Bathtub Stinks

To be honest from the start, I know pretty much nothing about plumbing, so please don't use any jargon that I won't understand! I am at the end of my rope, and my husband is driving me crazy! We have a septic system, and we're having a problem with our bathtub drain. It stinks terribly, all the time, no matter what. We have owned this house for only 2 months. The drain was very slow, so I went in the basement and found that right under the tub the pvc was in a loop. We bought an elbow, made it straight, thought that would be the end of it. Then this foul smell started. My hubby thinks the pipe comes down from the tub and goes straight to the septic... This pipe also runs to the bathroom and kitchen sinks, neither of which smell. Sorry this was so long, but does anybody have advice for me? I would appreciate it immensely.

bath tub

Was that a trap that you removed ?
The loop may have been put there to hold water and that water is a seal so the drain won't stink..........
Take it apart and run a snake through it, then put it back togather and run water to flush it............

It sounds like you removed the trap. A trap is sort of shaped like a p (well more like a c). That loop holds water that acts like a seal that prevents a clear line to the septic tank. Replacing it with just a 90 degree fitting IS the reason you have sewer gas coming into the house. This is both unhealthy and unpleasant. Replace it as soon as you can. Put tape over the overflow and drain until you do. It might drain well when you use it, but that could have been because the trap was clogged. My unprofessional opinion.

I,m Keeping The Language Simple

Call A Plumber

drain

You removed the trap and caused the problem. You will have the problem until it is repaired properly. Call a plumber because you do not know what a trap is and therefore may not install the new one properly.

We love to provide support for Do-it-yourselfers on these forums. Most of us do DIY work at home on projects outside our own trade. What a country!

But, cases like this make us understand why some states like Mass. have laws prohibiting homeowners from doing ANY plumbing work. Anachronistic in some respects, but you have charged in to something you did not understand, and you have exposed your family to toxic gases. Please get a plumber to fix this immediately.

I'm surprised that you were bold enough to remove critical parts of your drainage system if you don't know it's purpose... makes me wonder what other modifications you may be doing in the house!!! As everyone else stated: hire a plumber asap...

Duckie:


http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProjectCenter/DocumentView.aspx?DOC_ID=p_2_27_10769_10781_10857.html

See the loop under the shower in this picture? That's where water sits to create the seal that the other posters have been talking about. Without the seal, the toxic gases come right up the pipe when it is empty between uses. Yucky & not safe. You need to get is fixed ASAP. My unprofessional opinion.