Request submitted via SchoolDude, from the plumbing department this was Work Order # 000053629 and is now closed. Plumbing visited on 2 2/14/25 got no smell in room. Pulled ceiling tiles and got no smell. Checked restroom and ran water in sinks. Plumbing returned on 2 2/18/25 checked to see if smell came back and got nothing.
However, all visits were early morning, before students were present in building. Very obvious smell becomes stronger in the afternoon.
Requesting plumbing to return in the afternoon.
Identify deficiencies that may impact IEQ and/or sources of odor concerns. Typically includes the following depending on the nature of concern, but not limited to:
- interview/questionnaire of concern individual(s)
- inspection above drop ceiling (condition of roof deck, pipe insulation, return air plenum)
- inspection of ventilation system (operation of variable air volume box and outdoor air dampers, check controls, measurements of carbon dioxide, temperature and relative humidity, sources near outdoor air intake, measure return and supply air volume, cleanliness of coils, liner and condensate pan)
- inspection of exterior
- inspection below drop ceiling (housekeeping, sink and floor drain traps, signs of past and present moisture concern via visual and/or moisture meter, mold growth, ensure connection of current and capping of abandoned sanitary vents, odorizers, excessive plants and fabric items, identify potential pathways, and measure volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and lighting)
Date(s) of Assessment: March 5, 6, 12, 24, 25, 2025
A slight odor consistent with new construction was identified in the space.
Two bulletin boards were identifed to have a slight odor, similar to the new construction odor present in the space. These were temporarily removed to not interfere with the assessment. The backsides of the boards were assessed after removal. No odors or visible signs of moisture/mold were identifed.
Areas above the drop ceiling were assessed. No odors were present. The plumbing vent that extends out of the roof deck in the area in question was traced. No disconnections were identifed.
The roof deck was scanned with a thermal infrared camera. No thermal anomalies indicative of a moisture issue were identifed.
There is an outdoor classroom located above the space. No odors or obvious deficiencies were identifed along the roof/flashing.
No odors or obvious deficiencies were identifed in the adjoining network closet.
On March 12, an odor had not yet been encountered by the Office of the Environment. The assessor spent the majority of the school day in the space, however an odor did not occur.
The Fan Coil Unit (FCU) that serves the space (located in an adjoining storage closet) was assessed. No odors were identifed in the vicinity of the unit.
On March 18, a slight "sewer" odor was noted above the ceiling in the adjoining storage closet. The odor was thought to be associated with several stained ceiling tiles in the space. Custodial Services removed the ceiling tiles.
On March 24, it was reported that the odor had returned. The Office of the Environment visited and identifed a strong "sewer" odor in the adjoining storage closet. The odor was strongest near the FCU.
The Office of the Environment met Building Maintenance (HVAC) onsite to review the FCU. The following items were discussed:
- The fiberglass duct insulation sits very close to the condensate pan. Although no odors or moisture were identifed in association with the fiberglass, this condition represented a potential odor source should the fiberglass become wet.
- A P-trap was not located in the plumbing configuration for the condensate drain.
- Building Maintenance (HVAC) further assessed the operation of the FCU (fan/motor/coils). No deficiencies were identifed.
- Building Maintenance (HVAC) identifed an issue with the operation of the supply fan in the Dedicated Outdoor Air Unit (DOAU, on the roof). Building Maintenance reported that if the supply fan was not operational, certain areas could be under negative pressure, which could potentially draw odors from open condensate pipes such as the one associated with the FCU.
As a precaution, Building Maintenance (Plumbing) also assessed nearby backflow preventers for proper operation. No deficiencies were identifed.
No odors have been reported since Building Maintenance has reset the operation of the supply fan in the DOAU on March 25, 2025.
The supply fan for the dedicated outdoor air unit was reset by Building Maintenance (HVAC).
The fiberglass duct wrap that extends into the condensate pan was removed Building Maintenance (HVAC) to avoid future wetting of the material (possible odor source).
Building Maintenance (Plumbing) installed a p trap onto the condensate line and charged the trap.