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Discussion News Articles and Discussion Topic started by: oemBiology on Sep 11, 2019



Title: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 11, 2019
Recently, I move into a apartment with old toilet, and there is air leakage on pipeline, but I don't know on where the smell come from.  I would like to know on any chemical tools to identify the source of smell, such as making those smell become colorful smoke.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 11, 2019
Unfortunately only a trained home inspector can tell you. There are devices that will calculate bacteria count, but not smell. What does it smell like? Are you certain the smell is coming directly from the toilet? Is the toilet made out of porcelain?


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 11, 2019
There is some leakage of sewer odor within toilet and drain pipe.  Is there any chemical tools to make those smell in color smoke in order to detect the source of odor?

Yes, toilet and floor tile are used porcelain, and I have used toilet cleaner to remove old dirty stuff, but odor still exists.

Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 11, 2019
Very very professional works !!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LvdBXMij18


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 11, 2019
There is some leakage of sewer odor within toilet and drain pipe. Is there any chemical tools to make those smell in color smoke in order to detect the source of odor? Yes, toilet and floor tile are used porcelain, and I have used toilet cleaner to remove old dirty stuff, but odor still exists. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you very much for any suggestions (^v^)

I'm guessing that you're smelling sewage :-\ Could be the main drain pipe is too close to the surface of the ground. Poor engineering?


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 20, 2019
For killing bacteria, would UV (254nm) do a better job than any other cleaner?
Furthermore, I would like to know on how UV (185nm) generate O3 as well, which can also kill bacteria in another approach.

Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 21, 2019
Between 160 to 240 nm, UV light causes O2 to split, called photolysis. This will disrupt the oxygen molecule, causing a single oxygen to attach to an individual oxygen molecule forming O3. I was thinking that maybe bacteria that depend on oxygen to survive die-off because the oxygen supply gets depleted, but I'm more inclined to think that the UV rays disrupt the DNA of the organism instead.

I would not recommend using light treatment only, because it may not be as effective when there's layer of grime. First you need to remove the grime with a bleach, for example, then treat it with light as an extra precaution.


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 21, 2019
Does bacteria give odor as well? what kind of chemical gas is generated and release odor by bacteria. Furthermore, I would like to know on how long bacteria takes to grow back in general.

Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you very much for any suggestions (^v^)



Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 21, 2019
The order coming from bacteria comes from the breakdown of the substance they're using to grow. For example, in our gut, they produce methane - the smell of farts :-]

If the bacteria is not eliminated, a colony can grow back within 1 day. Of course, given it has the resources to grow, i.e. food source, oxygen in some cases, water, etc.


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 21, 2019
Before UV light treatment, if the odor occurs regular around 8am (more stable) and 4pm (less stable), can I confirm that odor comes from external source?

8am : people usually take a bath before work
4pm : unknown activity.

After UV light treatment, I turn on UV light + O3 daily to eliminate the growth of bacteria within internal environment, and I still smell of farts, then this smell must come from leaking pipe or sewer (external source), does it make sense to detect the source of odor?

Furthermore, can UV light eliminate methane?

Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 21, 2019
Before UV light treatment, if the odor occurs regular around 8am (more stable) and 4pm (less stable), can I confirm that odor comes from external source?

Interesting observation. If that's the case, in accordance with my initial observation, it's coming from the main pipeline that leads to the sewers.

After UV light treatment, I turn on UV light + O3 daily to eliminate the growth of bacteria within internal environment, and I still smell of farts, then this smell must come from leaking pipe or sewer (external source), does it make sense to detect the source of odor?

Exactly.

Furthermore, can UV light eliminate methane?

What you're smelling is waste, which includes methane a many other gases (hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide). Photolysis of methane is known to produce other hydrocarbons, like propane, ethane (source (https://aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/1.1734381)). It's not recommended that you do this

By the way, I had this problem with my washer machine not long ago. It was the U-shape of the P-trap that lead to the sewage that was clogged. It'd only happen if we left the door of the washer closed after use, but when we kept it open, the oxygen would somehow kill the bacteria causing the stinch.


