International Association of Certified Home Inspectors

gmelien · #1 10/11/10, 6:18 PM

Okay, I was doing an inspection on a 25 year old home which was a slab on grade construction, and came across this (see pic attached). It seemes to go through the slabs footing, and under the house. Not sure how far under however. There is a slight sewer like smell coming out of it, but the homes septic system exits much further to the left of this picture. The occupants are complaining about a gas smell in the house. When I asked what kind of gas smell they could define it. They had called the fire department a few weeks ago, and they didn't get any readings of any types of gas. Any ideas?

Kenneth Dolin · #2 10/11/10, 11:23 PM

is that a stamped concrete pad in front or a movable panel?

Bruce A. King · #3 10/11/10, 11:27 PM

Maybe a storm shelter vent. I have a neighbor with a room underneath their slab. I don't remember what type of venting they had though.

Robert Ernst · #4 10/11/10, 11:52 PM

Is it possible there was a house there before and that's an old Privy Pit. They give off bad odors.

gmelien · #5 10/12/10, 1:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdolin

is that a stamped concrete pad in front or a movable panel?

It was a concrete pad.

gmelien · #6 10/12/10, 1:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rernst1

Is it possible there was a house there before and that's an old Privy Pit. They give off bad odors.

Hmmmm.... Interesting idea. I'm really baffled by this. They are a nice older couple too, and I feel bad that I haven't figured this gas issue out for them. Any more ideas anyone?

ldapkus · #7 10/12/10, 2:24 PM

First time I ever heard of a Privy Pit. (poop pit)

Christopher Currins · #8 10/12/10, 3:37 PM

For combustion air? Water in the ducts will create musty oder.

gmelien · #9 10/12/10, 4:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccurrins

For combustion air? Water in the ducts will create musty oder.

Actually no, that can't be it. This is a whole other problem for the house. They only have one NG insert fire place in there living room, and one 2000W electric wall heater in one of the bedrooms. This is all they have for heat in a 1400 sqft home! There used to be electric in ceiling radiant heat, but that is not working any more. Yeah they need a visit from HVAC pro!

Joe Funderburk, CMI · #10 10/12/10, 5:10 PM

Did you look inside the opening?

gmelien · #11 10/12/10, 5:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

Did you look inside the opening?

yes, but I could only see in for a couple of inches. It really seems to go underneath the foundation, but no very far. It is wet and full of dirt and has a foul smell.