when there is a high wind outside. Any ideas?
Yes. You need to read my new Sewer Gas Smell ebook. I should have it for sale on Sunday February 27th. I'll announce it in my newsletter and subscribers will get a 50% discount on the price. I suggest you subscribe to my FREE newsletter now right on the front of my home page: www.AsktheBuilder.com
I don’t have a spectic system but in my main floor bathroom we have a shower that is never used but smells of sewer gas. I let the shower run for a couple of minutes every month or so but I was wondering what your thoughts were. In
As I said earlier, I solve all sewer gas problems on the phone. I have quite a few questions I have to ask to drill down to the source: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
@Ask the Builder *The place I'm living in (overseas) was NOT ONLY built before any codes were put in, managed to put the drain pipe from the apartment above mine, through my kitchen, and it's connected to my sink. The result is, that, when the pipe burps, it smells like an open sewer (it may be hooked up to their toilet upstairs. Since I don't and CAN'T communicate with the above stairs neighbors, I was wondering if I could put a "choke plate" like you find on the air intake on a carburetor so let the water flow in one direction but works as a baffle for gas coming back the other way (almost like a gate valve but more of a swing gate/baffle. Does something like that already exist? What's it called? Is there a brand you can recommend?*
David, the answer is in my recent INSTANT DOWNLOAD book I just published. You'd do yourself a huge favor by just purchasing my ebook about this before the price DOUBLES tomorrow on March 6, 2022: shop.askthebuilder.com/sewer-gas-smell/
okay i recently bought a home and notice the smell at first but seen there was a ton of water under that house and took the smell for stagnated water or how ever its spelled. well it was not it. i noticed that there is multiple sewage lines and the one that is allowing sewage gas back through my shower i installed a aav underneath the house and it help for a min but i can still feel a breezes coming from the shower drain what am i doing wrong the only thing that is ran too the line i am talking about is the toilet and shower. installing it i used a 1 1/2" y pipe and ran it inline with the shower drain i put the vent cap up toward the floor the smell is driving me crazy not to mention the nagging coming from the wife i figure that would fix it. have one more 1 1/2" aav but tbh i am stomped on what could be causing it. any input would be great
My input is simple: Fill out my questionnaire and then schedule a phone call with me: forms.gle/qKRR7DLmNvcKeRuH9 Once you answer the questions, I'll reach out to you to schedule the call.
What about when the pipes are open is this dangerous ? Cus my bathroom is being worked on the guy leaves the pipes open when he removes the toilet I get very ill .
@@askthebuilder i get the physics of needing a vent system. My question is, why would you smell (or have) less gasses, fumes etc. with having a smaller hole? While it's sitting there, not in use. You've proven the theory (less/no smells) works, but didn't explain why.
Yes, it might freeze in bitter cold WX. But if the pipe is in the sun, the black will help melt the ice in short order. This is why I said in the video you MIGHT want to remove it in the winter as you don't have doors and windows open then. So who cares if there's odor outside????
I just purchased a mobile home with a metal roof and I see no roof vents coming out of it. Not sure where they are venting at but my kitchen sink wasn't draining very fast and I noticed they put a pvc cap on where the vent should have been under the sink. I drilled a hole in it but now my house smells like sewer. Should I punch a hole and stub it out the wall?
Be careful. I did this and yes it stopped it from smelling outside. However the next day the smell started coming back through the upstairs sink drain. Definitely worth trying, but pay attention to over constricting. I drilled a 3/8 hole.
Sam, you've got a sewer gas leak INDOORS. You need my book that I just published four days ago. It's on sale for just a few more days - 50% off: shop.askthebuilder.com/sewer-gas-smell/
@@AlexGoBrodo it.
@@AlexGoBro Update? I have this problem and am concerned about the air pressure. We already extended the pipe 6" but we still have sewer gas smell in our back yard and it drifts into one specific bedroom window if we open that window. We are considering extension the pipe another 6".
The small hole in the cap was probably restricting too much. Then draining a tub or flushing a toilet sucked the water out of your upstairs sink trap.
We purchased a small cottage last summer and were having this exact problem. I knew it was coming from the stink pipe. Your solution worked perfectly! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. My wife told me “You better go tell him it worked!l 👍 🙏
Yep, I knew it would work. This is why it's so important to engage critical-thinking skills!
@@askthebuilder much better for me today as well, the smell is gone today uncapping the vents on the roof and a days worth of normal water usage did the trick and systems working fine now. No headaches. Was giving me headaches. Cats happier to. Lol. Thank you sir.
My sewer vents in the basement. House built in 70’s. Smells awful sometimes.
I'm here to say this tip is 💯💯🔥!! I was very skeptical about covering my vent pipes as I always assumed they were open for a reason and flowed in one direction..outwards! I placed the exact rubber caps with clamps and drilled a 1/4 inch hole in each and 5 days out NOT A SINGLE ODOR and all fixtures appear to be operating at maximum efficiency! Thank you so very much Sir for your expertise and time put in this video as you literally saved me 1000's
We have a home in South America with a bathroom in one of the upstairs bedrooms. It functioned well without odor for two years after the relocation of the toilet, but now has sewer gas odor with flushing. The sewer line runs 10 feet with drop under the floor then down the outside wall. There is a concrete union box on ground level which serves as the vent? Is it possible to put a vent pipe on this system vented through the ceiling as in the US. Are there reference guides to assist me?