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 22, 2019
I would like to confirm on whether UV light can eliminate methane or not, if UV cannot eliminate methane, then after UV light treatment, the smell of methane can confirm the source of odor from external sources.

Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you very much for any suggestions (^v^)

For my case, other people suggests using following items to dissolve the dirty on surface of tiles for removing odor, this kind of product may work for your U-pipe as well, which dissolve any dirty, but they never disclose the product's specification / components.

Ref : http://www.wellconnected.com.hk/toilet_eng.htm

(https://biology-forums.com/gallery/40/94679_22_09_19_12_09_02.png) (https://biology-forums.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=40449)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 22, 2019
Here's what will happen with methane and UV

(https://www.nasa.gov/images/content/303613main_satreya_vid_04_1280_01.jpg)

Don't count on that doing anything effective.

We use the product "Drano". It'll unclog any pipe, it might actually help to try.


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: duddy on Sep 22, 2019
If you really want to destroy what's causing the smell, use lye (sodium hydroxide). Drano is good because it contains lye, aluminum, and sodium nitrate. These two together creates heat, which increases the effect of the rest of the lye on the grease/bacteria in the drain. When the lye dissolves the dirt, it releases hydrogen.


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 22, 2019
Here's what will happen with methane and UV
Don't count on that doing anything effective. We use the product "Drano". It'll unclog any pipe, it might actually help to try.

That is good example, if I use UV Light treatment to kill bacteria, but not able to break down methane, so when I still smell methane after treatment, I can confirm that there is a leaking of sewer gas from external sources.

Thanks, to everyone very much for suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 22, 2019
Tell us what happens with the Drano treatment if you end up trying. I'm interested myself for future reference...


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 22, 2019
Tell us what happens with the Drano treatment if you end up trying. I'm interested myself for future reference...

This Brand Drano is not available on local market, I already try following products, but the sales mention that if urine stone is too large within sewer pipe, such as popular shopping mall, then there is no way to dissolve them. 

(https://biology-forums.com/gallery/40/94679_22_09_19_3_39_32.png) (https://biology-forums.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=40450)

For external pipe, it cannot be seen and not under my control, as long as water can drain properly, then I use following to block any sewer gas and make sure and confirm that sewer gas is not coming from specific location in order to confirm any leaking.

(https://biology-forums.com/gallery/40/94679_22_09_19_3_46_13.jpeg) (https://biology-forums.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=40451)

Thanks, to everyone very much for suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 22, 2019
This Brand Drano is not available on local market, I already try following products, but the sales mention that if urine stone is too large within sewer pipe, such as popular shopping mall, then there is no way to dissolve them.

If it's not available, read the ingredients of products that are offered. If any of them contain sodium hydroxide, buy that one. You need to try several different solutions to make sure you know the source of your problem.


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 22, 2019
Urine stone remover is acidic based, but sodium hydroxide is alkaline based.  How do they react differently on cleaning?

Without UV Light treatment at this moment, I place a piece of toilet paper on the floor and fill it with urine stone remover for 10 minutes and clean floor with water, after 1 day monitoring, there is less smell at this moment, but I still need to monitor a few days.

I think on above process, which urine stone remover remove the food for bacteria, so bacteria cannot grow and the smell is less.

Thanks, to everyone very much for suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 23, 2019
Urine stone remover is acidic based, but sodium hydroxide is alkaline based.  How do they react differently on cleaning?

You're using the wrong product. Urine stone remover, I'm assuming, is something that removes limestone or calcium buildup. The reaction that occurs when you mix Drano and water is completely different. When added to water, the sodium hydroxide, aluminum and nitrate react to produce heat. This then ends up dissolving the hair, soap scum, and other debris.


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 23, 2019
When sodium hydroxide react to produce heat, would it give off toxic gas?

Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 23, 2019
It's neutralized by sodium nitrate. Nothing smelly


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 23, 2019
Acidic Based : removes limestone or calcium buildup
Alkaline Based : removes hair, soap scum, and other debris

Can acidic based remove soap scum as well?
Maybe I need to use both approach for completely cleaning process.

