septic odour issue

[Sheri]

I'm having a problem with my septic tank that has the Twilight Zone music drifting through my head. It just doesn't make sense.

I've noticed an odour when I do laundry - specifically the methane septic odour. It comes from the general area where all the pipes join to exit to the tank.

There are no leaks, and the tank has been pumped.

The odour occurs ONLY when I do laundry (this is where it gets weird). I've gone downstairs while the shower was running and after the dishwasher has run and there's no smell!

Has anyone heard of this? If there's a problem shouldn't I be getting smells all the time?

Help!

[phishfood]

I don't think that I have any definitive answers for you, but I will ask a couple of questions that might help in tracing the problem.

This area where all of the pipes come together. How do you know that the pipes join together in this area? Is the piping exposed? Is this area close to the clothes washing machine? Is there a pipe with a strange cap on it in this area?

[Caduceus]

To add to phish's questions; Is this a new issue or always been there? How old is the septic system? (original with the house, over 30 yrs old?) When you do laundry, is there a way that you can confirm that the water goes to the tank with the other drains?

[bob1231]

Does tank need emptied

[Sheri]

the pipes are exposed, and yes fairly close to the washer. I'm able to see and follow all the pipes from sinks, toilets, etc to the outlet. No capped pipes, and the washer has its own pump for pushing water into the septic.

this is a new issue, the tank was pumped last month. the company that does it have been around for generations - same one that inspected when we bought and its fine. it started, if I remember correctly, just before we had it pumped and we were hoping that would fix the problem.

the house was built in 2003 - so everything is relatively new.

[Sheri]

just has another look - there are capped pipes. maybe I should post some pics? would that help?

[Mr_David]

Oh yes. We love picture.
Especially of Cars, Jeeps, Boats, guns, knives and fishing.
Pictures are always helpful.

[Sheri]

I could do cars, boats, guns and fishing... no jeeps, nor notable knives. BUT since it IS a plumbing question, I'll post some pics. Stay tuned.

[Sheri]

here's two pics - one of where the washer sits and one of the outlet area... does this help? They go end to end with a couple feet of pipe in between...

[Sheri]

Has everyone given up?? Not even a suggestion????