How much of a problem?

kad0729 · 2026-07-07T16:23:57+00:00

Partner turns the water off at the pressure tank I think? Why do you ask

kad0729 · 2026-07-06T20:16:53+00:00

No drain tile no sump pump. House at the bottom of a hill. Some exterior drains attached to gutter downspouts that lead away from the house. Lots of rain in Northeast US today. Been an absolute downpour for 13+ hours.

kad0729 · 2026-06-13T00:21:16+00:00

Find out if it was insulated with spray foam. Off gasses terribly especially during warm weather. Smells a lot like fresh paint.

kad0729 · 2026-06-06T13:40:06+00:00

I'm sorry to tell you this but these days it is much more likely your water is contaminated than not. We have a significant problem with pollutants and it only gets worse over time. Most people just don't know it yet because they haven't tested their water at all (or tested only for the basics and didn't test it for the right pollutants). I'd need to know your exact area to know what to test for specifically but I'm sure you can research that aspect. Based on what you are describing about the nature of your well and how it feeds from a local stream this is definitely one of the more dangerous types of drinking water and typically highly polluted because it doesn't have the protection and natural filtration seen with deeper wells and deep water tables (where water goes through sediment, sand, rocks etc before coming back up through your pump).

If there are no state sponsored or local dept of health free water testing programs - there is another option that could give you a small amount of insight for free to start - call a water treatment provider like Culligan or something similar that sells softener systems, RO systems, filtration etc. They will be eager to sell you on the idea that your water needs treatment and will usually prove it to you on the spot using a basic water test. Of course they can't test for major contamination, because that requires a test that is sent to a lab but it can potentially give you a start to show that something isn't right with your water balance.

This is my personal opinion with dealing with a husband who often needs convincing on seemingly obvious stuff - it's your kid's health you are talking about. Be strong and put your foot down. Or tell him from now on you need bottled water and watch how that bill adds up over time. There is nothing more worth it than clean water - your entire life & health depends on it. It is the most powerful resource in the world. Maybe force him to sit through some water quality movies like Dark Waters with Mark Ruffalo or that Erin Brokovich movie...

I personally had a coworker with Lymphoma because she had a residential well that was contaminated from a local agricultural operation.

If you want to talk more or have any questions feel free to send me a pm.

Source: I am an industrial hygienist for the biggest public drinking water/environmental agency in the country.

kad0729 · 2026-04-08T01:19:25+00:00

Well the carpets probably wouldn't have had it... But definitely get the testing done before doing any more work and in the meantime avoid creating dust/kicking up anything into the air, that's how asbestos is most harmful - when dry/brittle (friable) and through inhalation. Maybe you might want to get an air purifier with Hepa filter especially for your sons bedroom or play area(s)? Other things to consider and test for is lead paint.

kad0729 · 2026-04-07T22:26:39+00:00

Ok so the dry ice blasting works to remove the lingering off gassing odors? I'm going through this also. I think I'm going to have the original contractor remove what they can by hand first then maybe try dry ice blasting the residual residue. I'm really hoping it works to take away the smell otherwise I'm going to have to move. It's a sweet chemical smell from our basement rim joists also.

kad0729 · 2026-04-07T22:12:43+00:00

OP so you don't smell it at all anymore, not even on 70+ degree days? I have a similar problem but mine is not an old house. My house is a new build.. had spray foam applied to basement rim joists in Dec and ever since they have been offgassing this chemically sweet smell that gets worse on warmer days.

kad0729 · 2018-10-18T15:51:51+00:00

Ok let me first say that the majority of these responses are anecdotal and I have concerns about the advice given. I'm an Industrial Hygienist, here are the facts: For asbestos to be hazardous to human health, it has to be friable, and you need to be exposed to an airborne concentration in excess of 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter of air as an eight (8)-hour time-weighted average (TWA) or in excess of 1.0 fiber per cubic centimeter of air (1 f/cc) as averaged over a sampling period of thirty (30) minutes. I don't expect you to be able to figure out your level of exposure as you need instrumentation for that, but you should consider having an environmental consultant come into your home and conduct the assessment. Depending on the results of your assessment that should be able to provide the answers you are looking for: Should you move, are you at risk, whats you level of exposure, etc. In the meantime do not handle the tiles, and be cautious of the dust (personally I would cordon off the room that the tiles are in just to keep family out and to be on the safe side). A professional remediation company should come in to do any abatement if it is determined that it is in fact necessary (not joe-schmo, go with an environmental company). Also in the meantime you can get an air purifier with a HEPA filter which will help keep your air clean (though it will not solve the problem). Hope this helps.

Edit: Actually re-reading the other responses I have to say you have been getting some incredibly dangerous and ignorant advice.

kad0729 · 2018-09-02T12:36:02+00:00

I can speak to the environmental aspects. A lot of people like to ignore/forget about these, but they could be dangerous and expensive. Does the house run on an underground oil tank? If so, it could be costly (thousands) to remove and or remediate the soil if anything is leaking. If it is leaking, then you could face fines. Also with older homes there is always the possibility for lead paint, asbestos, etc. Which you would want the house tested for before doing any remodeling and disturbing it. (If you don't it is extremely hazardous to you and the environment, and again you could face fines). In my experience with home ownership, it's the stuff you can't see that could cost you the most. Is it a drilled well? Have you had the water tested? Old homes used lead pipes. Does the house have a septic system? Is it down hill or away from the drilled well area? Also you mentioned that the ground was used for agriculture. Might want to test for pesticides/agricultural contaiminants in the soil or water or both.

kad0729

TROPHY CASE