Need help dealing with old sewer vent

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brianb

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My house was built in 1940 but remodeled recently, and I bought it after being remodelled. I'm putting in a wine cellar in the basement and from time to time would smell a sewage smell in the work area but couldn't figure out where this was coming from. After removing some base trim I finally found the culprit. Where I removed the base trim, just underneath the edge of the drywall on an interior wall, I noticed a hole in the basement concrete floor that appears to be a 2" galvanized pipe that was cut off at the base of the concrete but never capped or plugged. It is definitely a sewer vent, as I can hear the drain water echoing through the pipe, and the smell of sewer gas is pretty strong.

The house has all new plumbing in it, and I am pretty sure has new vents through the attic. My guess is that the remodellers cut this old galvanized pipe and either forgot about it or concealed it. I have access to the remodelling plans, and can check to verify that the new DWV system is adequately vented via new vents. If I can verify this, is there any reason why I can't simply plug this vent, and if so, how should I do it given the pipe was cut off at the floor?

Assuming they make a kind of rubber stopper I think I could get it in there to fit this within the opening, and would just need to figure out how to secure it. However, should I be concerned about the risk of sewage backup? If so, the only thing I can think of is to take out a chunk of wall, chisel the concrete floor around the opening, put on a real pipe cap, and then patch the floor and wall. I'll do that if that is the only smart choice -- but if there is an easier solution I am all ears.

Thanks in advance for the help!
 

Gary Swart

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They make plugs that work much like a thermos stopper. I don't know for certain what sizes they come in, but that would be my first option.
 
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