Tim, we built a new home on our country cabin lot in 2016 and have been having the sewage odor issue since then. I though it was a leaching field issue but could not fine the source but narrowed it down to the vent stack. I installed the cap as you directed and have not had the issue since. I just wanted to thank you for such great advice.
Thank you! This worked for us. We've tried numerous things to get rid of the smell. This is the only thing that worked! Thank you again!
Glad it helped! Consider supporting my channel by making a donation using the Thanks text link under the video or in the three-dots menu. Imagine how much pain I've taken away!
Tim Carter, I drilled PVC caps with 1/4" hole on top for both 1.5" and 2" vent pipes. I got 4 total vents for 3 full baths, WORKS GREAT!! Grandpa told me the hole was too small, but after running some pipe volumes, orifice calcs and flush volumes, etc. It worked out fine.
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This worked for us! We had this problem for 9 yrs and had tried everything. Thank you so much for this simple tip.
Brenda, I'm glad it helped. How about going back up above and click the *THANKS* text link under the video and maybe give me 15% of what you would have paid a plumber to stop by.
U get paid through UA-cam
Thank you,
I am from a cold climate and we have been having severe problems with the septic smell especially after someone showers and in the winter you will smell it far worse than summer.
So we used your tip but instead of putting holes in the top we put two small holes in the sides and we haven't had a problem since.
Thank you:) your awesome.
YW To get unlimited free tips each week like this, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com
Thank you, I needed this for the same reason!
One question: did you drill the holes in the side of the pipe, or the side of the cap?
Do you leave the cap on in the winter? I suppose having such a small hole, the 3-in rubber cap would get snow on it and eliminate the vent flow in the winter? If you drilled your holes on the side of the pipe that probably wouldn't happen and you would not need to remove the cap for winter use? Just wondering, that's the kind of maintenance that eventually gets forgotten.
Thank you so much. I purchased a new house and I was dealing with this problem for a decade. Recently, I thought of removing the pipe far from the house entrance, but it was required lots of work and cost. Just realized to see if there is any UA-cam video about it and found yours. I did what you said and it was a miracle. It's been a week. it cut 100% of the smell. None of the family members experience the smell anymore. Thank you so much. It was a great fix.
I'm glad to have helped you! The key is to have paid attention in high school physics class. It's all about the Venturi effect.
I'm a happy man because of you, I bought a house 4 years ago and it's been hard to find a solution to the sewer smell in my house and I had planned to sell the house due to the smell until I watched your video and did what you showed in the video and I can proudly say all my problems with the smell is goin. It just cost me $6 and I want to say thank you so so much and stay blessed, you are the best.
Chris, well you can return the favor by clicking the THANKS button under the video. Imagine how much extra money I'll be able to get for you on the sale with the odor issue gone.
I woke up this morning and the smell had come back and I don’t know what to do next.
It works great, I been doing this for a couple of years now after seeing this video. Sorta sucks when the winter months show up I have to take them off like you said but summer time on the deck is very nice not having to smell the sewer gases while setting on the deck. Thanks for the great advice it works perfectly.
Thanks this did the trick! We had an odor hog on our old vent pipe but our roofer replaced the vent pipe and upsized larger than odor hog had. We dealt with the stink for a solid year until I found this video. Immediate results
Glad it helped! It's all about the Venturi Principle in physics.
All 6 breathers have been modified from 2” and no smell. Thanks for the solution in a tropical climate ( Thailand) that makes perfect sense.
Glad to hear this good news. It's all because of atmospheric pressure. 14.2 PSI is much more powerful than you might ever imagine. LOTS of air can flow through a 1/4-inch hole at that pressure.
14.7
I ve been having a stinky bathroom for the winter. We‘re at the top of a hill so we get all the sewer gas. Sometimes I can smell it outside. Definitely when I’m on the roof.
We have a washer in the bathroom. I figured that was it. But it didn’t smell behind the washer. I installed a one way flap and it still happened.
Figured, maybe wax ring. Changed it twice and caulked around the base. Still get random sewer gas smell.
I went on the roof and filled in the gap between the flashing and the sewer pipe.
While up there I noticed my bathroom vent fan is only a few inches from the sewer vent. I think I’m pulling the gas in on days the wind blows that way.
I had to stop using my attic fan for the same reason. I'm going to try this approach, at least on my lower roof. Not sure about the high one, I'm chicken...
Great Idea Tim I have a smell on my deck all summer long and this will solve that problem, i am also the inventor of No Frost Venting. so I do live in a cold climate so i know the problems with venting and this solved another one!!
JD
Tim, that's genius! I had always assumed the vent pipe size was fully necessary, but it'll pull air in as much as it needs through that hole.
Jeremy, TNX. I did a very cool test years ago with another master plumber. We vented an entire shack in a rural area using - are you sitting down? - 1/2-inch copper tubing. The entire system worked perfectly because the air pressure pushing INTO the pipe is 14.2 pounds per square inch - less as you get above sea level. That pressure puts air into the tiny hole so fast it would make your head spin!
Wow! I never would have believed it!
Just bought a little place and getting that smell. Was on septic then went to city sewer. Was as is when I bought it and in pretty rough shape. Roof vent pipes had been filled in. Cleaned them out best I could for now. Smell not completely gone but still there at times. Better but not gone.
I tried this and it definitely solved the problem. Thank you.
Great. Perhaps you can go back and click the *THANKS* text link under the video.
It's only been 1 night - but, yup. It worked. Thanks for the tip.
Hoorah! If you're serious about the "thanks", how about buying me a couple of beers? Click the *THANKS* text link under the video.
