The sewer cleaning contractor has recommended that owners pour Mineral oil or some other liquid that will not evaporate in the heat into the plumbing to “Seasonalize” their units when they are not there. This will prevent the P-Traps in the unit from drying out and allowing the odors to creep into the unit.
Many people have installed flappers on their outgoing sewer lines which has solved their odor problems. This one way flapper is installed in the sewer exiting pipe and only opens when waste exits through the pipes. When nothing is flowing out the pipes, the flapper remains shut and seals off the pipe to the home so no gases can travel through the empty pipe and up into the unit. They are simple to install and any plumber should be able to do this. The Association has been using Colorado River Plumbing for leaks and repairs in the pool area, and they have done a good job. We recommend you give them a call and ask their opinion and price to install a flapper for you. Their number is (760) 326-2626.
There were also reports of rotten egg smells in garages earlier this year that ended up being from a leaking natural gas line. We recommend that you call the gas company and report any rotten egg smell so that they can immediately check it out for you. The telephone number to SW Gas is 1-877-860-6020.
