Re: Occasional odor in bathroom when vent fan is on

Posted by Chris Maddox on January 15, 19101 at 15:44:05:
In response to Re: Occasional odor in bathroom when vent fan is on
: There's sometimes an odor in our bathroom after the vent fan has been running for awhile usually at bath time (to prevent moisture buildup). After the fan is off for a short time, the odor goes away. Wondering if the odor could be coming from the sink drain? We have a septic system that's well maintained (pumped recently and regularly). : If the odor is coming from the drain, is there anything we can do to stop it other than not turn on the fan? : Or could the odor be coming from around the base of the toilet? If the odor is indeed from a septic source, it could be coming from the following sources -- (a) you have a trap that either leaks or has dried out. This would allow sewer gas to infiltrate through a drain. If your bathroom has a floor drain or a shower that does not get used often, these are the likely culprits. If so, add water to the drain. (b) If the wax seal on the water closet is parted, you can get sewer gas through here since the toilet's trap is above the floor (If this is the case, you may also have a leak there, but you may not). Good luck - CM

Posted by Chris Maddox on January 15, 19101 at 15:44:05:

In response to Re: Occasional odor in bathroom when vent fan is on

: There's sometimes an odor in our bathroom after the vent fan has been running for awhile usually at bath time (to prevent moisture buildup). After the fan is off for a short time, the odor goes away. Wondering if the odor could be coming from the sink drain? We have a septic system that's well maintained (pumped recently and regularly).
: If the odor is coming from the drain, is there anything we can do to stop it other than not turn on the fan?
: Or could the odor be coming from around the base of the toilet?

If the odor is indeed from a septic source, it could be coming from the following sources --

(a) you have a trap that either leaks or has dried out. This would allow sewer gas to infiltrate through a drain. If your bathroom has a floor drain or a shower that does not get used often, these are the likely culprits. If so, add water to the drain.
(b) If the wax seal on the water closet is parted, you can get sewer gas through here since the toilet's trap is above the floor (If this is the case, you may also have a leak there, but you may not).

Good luck - CM

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