Septic / sewer smell only in colder (Florida) weather?

Question

We have an addition, mother in law house, built before we bought the property, but not at the same time as the house. The septic tank is in the backyard between both houses.

There is a horrible sewer smell in the small house, clearly from the septic, but only when it’s colder (not frozen as this is Florida). The vent pipe on the roof is clear - we ran hose down it with no problems. The smell does seem more prevalent inside the bathroom (especially near the sink and the wall with the vent) and around the other wall outside the bathroom by a hose spigot. All drain traps (shower, sink) are clean and not dry, used frequently.

I think it could be a leak or clog in the main waste drainage going out of the house, but then why only when it’s cold? Otherwise, it completely disappears. I know a plumber with a snake would diagnose, but I was hoping for a possible explanation first.

? · Accepted Answer

You have a trap somewhere that is going dry which allows the smell in the house.  Or you have a leak somewhere in the vent system. The leak is located where the denser cold air falling down the vent allows the sewer gas to leak out with it. With warmer temperatures and lighter air, the sewer gas is not impeded and rises easily out through the vent.

If it is plastic pipe its possible one of the plastic fittings was not properly solvent welded. Probably on the bottom side.

If its cast iron or galvanized you likely have a vent that is rusted through somewhere,

pucman1961 · Answer

I am thinking when it’s cold vapors do not rise .
   But that doesn’t explain your smell,issue by the one sink.
   I am thinking u have a leaking pipe or the smell is backing up the sink drain.  If the odor is coming up the drain then either they didn’t install a proper drain or didn’t hook up the vent system properly.
     If your vent pipe gets ice in that could be problem but that’s highly unlikely you being in Florida .

Kieth · Answer

Contact a plumber, something went wrong during the construction of the second structure.

Septic / sewer smell only in colder (Florida) weather?

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