Worked like a charm! Thanks for the UA-cam tip.
YW YL as we say in Morse. www.W3ATB.com
I tried the filters, they did nothing. This cut the smell down by about 90%. Not perfection, but a huge improvement; thanks for this!
Well, then you need to experiment. Get a new cap and drill a hole HALF the diameter you currently have. You'd be stunned how small the hole can be and it will let in enough air. Think about the tiny pin prick hole you put in one of those countertop water jugs with a pull-out spout!
Ok, will do. I’ll check back with updates.
Wow, it’s been 2 years. Final update: while this method had a huge effect, the smell still slightly existed. I ended up buying an exterior air admittance valve from Studor. Ultimately, that did it!
Downsides: had to McGyver it to make it fit the vent stack, and it was $70. Take it or leave it…
Again; great video, got me thinking and solving, and for me this is what worked. Good luck to all out there!
you are 100% right it works 2 months in no smell or no problems
Glad you're happy! Why of course it worked. I paid attention in my high school physics class. You may have been absent out sick the day the Venturi effect was discussed.
Thanks! My swimming pool deck is right behind my house. We have a septic system. We could always smell sewer gas while swimming when there was a slight breeze. I never believed I could do anything about it and what a simple solution!
Once you do this, PLEASE report back with your success!
This is our exact situation right now, how did it work out for you?
Very nice information. Just built a house and have same gas smell in the yard. Ive tried charcoal filter and it worked good in the summer but when it freezes out with alittle water in the air it freezes causing our drains to burp. Im going to try your method as I think being here in Mo we dont get alot of big snows and the heat from the baths would thaw out the vent hole and it would be efficient during those cold months
I assist with all these issues on the phone. Too many questions and back and forth: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Good fix.. Thanks for the tip. I did 1/2 hole and still have a small amount of odor. I will try a smaller hole per your recommendation. Will definitely be calling you next time I have a head scratcher problem.
Yep. Go with a 1/4-inch hole. Just realize if you're in a cold climate in BITTER WX, it could freeze up. The sun will melt it fast with the black color.
My vent pipe (2" dia.) terminates in the basement of the house, built in 1950, I recently purchased. There is no smell in the basement, only in the bathroom which is upstairs. I discovered a PVC cap loosely sitting on the pipe opening. After watching this video, I removed the cap, only to find the smell became much worse, filling the entire ground floor with stench; the house is single-story. I then placed the PVC cap firmly onto the vent pipe, and, the smell completely dissipated within 20-30 minutes. I then observed how the toilet flushed, noticing a slight degradation of its' flushing action, but surprisingly not that much. I then removed the cap, drilled a 1/8" hole in its center, and firmly placed it back on the vent pipe. So far, there is no smell and the toilet seems to be flushing normally. I normally keep all my bathroom sink and bathtub drains closed when not in use. I opened them to see if the smell comes out of them. There is a smell but it is very slight, less than what had emanated from them before capping the vent in the way I previously described. Water drains from them normally as well. I Hope this helps others.
Vent pipes are NEVER to terminate inside a home. Are you SURE it's a vent pipe? No sane plumber would have ever installed one like you describe.
Hey, great channel and great video! I have a quick question for you, but I have to rant a bit about my situation... and maybe this will help someone else experiencing similar. I'm on city sewer and have been dealing with this problem, off-and-on, for the last 10 years. It seems to be seasonal, and even related to the weather. I am about a block away from the sewer lift station, but my home is the lowest point on the street, even the lift station is higher. My home is also shorter than my neighbors, and consequently, my vent is a bit lower... I seem bear the brunt of sewer gas wafting out the vent nearest the road. None of my neighbors have the same complaints. The only thing that really helps is when the city runs the lift station fan to help purge gases, but it's not always helpful. It's worse at night when everyone in the neighborhood is showering and doing dishes, plus the atmospheric conditions at night appear to allow it to settle right near my front door and yard. The city recently started injecting a chemical into the sewer system to help prevent gases, but that hasn't really helped. They won't install a check-valve because they say it's not really a "problem", and conversely, would cause me to experience main-line clogs. My question for you is... my vent pipe seems to be covered by a lead fascia/shroud... it comes up and over the pipe, and is bent down inside the pvc pipe. How exactly would I go about adding a cap in this scenario? Would it benefit me to try and raise the pipe higher, as weird as that would look? Thanks!
I've been solving homeowner sewer gas issues for years over the phone. I've been a master plumber since 1981. You might want to schedule a call to get this smell issue under control: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
The smell is in the basement and at the top of the stairs, we smell no odor outside, it’s inside, it comes and goes, but when the smell does come back, it gets in the heat vent system and can be smelled throughout the whole house. I think the vent pipe might be clogged or partially clogged. Not sure what to do.
The best thing to do is invest in a short phone call with me. I'm an expert on the topic. As a master plumber, I've solved HUNDREDS of sewer gas problems over the phone. shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
I am having a smell from My restroom sink, would this help??? I don't have septic tank system.
The solution to your sink issue is in this handy ebook I wrote for you: shop.askthebuilder.com/sewer-gas-smell/
Thank you so much sir I was having this problem at my house and this method worked thx a bunch !!
Glad it helped. I knew it would work...
Hi Tim, I am having this problem but the smell gets much worse in the colder months.
Yes, that makes total sense. I'm an expert on the topic and can help you solve the problem over the phone: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Me too and we have what seems to be a functional roof vent. But first cold morning and we get sewer smell. Did you solve your problem?
what about using one of those Odor Hog filters instead? Im having this same problem. Im starting to use sinks and washing machine connected to a 2nd septic tank on my property that hasn't been used in a while, so the sewage smell from the vent pipes are really churning out stink.
