Quiltingboard Forums - House Odor Help for Friend in Phoenix

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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.

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.

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.

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.

I'd also go up into the attic to check for any possible roof leaks -- it could be just small enough that it dampens the insulation/top of drywall and there could be bacteria/mold there, too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LenaBeena (Post 5850706)

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 ?

have they checked for water leaks within the walls? We had a similar situation. Could not find the source of the musty smell. Well, when we found it, it was mold and mildew from a leaking pipe within the slab underneath the kitchen cabinets. We saw no evidence of water until we began to see dampness at the front base of the cabinet. When we tore it down all was covered with mold and pretty far gone. Needless to say we had our pipes rerouted through the walls and ceiling and changed the cabinets. No more smell!

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.

any clay in her foundation? if it gets wet, it stinks.

My daughter had a problem like this, it was the tile in the bathroom leaking moisture into the wall. Had to have wall repaired and tile redone.

Mold and mildew can not only cause smells but they can be very bad for the health of the occupants. Please call in a professional. This can be really life changing if not addressed!