Question for the experts. I think the answer is obvious but I am going to ask anyway.

The plumber who did the work on this remodel came over yesterday. It was too early in the day for him to smell the odor as we had rain the previous day and it was not hot enough outside for the odor to ramp up.

I want to know what my plumbing looks like behind the walls so I can make some strategic cuts versus random ones. He stated the two vanity vents would meet about chest high between the two sinks. I get that.

My question is that is a straight shot up to the vent. The most intense smell is under the sink on the left side.

I presume sewer smells rise. Why would I cut into a wall chest high? Shouldn't I be looking for a source closer to the floor? I feel I should cut into the wall under the vanity.

Smell is not sporadic, it's predictable. Late in the day when it's hot outside. Goes away by morning. It is definitely sewer gases and not an animal.

Thanks.

(I still need to run a camera down the vents but I'm not sure what to look for)

I also am going to try the peppermint oil test. Anyone heard of pouring 2 ounces of peppermint oil down the vent and then following that up with 2.5 gallons of hot water to track a vent leak?

It's apparently good for tracking smells that come from behind walls, like mine does.

Quote:

---

(I still need to run a camera down the vents but I'm not sure what to look for)

---

I would think it's less about running the camera down the vent (unless it's very long), and more about running it in the wall cavity where the smell is strongest and seeing if you can tell if the vent has cracked or a joint has separated. I don't think it will tell you everything, but it might reveal something obvious.

scd88 said:

---

I also am going to try the peppermint oil test. Anyone heard of pouring 2 ounces of peppermint oil down the vent and then following that up with 2.5 gallons of hot water to track a vent leak?

It's apparently good for tracking smells that come from behind walls, like mine does.

---

Sounds a bit bizarre, but if it helps you find the problem it will be good.

Peppermint and smoke test both work really well for finding breaks and sewer lines