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My basement BathR has a shower, and the drain seems rusted; there is also a foul odor coming up from it- rusty smell. (The commode and sink works fine)
We never used this Bath rm, but apparently neither did the previous owners 3 years ago When we bought the house it was all clean and there are 3 other baths so it wasnt a big deal.
Any plumbers know what is causing this? We need to fix this- Thanks advance for any help!!!
If you never run water down it, the water has probably completely evaporated from the trap, thus allowing the sewer gases to come up. Run some water down the drain every week or so and the smell may very well go away. This is your easiest, cheapest answer.
Can't do it now... but at one time the local water district advocated a cup of antifreeze in each drain over the winter for cabins that were shuttered till spring.
The automotive antifreeze did 2 things, it prevented sewer gas from entering the building because antifreeze doesn't evaporate and it also keeps the pipe from freezing.
I have not researched it, but, I've been told RV holding tank antifreeze is environmentally safe to use.
Can't do it now... but at one time the local water district advocated a cup of antifreeze in each drain over the winter for cabins that were shuttered till spring.
The automotive antifreeze did 2 things, it prevented sewer gas from entering the building because antifreeze doesn't evaporate and it also keeps the pipe from freezing.
I have not researched it, but, I've been told RV holding tank antifreeze is environmentally safe to use.
There have been reports of people putting a small amount of cooking oil on top of the water in the trap. this helps prevent evaporation (trap drying out).
There have been reports of people putting a small amount of cooking oil on top of the water in the trap. this helps prevent evaporation (trap drying out).
Huh, that's actually a decent idea. I hadn't heard that one before. Props to you for suggesting it...
Dreamofmonterey doesn't need to use antifreeze at all. The house is heated and occupied, right? Just make sure there's water in the trap.
I dont think I posted the clear issue- rust from the shower drain seems to be coming up---no one uses the basement, but its heated......The house is heated (central) so I doubt this has any influence on the pipe- it seems like a breakdown/sewage /root problem- I am just trying to learn what the damages ($$) will be so when I renoveate I am prepared for bad news from the plumber- its NOT a simple drainage problem- I know that- because the pipes in shower drain seem to smell like rust---thanks for any and all help!!!
dream
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When we bought the house it was all clean and there are 3 other baths so it wasnt a big deal.
Exactly-