Life is full of choices, isn't it? Did you read all the comments?
You didn't explain why or how this keeps gas from coming out, just smaller hole causes backwards restriction enough to not let the gas up and out those holes?
Wesley, engage those tiny gray cells and do some critical thinking on your own. READ many of the other comments.
I have a different question. We are planning to have a metal roof installed and the roofer suggested we remove and reroute our 4” vent stack a bathroom exhaust to the gable end of our home, which is 25’ away. It may be helpful to know we have a conditioned attic and live in a northern climate. What are your thoughts about this?
My thoughts are you should invest in one of my consult calls. There's FAR TOO MUCH TO TYPE: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
So reducing the size of the hole makes it vent better? Ours is worse in winter and the smell is nowhere near the roof pipe.
Reducing the hole makes less sewer gas come out.
I have that smell under my home. It was built in the early 50’s. I will try the caps if I can locate any. But I am unsure if that’s my issue. For now I have a squirrel cage fan venting the air out the back. It no longer seeps into the house since I’ve done that.
Good. If you want FREE unlimited tips like this each week, subscribe to my newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com
I'm desperate for answers. Brand new build. Sewer smell coming into the house through the air vents when air is circulating. Not every day but often and every day this past week. It's been 6 months of this problem and builder cannot solve it. Says it's a wind issue. They put an extension on the roof stink pipe as they thought maybe the air intake was sucking the sewer gases into the house. That did not solve it. We are on a septic system. Plumbers and HVAC have been here. No solutions. Smell is horrible and nauseating. We can't live like this.
Anita, I solve ALL sewer gas issues over the phone. I've been a master plumber since age 29 and have solved HUNDREDS of sewer gas issues just like yours over the phone. Have the builder pay for my call. Based on past experience, we'll need 30 minutes: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Awesome advice and thank you for sharing this with us. i just had my septic pumped and now our vent pipes are gassing the neighborhood. Our neighbors actually called the gas company cuz they thought there was a gas leak. I had a plumbing company come out and they put a studor vent on ine of the vent pipes now the smell is coming out of one of the other pipe vents. The guy that pumped the tank said dump a gallon of bleach down the sink and that didnt work so i started googling and this video came up so i will try this and if it works i will post another comment. One question i have though is what if we have multiple vents? Do we cap all of them and put a hole in all of them with this method?
You do it with all the vent pipes.
I haven't tried your solution yet and I am a woman renting a 1 bedroom house. But I have done everything in my power to clean drain. I took the trap apart and cleaned it good and put the vinegar and boiling water and bleach. Then the sani sticks which actually work sometimes, but it seems that at monsoon season here in Arizona nothing is getting that prwtred smell out from under the sink vanity So this would be my last hope.
I've solved HUNDREDS of sewer gas problems using a simple Q & A format. If you need help, consider purchasing my Sewer Gas Ebook: shop.askthebuilder.com/sewer-gas-smell/
I never realized those were for letting air *in*. I had, until now, thought they were to let the gasses escape. Thanks for the video. :)
Pete, you'd really love the video I did explaining vent pipes. Go here: www.askthebuilder.com/how-to-vent-plumbing-video/
Ask the Builder , Tim, in the attached video the comments are turned off. So my question would be, about that second bathroom venting though the large common vent, could you also just run a separate vent for there? I see lots of vent stacks in California and Oregon houses. Is it a local code thing, perhaps? Thanks. I’m loving your channel, by the way
@@askthebuilder hi tim! Just a question: in the video referenced above you mentioned making sure to not let your builder or plumber use smaller sized vent pipes then what you've used in the video. However, wouldn't the cap with the quarter inch or 3/8 inch hole drilled in it also effectively reduce air flow? I know in another comment you mentioned that you plumbed a whole house using half inch copper pipe once as an experiment and it worked really well. Just wondering if that large vent piping is actually necessary?
@@travishanson2119 The sizing of the vent pipes by code is about creating enough volume of air in the overall system... and also to function correctly as a drain where wet vents are used. You need that volume, but you don’t need a 2-3” hole at the top to let air in to equalize when you flush a toilet. Not sure that 3/8” will be adequate in every situation though.
Tim, thanks for video. We have sewer smell inside one bathroom in 2 bathroom home. Bathrooms are right next to each other . We replaced the wax seal, checked under the house for leaks, no leaks. We have a septic tank system. These smells coma and go. We ran water in in shower and sinks to fill those P traps to no avail. What could solve the problem?
Simple. You can start to solve the problem yourself by reading my ebook: shop.askthebuilder.com/sewer-gas-smell/ This simple short book has brought relief from the smell to over 100,000 other consumers who have read it. Get the book and your odor should be gone in one hour or less.
I will be trying this in the summer! Thanks.
What the heck happened? Give us a full report! If you want FREE unlimited tips like this each week, subscribe to my newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com
I tried this and it really didnt work. The Smell is way better, but still there. It now makes my shower gurgle when flushing the Toilet so I am not questioning if 1/4" hole is adequate in my situation.
It sounds like your vent pipe is partially clogged. Get back up on the roof, remove the cap, and put a garden hose in the vent pipe and turn on a full blast of water. Station someone inside to look for LEAKS in case the vent pipe system is not sealed properly. If you read many of the other comments, you'll discover my solution DOES work. Read more about why it works on my www.AsktheBuilder.com website.
