What causes sewer odors and how can it be prevented?
Sewer odor or gas is always present in the sewer system and cannot be eliminated. This is why there are provisions in the uniform plumbing code to insure that vent pipes and traps are installed to the house plumbing system to carry ordors and gases out through the roof vent or to prevent it from coming back into the house. The most common causes of sewer gas order entering houses are as follows: 1. Caps on the floor traps and cleanouts are not properly installed 2. Washing machines draining to vent pipes without air traps. 3. Cleanout plugs are removed from the inside of floor drains. 4. Seldom used floor drains will allow the water in the trap to evaporate. Visually check for one of these conditions and correct if needed. If odor problems continue, have your plumber check the complete sewer system to make sure there are no air leaks. If the plumber has checked the complete sewer system and no air leaks are found, call the Water Services Department, Line Maintenance Division, at 513-28
