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David Bond · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Posts: 1

We have a 9 year old house which just started having a strong sewage smell (in the basement) this winter when we use our washer (located on the first floor). We have also noticed that it smells worse near where the sewage pipe exits the basement foundation (towards where the septic tank is located about 5 yards from the house). The toilets also are clogging very easily as well. It may be important to mention that we a have a pump system that pumps the liquid wastes from the septic tank to the City sewage line about 40 yards up the street. I do not think it is a leak that is hidden (we finished the basement 4 years ago so we do not have direct visual access to about 20 feet of pipe) because the smell disipates after about 20 minutes. It has been an extremely cold winter in Connecticut so that may be related (heavier air). I am puzzzled on the washer being related because I would think the emptying of a tub would have even more water and that has not been a problem (although the tub is on the second floor and the washer is on the first floor). Any suggestions or thought would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!