Durgo Valve. ans smells

[Bodd]

I installed a shower room about a year back. Customer complains of smells. I prosume its coming from the shower trap being sucked away. I have run 2 inch from trap to underneath branch for WC. She has a Durgo valve that she beleives is 17 years old. The Valve (against my advice) has been boxed in without an access for maintanance. It all seems pretty seal, and I susspect that because the valve cannot breath its causing a vacume and sucking the trap from the shower.
It also has a basin going into the side of the tee. could that be it.

Am I talking rubbish or am I along the right tracks.

Never to old to be educated.

Bod

 

[unguided1]

even if a Durgo is boxed, the boxing is unlikely to be completley air tight causing a vacum, more likely the durgo after 17 years has got itself stuck in the open position therefore letting back back smells

 

[kimbo]

Common problem with durga valves installed too low it should be at least 6ins above the highest water outlet which is probably your sink overflow.

 

[GQuigley67]

durgos should always have access, like any other mechanical fitting they can fail so it has probably jammed in the open position

 

[Bodd]

Thanks fellas I'll cut an access with my Fein saw and replace the valve. Was a bit worried that maybe I plumbed it in wrong and it was self syphoning.

Thanks again Bod