Hi Ask the builder, I added a bathroom and this is a new roof vent that was added to vent the toilet, shower and sink, its coming in off a fork from the main line leading out to the street, about 50 feet of new 4 pipe leading back the new bathroom, this new vent on the roof is for that new bathroom. The work was done by an experienced plumber and passed inspection, but this vent has a MUCH stronger smell than the three existing ones on my house, Why would this be? I'm trying your cap idea on this one pipe.
Wind direction? Get unlimited tips each week for FREE with my www.AsktheBuilder.com newsletter.
Will this work for an upside down opening in a "candycane" shaped pipe in the yard next to septic tank?
Yes. But understand what's in play, especially if you have a pump that forces 150 gallons of effluent up to the leach field. You'll get LOTS of odor because the pipes in the ground are being flooded with stinky water. Once the pump stops, the odor will dissipate.
I’m curious if you tried this on the yard vent. I recently had a new septic installed and unfortunately had a “candy cane” vent put about 10 feet from my pool and right next to my sitting area. I’ve been looking at all the charcoal filters online and stumbled across this video. I’m excited to try this method before cutting the pipe and spending the money. I don’t have a pump up leaching field just a gravity system.
Please let me know… thanks
I'm curious why they would put a 3-in pipe through the roof if a quarter inch vent hole is enough to keep the system working?
Because over time a small hole could get plugged up with debris. In cold climates hoar frost would clog it. This is a great fix for those that suffer from sewer gas because the vent pipe was put in the wrong upwind location on a home.
hi my pipe come off flat off the wall side with a small grill above my bathrooms windows, should I extend it with an elbow shape??
Yes.
For all asking why this works, decreasing the diameter of a 3" pipe to 3/8" decreases the volume of airfow by about a factor of 10x. (I think)
That's a lot less gas coming out of the pipes
Your correct about why it works, but very wrong in your math. Area= pi x radius squared. 7.06 square inches compared to 0.11 square inches
@@askthebuilder My problem is sewer smell in my house after heavy rains. I installed one at the problem area. Hopefully it will do the trick. And yeah, my math was a wee bit off 😄
Well i am very intrigued as we have the odour issue and its in our bedroom as the septic is just outside our window and the vent is directly above us in the roof. We live in rural Ontario, cold climate, lots if snow. I understand the reason for removing in the winter, but as some others - our odour is much worse in the winter. We have a wood burning fireplace just outside our door so i am assuming the “draft pull” from the chimney is pulling in the odour. So not sure how to solve my winter issue with your “removal” recommendation.
Robert.
Gina, I've been a master plumber since 1981. I've solved HUNDREDS of sewer gas issues like yours over the phone. It's too much back-and-forth here. shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
At my with ends .my husband and I have purchased property Have an odors that we smell in our home• We can’t pin point where it coming from but it makes our family sick •We have call out 7 plumbers and still having problems with the odor•
How many hundreds of dollars did you spend on the plumbers? If you get my Sewer Gas Smell eBook - shop.askthebuilder.com/sewer-gas-smell/, you can probably solve the problem yourself in an hour. Otherwise, I solve it in a phone call. I've been a master plumber since 1981 and have SOLVED hundreds and hundreds of sewer gas problems.
that makes no sense =the vent pipe on that roof wass like a 2" opening so how does putting a cap on that pipe with an even smaller hole allow no gas smell, its still going to smell- how about a carbon cartridge filter in or in the pipe
It makes all the sense in the world had you not been sick that day in high school when the venturi effect was discussed in physics class. Here's another pro tip: It pays to read many comments before you start pecking away on your keyboard only to make yourself look like a mental midget.
As a plumber myself adding a cap and one 3/8 hole is a recipe for trouble. It is not big enough to adequately vent the household. Flush a wc when someone is showering or laundry in draining it will not be enough. This is crazy.
Kyle, did you not pay attention in the video to the part about the tiny tiny vent hole you put into plastic jugs of drinking water? Would you believe it if I told you that another plumber and I did a test where we vented an entire bathroom using 1/2-inch copper tubing and it worked perfectly? Instead of discounting a new idea that you've not thought of yourself, you should train your brain to TRY it first. If it doesn't work, then by all means come back with your test results and share them. Were you absent that day in high school physics class when this topic was discussed - air passing through tiny orifices at high pressure?
Hello Terry, do you have experience with septic field systems (6 tanks), we put the septic air outflow (bull horn style pipe from the tank with carbon filters) but there is still a very strong septic smell. Thank you.
Yes I do Time for a phone consult: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Hi. Late to this post. As the smell exits the vent pipes is it not a gas? The gas still needs to go somewhere? This solution doesn't cause a gas backup? Maybe it slows the gas release and still allows the plumbing to work properly? Very interesting. Windier why Venta aren't smaller in diameter.
You need to read all about vent pipes and HOW THEY WORK on my www.AsktheBuilder.com website. If you need more help, I offer phone coaching/mentoring: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
There is no sewer gas pipe in my home, can you install one on already built home?
Yes. I've been a master plumber since 1989. I can tell you how to do it over the phone: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Is there a solution to the root cause of the methane sewer gas small? Is the septic not digesting properly?
The smell is natural. The issue is most gravity septic systems do NOT have a vent in the leach field. Thus, any gas that builds up in the tank has but one place to go - out through the roof. Understand the primary purpose of the roof vent pipes is to LET AIR INTO the system.
