House Odor Help for Friend in Phoenix
02-09-2013, 10:04 PM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Bosque County, Texas
Posts: 2,709
My experience is that somewhere in their house there is a water leak. They should take the advice already given and have professionals check. Unfortunately it will probably cost thousands to fix.
02-10-2013, 12:49 AM
#12
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 10,357
Don't know how it works in the USA, but here for around $450.00 you can hire an expert from a registered building/architectural company who only do inspections and troubleshoot -not repair. They give a written report and will advise on how to fix the problems. Then you have the option of tackling the job yourselves or hiring a relevant tradesman. The $$$$ add up when you hire a contractor who troubleshoots and fixes.
02-10-2013, 04:43 AM
#13
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Georgia
Posts: 220
Sometimes there are plumbing issues where the pipes leak inside the walls. If it's a small enough leak or drip, you might not see any wetness on the outside of the wall, but it's damp inside and causes a musty smell. Lot's of possibilities. I hope she resolves it soon. This kind of thing can be a nightmare.
02-10-2013, 05:07 AM
#14
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,614
Is there a bathroom where the sink or shower haven't been used in a long time? The water evaporates in the U trap and if it isn't used in a while you can get sewer gas. Also, is there crawl space under the house? If there is, check the yard to see if its graded to drain water away from the house -- if it isn't, it may be under the house and building up bacteria/mold.
02-10-2013, 05:11 AM
#16
Super Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 6,764
She is first of all an immaculate housekeeper which makes this even more puzzling! Their house has a "musty" smell, not pet, not food, not dust, not furnace, not plants, not smoke, vaguely sort of damp. They have checked drains, pipes, furnace, appliances, shampooed rugs, laundered everything, cleaned attached garage, searched closets, checked roof, cleaned all footwear, checked luggage, and everything else they can think of to possibly be the cause. They have put our activated charcoal and the smell remains. They do not want to mask it with scents, but rid it. Any suggestions ?
02-10-2013, 06:18 AM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Oak Point TX
Posts: 759
You stated they have cleaned everything. Has she laundered all, every scrap, of her stach. Material will take on a sour ordor after time, even if you wash fabric when you buy it. Mold is something you don't want to mess with.
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