Sewers

Can sewer gas leak into bathroom pipes? Any plumbers out there who can help explain these bad smells?

I have noticed for quite some time that occasionally, my bathroom has a strong vial smell, almost like raw sewage. No, this is not typical "bathroom odors", it is unbearably strong. I figured out it is coming from the toilet. This happens even when the toilet has not been used for several hours. I have a city sewer system, not a septic tank. What could be causing this? Can gases leak up from the sewer system? Any ideas? It seems to be getting worse and worse. Please help!! Thanks guys! It definately seems to be coming from the toilet area. One question however, if it was a problem with the wax ring (I replaced it about 6 months ago due to a leak) wouldn't there be water leaking as well? Re "Skippy's" answer. NO! Roaches?? Can they come up through the sewer pipes? OMG If that's the case, I'm all over replacing that wax ring again!

Public Comments

1. You should have a trap on your commode. It resembles "S" layed on it's side. The trap keeps water in it, the water acts as a barrier to keep the gases from rising. Try this link to help you further understand: http://www.howstuffworks.com/static/toilet1.htm Good Luck
2. there is a trap the curve in the toilet that retains water in it to prevent gas coming thru there is a wax seal that joins the toilet to the flange which if the toilet was moved could cause gas to leak otherwise check your other drains for hair clogs that could be rotting and causing the order
3. what you should do is check the traps on your sink first because alot of times if you don't have any traps it by passes the water and creates an awful eggish smell and if thats not the problem then check to see if the water level is filling up the bowl in your toilet because if thers no water in the bowl you'll get the same odore
4. The wax seal under the toilet could be bypassing the gas. A lot of the time it is a unused shower that has had the pee trap dried up in it so it bypasses gas all sinks and drains in all houses should have use at least once a week to keep all pee traps full.
5. If you have an outside vent pipe,on your sewer line, make sure it is not clogged up.
6. Sounds like your wax ring. Not all toilets will leak when the seal has been compromised. You may have been getting roaches in that bathroom as well?
7. If you're sure it's coming from the toilet itself, it's probably a plugged vent pipe that extends through the roof. Does the water gurgle in the bowl? If the vent is not plugged, have the City come out and check the sewers to make sure they are not backing up and that the manhole covers are not covered with asphalt. (Manhole covers usually have holes in them to slowly release gases and to keep the sewers from "airlocking".) If these check ok, you may have to have the City or a plumber install a "P' trap or check valve on your sewer lateral.