Mysterious basement odor

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Author Message   kathy Citizen Username: Kathy Post Number: 1233 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 2:49 pm:        A week or so ago, the unfinished room in our basement suddenly developed an odor that resembles paint thinner. We have searched it pretty thoroughly and cannot find a source. Haven't even been able to pinpoint a location within the room. Datapoints that may be relevant: 1) We had a refrigerator put into the basement room a couple of weeks ago. Could it be leaking something? It is still keeping things cold. The smell often seems to be stronger on the other side of the room. 2) A drainpipe outside the house (under the driveway) was clogged, and it was dug up a week or so ago and a section cut out and replaced. The trench was refilled with gravel but has not yet been paved over. Could something be in there? Wouldn't it have dissipated by now? Wouldn't it be noticeable outside rather than inside? We are completely mystified. Any suggestions as to where else to look would be welcome.