Thanks, to everyone very much for suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 23, 2019
Alkaline Based : removes hair, soap scum, and other debris

The heat produced by the reaction with water does, not the chemical itself.

Can acidic based remove soap scum as well? Maybe I need to use both approach for completely cleaning process.

I personally don't think it's calcium buildup. The smell is coming from the U-pipe not doing its job. Need to use Drano.

OR, you could try using I use a plunger, small drain snake, or large drain snake to push out the debris


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 23, 2019
Thanks, to everyone very much for suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 23, 2019
Thanks, to everyone very much for suggestions (^v^)

Good luck, and update us with the solution that worked for you.


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 24, 2019
After acidic based treatment, there is no smell close to 90%, so it proved that there is not an external leaking issue, since there is no foods for bacteria.  For ongoing process, UV Light treatment would be used weekly to remove bacteria. 

Thanks, to everyone very much for suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 24, 2019
Wait a moment, the acidic solution may only be masking the smell, not remove its source. If the results don't change after a week, then it's fixed. Appreciate the update!


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 24, 2019
Acidic solution is dissolved dirty from tiles, which is the foods for bacteria.  I would like to know on why and how it masks the smell, which come from bacteria.

When urine drops on tiles for a period of time, it becomes urine stone and stick on tiles, which is the foods sources for bacteria, would it be correct?

Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 24, 2019
At this moment, I still can smell little bit of methane, in order to confirm on whether methane come from leaking gas or bacteria within internal toilet.  UV light treatment is applied for 60 - 90 minutes, but for safety, I would like to confirm on whether the glass can block UV or not as shown below, if not, I might apply UV Light treatment tomorrow, when I am not at home.

(https://biology-forums.com/gallery/40/94679_24_09_19_11_16_32.jpeg) (https://biology-forums.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=40455)

Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)



Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 24, 2019
Acidic solution is dissolved dirty from tiles, which is the foods for bacteria.  I would like to know on why and how it masks the smell, which come from bacteria.

I was suggesting that MAYBE the reason why you're not smelling the odor is because the acid solution is somehow masking the scent of the odor -- much the same way air freshener does in the bathroom. I was saying that you should wait a few days before making the conclusion that the acid actually removed the odor for good.

When urine drops on tiles for a period of time, it becomes urine stone and stick on tiles, which is the foods sources for bacteria, would it be correct?

kidney stones/urine stones are formed when the concentration of certain substances, especially, oxalate, uric acid, cysteine, calcium are present in the urinary tract. If urine falls on the floor tile, stones are not formed. I may have mentioned that earlier. Hence, this statement is not correct.


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 24, 2019
At this moment, I still can smell little bit of methane, in order to confirm on whether methane come from leaking gas or bacteria within internal toilet.  UV light treatment is applied for 60 - 90 minutes, but for safety, I would like to confirm on whether the glass can block UV or not as shown below, if not, I might apply UV Light treatment tomorrow, when I am not at home.

Glass does not block UV rays. Think of sunglasses, they need to be shaded in order to be effective in blocking harmful rays.


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 24, 2019
I was suggesting that MAYBE the reason why you're not smelling the odor is because the acid solution is somehow masking the scent of the odor -- much the same way air freshener does in the bathroom. I was saying that you should wait a few days before making the conclusion that the acid actually removed the odor for good.

The logic is shown below:
1) Acid solution dissolves dirty substitute, which is the foods for bacteria
2) Bacteria cannot survive without foods
3) No methane gas releases from bacteria
4) No smell

What wrong is on above logical thinking?

I would monitor a few days to confirm the situation :>

Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 24, 2019
The logic is correct, but you're assuming the culprit dissolves in acid. Why would hair, dirt, and debris dissolve in acid? It doesn't, unless it's highly concentrated acid, which it's not


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 24, 2019
On the tiles' surface, there is no hair, the purpose of acidic solution is mainly dissolve urine stone and it is highly concentrated acid to remove urine stone, but product mentions nothing about the concentration on product's specification and I get no idea on how another dirt react with this acidic solution. Doing it by try and error ...

