0

The sink is pretty close to the toilet...about 2 feet away. I've noticed that often times when I turn on the faucet (either hot or cold), I smell a sewer kind of smell.

What could be causing it? I thought traps were suppose to prevent this exact thing.

milesmeow
  • 5,186
  • 46
  • 109
  • 146

2 Answers2

0

I think what you've got is a blocked vent pipe, or worse, a non-existant or improperly-installed vent pipe. The vent pipe is supposed to connect to from the waste pipe stack or top of a lavatory drain pipe up through the roof, and is there to equalize plumbing system pressure and provide a means for sewer gas to escape. If the vent pipe is blocked, then the water flowing from the sink will increase the air pressure in the waste pipes, possible forcing sewer gas through the toilet trap out into the bathroom.

Check your vent pipes to make sure they're clear and hooked up properly. The article here might be useful http://bradyinspects.com/plumbing-vents

AndyW
  • 710
  • 4
  • 14
0

I am assuming this is a new issue on an old drain; it could be as simple as the sink drain itself is partially clogged. Try running a cable down and clearing the drain out.

I am not sure that I understand the physics perfectly but have personally experienced this on more than one occasion. The partially clogged drain affects proper drain function and the water seal in the trap is compromised by a siphon action.

Jimmy Fix-it
  • 37,916
  • 35
  • 62