During our inspection workshops, we often talk about troubleshooting special problems. Some of the most common problems involve improper installation. Also, installers are often called to troubleshoot systems they did not install. Here, we describe a few common problems and how good installation techniques could have helped avoid them.
Odors are a common problem, and they often arise after new construction. Our usual line is that if they occur inside the house — they are the result of venting problems, in the realm of the plumber and not the onsite installer.
In this situation, you can have the homeowner check whether there are any pipes left open in the plumbing that would bypass water traps and therefore act as a sewer vent. Examples of this during new construction would be a hookup for dishwasher or washing machine or a basement tub for laundry left unfinished.
If you discover such a problem, you will be viewed as intelligent bordering on genius. The solution may be as simple as pouring water down to fill the trap. In older houses, ask the owners if they may have disconnected any pipes, such as a laundry tub or laundry standpipe. Also look at the seals around toilets: The wax seal may be broken, allowing odors to escape.
Odors outside
More in the realm of installers are outside odors. One common area for tanks to vent directly is the seal around manholes and inspection pipes. Make sure the manhole cover or any manhole extensions are tight fitting and do not allow air to pass through. This can easily happen on retrofit jobs where it is hard to get the covers or the multiple extensions to fit tightly together.
Here, a simple solution may be to use weather stripping where the parts fit together. Do not use any type of permanent sealant! Remember that service providers need to be able to gain access to the tank to perform routine maintenance.
If weather stripping does not work for outside odors, suggest that the homeowner have a plumber evaluate whether the vent stack is far enough above the roofline to prevent the wind from blowing the odors downward as they leave the stack. This can happen in hilly terrain, on roofs that are very steep, or in seasonal cabins nestled in among large trees. If the stack cannot be raised, the owner may have to install a carbon filter, which will need to be changed periodically.
