Smelly sewage bathroom drains when it rains

[cmcom]

Anyone have this problem, knows whats going on and how to fix?

[Phra Ek]

Same problem - I think the water seals or 'traps' in the drains are not very effective (or missing) and when it rains the extra water flowing into the system creates suction and pulls the water out of the trap (U-bend). So you need to run every tap or shower and pour water into the floor drains in the bathroom to top up the seals.

An realted problem may be the flood water in the main drains pushing air out of the drains and into your apartment. The cure is the same - you need to seal the drains either by topping up the water seal (if it has one) or by covering the drains with cling film 'till the rain stops. (this may cause some localized flooding!)

Let me know if you find a better solution.

[CharlieH]

Moving to DIY housing forum.

[Gecko123]

You can buy a product called "Bionic - The Waste digester" which can reduce the odor in PVC drainage pipe. Most HomePros carry this product. If your waste water system drains into a septic tank, you need to periodically pump out the septic tank. If you don't the water can back up into the drainage pipe and generate a sewer gas smell.

[MJCM]

^+1 .

You also can buy a product in BIG C (they normally sell it near the laundry detergent, mosquito spray etc) it is a small brown package with the picture of a Toilet on it.

I am looking for a picture, but can't find it at the moment.

[JDGRUEN]

To get rid of the immediate smell around the drain - just use bleach ... just enough to douse the surrounding area - not too much... And a mask - to mask the smell - put a small towel or wash cloth - saturated with fabric softener... not a cure - but it helps get it off your mind.

I know - I know some people think chlorine bleach will destroy the world and kill you -- won't even come close ... ask the local shop - ask for 'haiter' - good name huh?

[Aussieroaming]

Suck it up..Asia smells differently. Once you try and sterilise your piping that's it. You will never be able to change the static head and pressure drop in Thailand's piping to sewerage system.

In toilets you can mitigate by adding a deodorant into the toilet cistern but it's really just a smoke screen as the underlying funky smell is always there.

It's not your fault...shit happens

[Thongkorn]

Maybe your septic tank is nearly full

[bankruatsteve]

Assuming up-country? Where typical plumbing does not include drain traps or vents. And you probably have cesspit vs. septic? Then not much you can do about it. Try putting a tile or other cover over the drain and/or use exhaust fan.

[lopburi3]

They do not normally use U traps on anything but sinks - drains will be direct to the drainage system unless the entry uses reverse cup type cover. So you either block drains (cover except to clean bathroom) or you replace the top entry area with these. You will still have to make sure the cup area contains water (it will dry out if bathroom is normally dry). Not expensive to change but will require a little tile/cement work.

[CaptainTyphoon]

This seems caused by the temporary rising water table, or the increasing water pressure in the soil. Or, it could also be the drain pipe outside is filling with water.

Either way, the best way would be to use a tank outside into which you feed your household water, like a septic tank, except it need not be under the earth.

I will see if I can find a picture of a few.

What I am talking about is to have your drains all feed into one stream, and from there into a holding tank that is at surface level, so that you can plant the correct type of water grass and other things that like to eat bacteria, and thereby purify your waste water from the house. Then EVERYTHING around your house will be beautiful and smell good.

[johnnywishbone]

A small amount of laundry bleach will help.

Also removes toilet stains.

[cmcom]

Thx for all your help guys

[Crossy]

I'll just add one other easy fix, a small plate or saucer upside down over the drain will stop the smells getting in. Remove halfway through your shower when you are standing in 1" of water ('coz you forgot).

[infinity11]

GOOD TOPIC

thanks

[kannot]

the only real way is a pukka "u bend " in the pipework, best done at construction time, also breather pipe helps water siphon away

[willyumiii]

For reasons unknown to me, many times Thais install sinks with no traps in the drain pipes.

Very easy to install one yourself if the drain pipe is PVC, and very inexpensive.

I recently rented a brand new house ( with an empty septic tank ) and had this problem.

It took me less than one hour to install traps on two drains.

Problem solved.