Hello Tim, question I'm installing a underground septic tank hooked up to a toilet about 10-12 ft away is the toilet vent enough venting for the septic tank or does the septic tank need its own venting. Thank you Eli
Eli, this requires a phone conversation. There's far too much to type that you need to know. This is the BEST $$$ you'll spend on the entire job: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/ If you decide against doing the call, I'd love to know your honest answer as to why. You won't hurt my feelings.
We have bin finding these pipes frozen on a lot of our homes its bin blowing snow and -38 for a couple of weeks now we chip out the ice then in a day or less there frozen or covered with snow again please looking for a great tip/fix
Pray for warm WX.
What do u if you have flies swarm around the top of plumbing stack pipe on roof that is gassing of sewage smell from the septic tank.. ????
You probably should get with me on the phone: shop.askthebuilder.com/consult-tim/
I have one of those turbo type toilets (no water in tank) and when I turn the Central heater on at or around 77 degrees sewer gas smells up the one bathroom. Would a vent cover fix this? Thanks...Ron..
What did you find out having the same problem
Dog dog
Maybe. Try it. If you want FREE unlimited tips like this each week, subscribe to my newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com
Hi the sewer pipe outside of my house shouldn't there be some type of cover to prevent rain water from going in and leaking the inside walls ?
Sounds like you and I need to get on a phone call. There's MUCH to unpack: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
No, that didn"t work. Inside my home it smell like sewage and up on the roof the vent pipes smell like sewage coming out of it. It is real bad. All p traps have water in it. The smell gets real bad when it windy, raining and cold outside. i snake all the pipes found no clogged and disconnects. What more can I do to solve this problem. Sleepless
I've solved HUNDREDS of sewer gas issues. You can start to solve yours by reading this short ebook that takes you down the source pathway: shop.askthebuilder.com/sewer-gas-smell/
Great video! But, what do I do during the winter?? We can even walk out of our house without gagging! I smoke so I'm outside year round. Can I leave this on year round??? Thanks!
You can try. If it gets bitter cold the small hole could ice up. But on a sunny day, it will melt fast with the black rubber absorbing the solar radiation.
Hi Tim, I really appreciate all of your content, thank you very much! I'm having this issue with the front vent pipe of my house, it's constant and so bad I can't even be in the front of my house if the wind isn't blowing the gas in the opposite direction (issues is a 10 of 10 level)! I'm definitely going to try your idea! I've tried the Odor Hog and it does absolutely nothing, the odor is that strong and it's sad because we love our home. Two neighbors directly to the east of our home (very large attached condos) are having the same issue so our corner of the cul-de-sac is really bad. My question is, could this be a city sewer issue if so what could potentially be the issue? This is my 3rd home and I've never experienced this issue. Thank You Sir!
There are several things that could be causing the issue. If you need detailed help, I offer a phone consult service: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
I have the same issues did you fix it with this method thanks I’m praying this works
why not drill more holes on the pvc vent pipe itself, and leave the cap alone? This should prevent leaves entering the vent pipe, and allow permanently leaving the cap on
I think it's pretty obvious that you must have been sick that day in high school when the venturi effect was discussed in physics class. But thanks for your input nonetheless.
Hey Tim,
Great stuff, we have been smelling the horrible gas/sewage smell for a few years now but only outside when on our back deck and especially in the fall/winter seasons. Never had the smell inside our house though, so would we still smell this odor outside? The vent is on the backside of the house which is where our deck is located and occasionally we get the smell and it’s unbearable, every day really. Thanks for any insight. I’m definitely going to try this but wanted to get your advice on the smell outside the home.
Thanks a lot
Josh
Watch the video once more. If you need help after that, I offer phone coaching. I've been a master plumber since 1981. Go here: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Hi Tim! Or anyone!
I'm in a situation where I can't vent to the outside nor tie into existing venting. (Condo)
I'm draining laundry water into its own Ejector Pump that requires venting.
I can vent through the ceiling. If I use this method, will there eventually be a foul odor?
It's time for you and me to get on the phone before you make a HUGE mistake. I've already done three calls today: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
I have sewer gas issue in my room from my shower drain hole. It happens if I flush the toilet but not using the shower for a couple of days. I suspect it's the vent valve issue, either clogged or it's a check valve, air can only goes out.
Sounds like the water in your shower's Ptrap is getting siphoned out allowing sewer gasses to escape.
@@glennismcclellan I havek a similar problem. What is the fix for that? Thanks so much!
The fix is to talk with me. I've been a master plumber since 1981. For unlimited tips like this video, subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com
Would this fix the smell in a home that is on the sewer system as well? Or is it only for septic system houses? Thanks!
Yes. Try it.
Our sons bedroom has always had a sewer odor. We recently had a new septic tank put in & with the change in weather the whole house has started to smell. Could this be the vent as well? Thank you for any response
I solve ALL sewer-gas issues over the phone. Far too many questions to ask and too much to type. I've been a master plumber since age 29 and my phone rate is 50% of what you'll pay a plumber to come out: shop.askthebuilder.com/30-minute-recorded-consult-call/
I have a question for you, does it HAVE to vent out the roof? Or can I vent it another way?
It should vent out the roof for a host of reasons. This is why you see a vent pipe on ALL homes and almost never on the SIDE of a home.
@askthebuilder thank you very much. My older brother cut mine and I had no idea if I should hook it back up through the floor or go out the side.
Curious what a solution might be for colder weather. I spend a lot of time outdoors even in the cold and have noticed the smell even more recently. Can I drill more than one hole to allow for proper venting with a similar result?