There is still little smell on toilet, UV Light treatment need to apply today and confirm on whether there is a leaking gas or not.

I would monitor a few days to confirm the situation :>

Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 25, 2019
After UV light treatment for 3 hours in this afternoon (finished at 7 pm), I still smell methane around 12 am (much diluted smell as comparing with before applying acidic solutions on tiles),  I get no idea on what to do next, because I cannot confirm the source of methane.  Can bacteria grow so fast and release methane after 6 hours of UV Light Treatment?

Any comments?
1) Leaking gas is confirmed?
2) Cleaning tiles again?

Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 25, 2019
Try Drano -- yes, I know you can't buy that from where you are, so find an alternative that does the same thing. The ingredients were outlined in this thread, so I'd suggest you go to the hardware store to find a product that's similar. The "UV" treatment is a fail because you don't know if the blue light is actually producing UV rays. Also, if the UV treatment were effective, it'd only me momentarily effective because the source of the problem isn't resolved.


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 25, 2019
I would like to know on whether Drano is to clean the pipe or tiles at this stage.

I try to cover the sewer hole and monitor on whether smell is removed or not.

For cleaning tiles, I may apply alkaline based approach, and would like to know on how to apply on cleaning. Do I need to brush the tiles as well?

Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 25, 2019
May I ask why you're cleaning the tiles?


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 25, 2019
Cleaning tiles may be the wrong approach, I focus on sewer hole by applying following device, which can completely block the leaking and exclude methane source from this location.  Let monitor a few day ...

(https://biology-forums.com/gallery/40/94679_25_09_19_2_15_04.jpeg) (https://biology-forums.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=40456)

(https://biology-forums.com/gallery/40/94679_25_09_19_2_18_12.jpeg) (https://biology-forums.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=40458)

(https://biology-forums.com/gallery/40/94679_25_09_19_2_15_29.jpeg) (https://biology-forums.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=40457)

Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 25, 2019
May I ask why you're cleaning the tiles?

For sewer hole, there is already contained water within pipe, do I still need to confirm methane from this location?

3 potential sources of methane:
1) Sewer hole on the floor (Sewer Device is applied)
2) Bacteria on the tiles (Cleaned with acidic solution and UV Light treatment)
3) Leaking gas from unknown location

If I still smell methane, can I confirm that there is an internal pipe leaking?

Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)



Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: duddy on Sep 25, 2019
For sewer hole, there is already contained water within pipe, do I still need to confirm methane from this location?

Depends on how the pipe works. U-pipes are designed to hold water so that gases cannot escape, so the fact you're seeing water meanings that it's working as it should. There is the possibility that there is debris also contained in that pipe and it's not being flushed. In that case, try running a drain snake as far into the pipe as possible to try to push out the debris.

If I still smell methane, can I confirm that there is an internal pipe leaking?

Absolutely not, because if there was a leak, there would be a flood, and water damage.


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 25, 2019
(https://biology-forums.com/gallery/40/94679_25_09_19_2_15_04.jpeg)

What does that do exactly?


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 25, 2019
Absolutely not, because if there was a leak, there would be a flood, and water damage.

Not necessary, the sewer pipe is placed horizontally, and the sewer pipe is not 100% filled with liquid, so water cannot be reached on the top part of pipe, if there is a leaking area, sewer gas can leak into the toilet room without flood.

Since sewer device is already in placed, it filled with water and the edge of connection between device and pipe are sealed well, but I can still smell methane, so there are only 2 potential sources of methane:

2) Bacteria on the tiles
3) Leaking gas from unknown location

Drano works for pipe, not the tiles, I would go to clean the tiles again for 20 minutes and blushing the tiles' surface instead of 10 minutes, should acidic solution be appropriated on tiles? If I can still smell, then would it be confirmed that there is a leaking gas within toilet? which already excluding sewer pipe and tiles (2 potentials area).  I need to confirm this 2 issues before doing next step.

For leaking gas from unknown location, I would contact owner and call assistance to fill any potential leaking area within toilet with visual inspection.

Cleaning the debris is not practical with rental room, since it costs money for fixing it, so sealing any leaking area under visual inspection would be a lower cost approach.

Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)


 


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 25, 2019
What does that do exactly?

It works like a U-Pipe


(https://biology-forums.com/gallery/40/94679_25_09_19_7_13_01.jpeg) (https://biology-forums.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=40467)

(https://biology-forums.com/gallery/40/94679_25_09_19_7_14_59.jpeg) (https://biology-forums.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=40469)

(https://biology-forums.com/gallery/40/94679_25_09_19_7_13_22.jpeg) (https://biology-forums.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=40468)

Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)




Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 25, 2019
^^ Cool invention

Drano works for pipe, not the tiles, I would go to clean the tiles again for 20 minutes and blushing the tiles' surface instead of 10 minutes, should acidic solution be appropriated on tiles?

The tiles look clean in that photo, so let's cancel that from the list. If there was bacteria on the tile, it would not produce methane because methane-producing bacteria die in the presence of oxygen. That's why they're found deep within our digestive tract, where oxygen levels are low.

For leaking gas from unknown location, I would contact owner and call assistance to fill any potential leaking area within toilet with visual inspection.

If you don't have Drano available, best to call a plumber. He'll have the snake tool to diagnose the issue better. I think it's better than having to go buy all the tools yourself, as it might be expensive.

In terms of the gas leak, it's not "impossible". Natural gas used to heat the home consists of mostly methane anyway. However, the smell of natural gas is somewhat pleasant to people. Methane produced my bacteria or rotting substances smell bad because it's mixed with other gases/compounds that make it smell terrible. There's a noticeable difference between sewage and pure natural gas.


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 25, 2019
The tiles look clean in that photo, so let's cancel that from the list. If there was bacteria on the tile, it would not produce methane because methane-producing bacteria die in the presence of oxygen. That's why they're found deep within our digestive tract, where oxygen levels are low.

I place a piece of toilet paper on the floor and fill it with urine stone remover for 10 minutes and clean floor with water, after 2 day monitoring, there is less smell at this moment, how can you explain this result? the smell of methane is somehow related to tiles.

Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 25, 2019
I place a piece of toilet paper on the floor and fill it with urine stone remover for 10 minutes and clean floor with water, after 2 day monitoring, there is less smell at this moment, how can you explain this result? the smell of methane is somehow related to tiles.

Does the urine remover have a scent of its own? Is it a liquid or solid?


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 25, 2019
Does the urine remover have a scent of its own?

I don't try to smell it, since urine stone remover is highly concentrated acidic solution.

I would go to clean the tiles again for 20 minutes and blushing the tiles' surface instead of 10 minutes, I would cover more potential flat surface instead of floor alone, any comments?

Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)



Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 25, 2019
I'm trying to understand what "urine remover" is, that's why I asked. You said it's an acid, so it's most likely a liquid.

In my life I've never heard of smelly tiles, that's why I think it's impossible. Tiles are made of stone, ceramic material; they're not permeable, nor do they leak through. Underneath the tile is plaster, and likely concrete -- two very thick barriers to gas leaks.

I place a piece of toilet paper on the floor and fill it with urine stone remover for 10 minutes and clean floor with water, after 2 day monitoring, there is less smell at this moment, how can you explain this result? the smell of methane is somehow related to tiles.

This is not indicative of bacterial growth. Bacteria cannot produce methane in an oxygenated zone. Methanogens are oxygen-fearing organisms.


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 25, 2019
When you look into concrete under microscope, there are many holes on surface, which can store a lot of dirt, which is the foods for bacteria.  

Before applying acidic solution, methane smell is stronger than after acidic treatment.  I keep the same interior condition on comparing before and after treatment.
If it is not related to bacteria, how to explain this results? where do methane come from?

Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 25, 2019
When you look into concrete under microscope, there are many holes on surface, which can store a lot of dirt, which is the foods for bacteria.

Most tiles are coated with epoxy, a laminate substance that prevents this sort of thing, so I'm not sure.

I'm assuming the smell of the acid is masking the smell.

Please answer is, does the "methane" smell have the scent of sewage?


