It all started with this really weird, funky kind of smell. Whenever I walked past the front bathroom I smelled this kind of, mildewey odor. Now I know that this is something that happens in bathrooms and kitchens. But, I have a very sensitive sense of smell and this one was just not acceptable.
For a bit, I thought it would just take care of itself. I had my cleaning gal clean the bathroom really well. As a matter of fact, I had her do that several times. Didn't make a dent in the nastiness. Actually, it was getting worse.
Finally, when I couldn't take it anymore, we went over the bathroom with a fine-tooth-comb. My cleaning gal told me she thought the odor was coming from the air vent. Oh great! So am I going to need to have work on the ductwork? Ugh. That would not be fun.
In an effort to find something simpler and far less expensive, we checked with the roto-rooter man because there had previously been issues with roots in the drain line. He had us try a couple of things to help diagnose the problem. So, it wasn't roots. After having another plumber come out, one who is willing to come into the house during this COVID madness, The decision was to put in a new drain line from that bathroom.
As luck would have it, the machine that they needed to put it the new drain line was out of commission and being repaired. While waiting for that to resolve, the plumbers got together and compared notes and decided that a portion of the old clay drain pipe had cracks in it which were causing the issue. YAY! At last, an answer.
That answer did not last very long. It seems that there were cracks and breaks in the clay pipe that were serving the bathroom and the kitchen as well. So, all of the original drain pipes in the house needed to be replaced. So much for a simple resolution.
We are now heading into day 3 of my yard looking like several bombs went off in it. My poor little man can barely find a place to pee. If this isn't finished by the end of the week, I really don't know what I might do.
It has been at least 6 months and I'm tired. I know it will be worth it in the end, and I am thrilled that my bathroom (which was added on later) is in full functioning order, But the kitchen and the laundry room are on hold. Not to mention the mess.
This too shall pass.
Oh, by the way, the nasty odor is gone.