You can do whatever you want. One hole is plenty. Read all the other comments.
Hi, hope you will see this comment. We have a 4 -Storey Building and the plumbing is vented out the roof.
However at times there is a sewer smell in the groundfloor rooms. We have temporarily installed a fan at the top of the vent to force more air out and this has solved the issue for now.
But it seems to be only treating the symptom. What would you suggest we do?
Thanks!
Bill, I suggest you get on the phone with me. There's far too much to type: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Thanks. But why remove in the winter? My odor problem only occurs during cold days. I’m in Tennessee.
Well, it's removed in COLD climates in the winter because of hoarfrost. You may need to do a phone consult with me to solve your issue: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
We have sewer smell in our restaurant during the winter when our hood fan is on.
I know why you have the odor and I know how to solve it. shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Even tho I thought it vented up I did get the t n y rite because the logic was the same. So now I gotta ask you for the trick to keep the top from freezing in the winter. Is there something that does both u can leave on ??
If the hole chokes off with hoar frost, no air can get into the system. As I said in the video, in the winter you generally have your windows and doors closed so no odor will get in. It could be an issue if you have an air INTAKE vent close to a plumbing vent pipe. I'd always shoot for 10-feet minimum spacing.
We only have the problem of septic smell in winter cold wearher any suggestions
Yes. You might start with one of my consult phone calls. I've been a master plumber since 1981 and I solve sewer gas issues on the phone each week: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
What about when the smell is coming from the inside basement bathroom? The roughed in plumbing was already done before we purchased the house. We put in the new bathroom and the smell is strong in the bathroom. When using the tub, it floods the next room over (Laundry room) from the drain in the floor.Only in the winter (Cold place). In the summer we do not get the oder.
Dave, I've solved HUNDREDS of sewer-gas odor problems over the phone. I've been a master plumber for 40 years. If you need help, you've got this option: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Ours smells inside the house at any given time throughout the year. It just started the past few weeks and has gotten worse. We don't open the windows in the summer spring or fall as it's too dusty for my wife's allergies. We have a septic system and wondered if the smell is coming from it somehow through the basement pit ad in through the A/C. It comes and goes throughout the year but for some reason, when the wind blows or we haven't had rain for awhile, it gets bad. Can I vent the clean out caps to help air flow from the septic or is that a no no? Help please! Thank you!
I solve hundreds of sewer gas issues over the phone each year. The call is FREE if I don't help you. Go here: shop.askthebuilder.com/consult-tim/
I’m going to try this for sure! Question for you…why do I need to remove it in the winter? The septic smell from the pipe is year round. My winter temps get to -15F to -22F and usually 2-3 ft of snow on the roof. Thanks!
hoarfrost - Do you keep your windows and doors wide open in the winter?
I don’t, but I spend a lot of time outside and it smells in the winter. Also I don’t want to climb up on to the roof to take off/put on twice a season. I live alone, rurally, ladders aren’t my thing.
The heat from the vent won’t keep it from frosting over? Steam is visible out the top when water appliances/taps are on.
@@DiSchellenberg did it work in the winter for you?
If you live in a cold climate and can’t take them off every season is there an alternative so you can leave them on year round? Thanks
I think you answered you own question. Please re-read what you typed.
You say to remove the cap during the winter, but, that’s when it’s the worst for us due to temperature inversion. Do you recommend removal so that the hole doesn’t get plugged with snow and ice? If so, what if there were a shield over the cap that allowed full vent but protected it from snow?
Confused, so you're implying that in the winter you spend lots of time outdoors and are offended by the odor, correct? Yes, hoarfrost. A cover will not stop the ice. Sun will help melt it.
@@askthebuilder no sir, we’re mostly indoors. But because of where our bathroom fan vents are situated in proximity to the vent stack, the septic smell enters them. If we’re running water, two of the fans need to be on or it gets into the house.
Can having those roof vents capped also cause drains in the home to make gargling noises when they are draining?
No. Time for one of my phone consults. I've been a master plumber since 1981: shop.askthebuilder.com/consult-tim/
Im a little confused. Because my vent pipe already has holes all around them which leaves lots of airflow.
I offer this service for the confused: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
I’m having the smell come inside my home from one of my bathrooms but only when the temps are dropping lower than the 60s. All new plumbing underneath, but the vent stack is not new. Any suggestions on what to do, it smells awful!
You bet, Tabitha. Start by reading my Sewer Gas Smell ebook: shop.askthebuilder.com/sewer-gas-smell/
Hi Tim, I do not have a main exhaust pipe in my home. I am on a septic system and have a crawl space where inside the craw space I have two air admittance valves on two different drain pipes. I want to encapsulate my crawlspace to dehumidify it and remove mold so the crawl space vents will be closed but of course there will be an access door. The crawl space is 1800 square feet. The septic also does not have an exhaust pipe on it but it does have an inspection pipe 4' away from the septic yet it has a screw cap on it. Will I need to add an exhaust pipe to my system and if so, where do they go? Can I drill a hole in the inspection cap? Can I leave it as is? Thank You.
All plumbing issues/questions require a phone call. Far too much to type. I've been a master plumber since 1981. Very affordable: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
Doesn't the vent pipe need to VENT gas at volume, and wouldn't the cap solution you propose hold sewer gas in the house because the hole is too small? You describe the stack as it if were necessary only for pressure relief/suction...but it seems like it's venting gas constantly...
Auden, you're in the same boat as many. You don't understand the true purpose of the vent pipe. Watch the video once more.