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 25, 2019
Most tiles are coated with epoxy, a laminate substance that prevents this sort of thing

Please see the tile condition, it seems that very very strong acid had been applied on tides, the edge is eroded.

(https://biology-forums.com/gallery/40/94679_25_09_19_8_25_15.jpeg) (https://biology-forums.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=40470)

 
does the "methane" smell have the scent of sewage?

I cannot confirm on the scent of sewage, since I don't know without comparsion, but it is methane, it is 8 am, and I still smell the methane (less intensive after acidic treatment).  

I don't understand on how the smell of the acid is masking the smell of methane, since I cannot smell the acid at this moment, my nose is sensitive.

If methane come from leaking, it should be the same intensive, but the smell is less intensive as comparing before acidic treatment, I guess that come from bacteria, do bacteria grow fast within 13 hours? I finish UV Light treatment at 7 pm last night.

Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 25, 2019
@oemBiology (https://biology-forums.com/index.php?action=profile;u=94679), could you answer the question

does the "methane" smell have the scent of sewage?

Is it "sewage" scented?


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 25, 2019
 Is it "sewage" scented?

Smell like "sewage" scented, it is 8:00 - 8:30 am, people use a lot of water during this period before work, sewage gas would easily down to lower floor due to pressure, this period of occurrence is consistence.

Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 25, 2019
Could it be the u-pipe from the sink found within the bathroom? Have you examined that part?

If sewage, I don't think it's a leak


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: duddy on Sep 25, 2019
(https://biology-forums.com/gallery/40/94679_25_09_19_8_25_15.jpeg) (https://biology-forums.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=40470)

That's some powerful acid!!! Holy


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 25, 2019
That's some powerful acid!!! Holy

That was done by owner at least one year ago, if owner cleans my room using this approach, I do not need to do it myself.

Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 25, 2019
Did the owner use acid? Looks like physical damage, not acid damage.


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 25, 2019
Could it be the u-pipe from the sink found within the bathroom? Have you examined that part?

I have filled sink and toilet's tank with water to ensure that all u-pipe is filled to block sewage gas.

I doubt the connection between toilet and sewage pipe are not sealed well, but it is very very difficult for visual inspection, so that is the final part for owner to hire plumber to do the job (cost money $$$).

Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 25, 2019
Did the owner use acid? Looks like physical damage, not acid damage.

I find out that the edge is not damage, which is the pattern on tides.

Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 25, 2019
So you're going to the owner to fix the issue? I hope it doesn't cost you anything, this should be a landlord maintenance issue. I don't know how it is in Asia, but perhaps the washer drains into the same pipeline -- assuming your apartment has a washer system


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Sep 25, 2019
That's some powerful acid!!! Holy

I find out that the edge is not damage, which is the pattern on tides.

Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Sep 25, 2019
That's some powerful acid!!! Holy
I find out that the edge is not damage, which is the pattern on tides. Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)

Weird 🤔


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Oct 5, 2019
There is some spray product to prevent water leaking by spraying it on the surface, which contains sodium organic acid, I would like to know on how it works and seals any surface.

Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Oct 5, 2019
There is some spray product to prevent water leaking by spraying it on the surface, which contains sodium organic acid, I would like to know on how it works and seals any surface. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks, to everyone very much for any suggestions (^v^)

Do you know what it's called?


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: oemBiology on Oct 5, 2019
Please see the product link as shown below.

Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you very much for any suggestions (^v^)


https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a1z0d.6639537.1997196601.4.605c7484VjJxaV&id=543342734847


Title: Re: Any tools to detect the source of toilet smells?
Post by: bio_man on Oct 5, 2019
Looks like a sealant of some sort. We have a similar product in North America, but without the acid? Why it contain acid, not sure. See here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnWO76sf7og

There is some spray product to prevent water leaking by spraying it on the surface, which contains sodium organic acid, I would like to know on how it works and seals any surface.

Flex Seal works by using a rubberized liquid, which is sprayed onto the surface where the crack or leak exists. When it interacts with the air, it hardens like glue. Given that the bottle is pressurized, compressed air can keep rubber in liquid form.