Smell of sewage outside the house (foreclosure, inspection, authority)

[scadair3]

We have purchased a HUD foreclosure and had the inspection today. It had been 'winterized' since last July. We did not notice a foul odor in the front yard the previous times we had visited the house. Well, it smelled of sewage in the front yard today. Is it possible that running water into a sewer line that had been unused for a year caused the odor, or is that just wishful thinking?

Thanks much,
Sam

[North Beach Person]

Septic or sewer?

[scadair3]

City sewer

[North Beach Person]

You may have a broken line. Is there a soft/wet spot anywhere in the yard and, if so, is that where the smell is?

You also, since the house was unoccupied for so long, have a blockage from tree roots, but that would be showing up inside with a backup or extremely slow draining.

If you smell it inside and you just now moved in the water seal in the traps would have dried out and allowed sewer gas to go into the house.

[scadair3]

No wet spot in the yard and no smell inside

[scadair3]

The smell is all over the front yard and was not there before the water was turned on and the inspection was done

[North Beach Person]

Sewer systems are closed systems and typically you won't catch a smell without a break in the line somewhere. I'd call the sewer authority and have them send a crew out. There might be a problem where your house lateral enters the main at the front of your lot.

[piyf]

Did someone take a #2 outside your house?

[Poltracker]

Look for missing/damaged clean out plugs. Check for damaged vent stacks. Check for manholes, wind may have been in other direction when you looked. Nearby wastewater plant? You did not say if you were on city or utility district services. If not, could be issue with septic tank or illegal connection. Last, broken/damaged lines.

Also check natural gas lines as odors can be similar under some circumstances.

[longhorn96]

Speaking of manholes mentioned by the previous poster . . . there is one in front of my parents' house, which sits on a corner lot, and normally there is no sewage smell.

But lately, because of the extreme heat, I have noticed a lingering odor in the air when I park in their driveway and get out of the car. No signs of leaks anywhere, and I can remember this happening from time to time when I was growing up there, during periods of extreme heat and humidity.

Just something to consider.