This is my concern too Auden. From what I understand the pipes also let gasses OUT when pressure builds up in the sceptic tank. Not allowing them to do so (my sceptic tank has two pipes) might create significant pressure in the sceptic tank and a create a bomb underground. These gasses might be caused by an unstable sceptic tank eg not the correct balance of bacteria etc, from what I understand but whilst i really want to believe this solution, I'm concerned to try it due to this question of pressure build up. Would love to book a call with Ask the Builder but not sure he is still active. Does anyone else have any thoughts or suggestions here?
Would this fix an intermittent problem of sewer gas smell during high winds? I'm getting gas smell in an old bathroom, that was supposedly capped off. but only when there is a high wind outside. Any ideas?
Yes. You need to read my new Sewer Gas Smell ebook. I should have it for sale on Sunday February 27th. I'll announce it in my newsletter and subscribers will get a 50% discount on the price. I suggest you subscribe to my FREE newsletter now right on the front of my home page: www.AsktheBuilder.com
I don’t have a spectic system but in my main floor bathroom we have a shower that is never used but smells of sewer gas. I let the shower run for a couple of minutes every month or so but I was wondering what your thoughts were. In
As I said earlier, I solve all sewer gas problems on the phone. I have quite a few questions I have to ask to drill down to the source: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
my vent pipe already has a few holes on the top and im getting smells. do you recommend just putting the cap on with 1 hole only?
What do you think???????
@Ask the Builder
*The place I'm living in (overseas) was NOT ONLY built before any codes were put in, managed to put the drain pipe from the apartment above mine, through my kitchen, and it's connected to my sink. The result is, that, when the pipe burps, it smells like an open sewer (it may be hooked up to their toilet upstairs. Since I don't and CAN'T communicate with the above stairs neighbors, I was wondering if I could put a "choke plate" like you find on the air intake on a carburetor so let the water flow in one direction but works as a baffle for gas coming back the other way (almost like a gate valve but more of a swing gate/baffle. Does something like that already exist? What's it called? Is there a brand you can recommend?*
Please go read ALL my sewer gas columns on www.AsktheBuilder.com. Then watch my How to Vent Plumbing video.
Is there a certain length vent pipe should be coming out of roof
Yes, the vent pipe should be a certain length. The power is discovering how to ask the right question.
I have a ceptic. And we have recently had temps 12 below zero. And when furnace runs i smell ceptic gases.
Also i have an oak tree above vent pipe area. Thinking possibly Acorns in vent
Thoughts. Ideas. Much appreciated
T. Y
J. E
Your situation requires a conversation. Far too much to type: shop.askthebuilder.com/15-minute-phone-or-video-conversation-with-tim/
I have sewer gas smell only when the wind is out of the north which is where the sewer pipe is do you think this would help
David, the answer is in my recent INSTANT DOWNLOAD book I just published. You'd do yourself a huge favor by just purchasing my ebook about this before the price DOUBLES tomorrow on March 6, 2022: shop.askthebuilder.com/sewer-gas-smell/
okay i recently bought a home and notice the smell at first but seen there was a ton of water under that house and took the smell for stagnated water or how ever its spelled. well it was not it. i noticed that there is multiple sewage lines and the one that is allowing sewage gas back through my shower i installed a aav underneath the house and it help for a min but i can still feel a breezes coming from the shower drain what am i doing wrong the only thing that is ran too the line i am talking about is the toilet and shower. installing it i used a 1 1/2" y pipe and ran it inline with the shower drain i put the vent cap up toward the floor the smell is driving me crazy not to mention the nagging coming from the wife i figure that would fix it. have one more 1 1/2" aav but tbh i am stomped on what could be causing it. any input would be great
My input is simple: Fill out my questionnaire and then schedule a phone call with me: forms.gle/qKRR7DLmNvcKeRuH9 Once you answer the questions, I'll reach out to you to schedule the call.
What about when the pipes are open is this dangerous ? Cus my bathroom is being worked on the guy leaves the pipes open when he removes the toilet I get very ill .
Yes, it's dangerous. Plug the open pipes, open windows, get lots of fresh air coming in.
But why does a small hole stop the gases/smell from coming out? Basically, why does this work?
Simple physics that you were taught in high school. Try to think back on it.
@@askthebuilder i get the physics of needing a vent system.
My question is, why would you smell (or have) less gasses, fumes etc. with having a smaller hole? While it's sitting there, not in use.
You've proven the theory (less/no smells) works, but didn't explain why.
Any chance I'd have an issue with this during winter months? I'd be concerned the small hole could freeze shut with some precipitation
Yes, it might freeze in bitter cold WX. But if the pipe is in the sun, the black will help melt the ice in short order. This is why I said in the video you MIGHT want to remove it in the winter as you don't have doors and windows open then. So who cares if there's odor outside????
@@askthebuilder I do lol. I hate that I can smell my septic when I'm hanging around out in the yard.
Is the vent pipe for a toilet attached to the toilet drain below the foundation? I think it must be, correct?
Watch this video of mine: ua-cam.com/video/WBU76ZcrGlM/v-deo.html
It works 100% . Thanks Sir
Sure does. To get unlimited free tips each week like this, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com
I just purchased a mobile home with a metal roof and I see no roof vents coming out of it. Not sure where they are venting at but my kitchen sink wasn't draining very fast and I noticed they put a pvc cap on where the vent should have been under the sink. I drilled a hole in it but now my house smells like sewer. Should I punch a hole and stub it out the wall?
Did you watch all my other plumbing vent videos? It would be a good idea.