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slknopik · Oct 10, 2005, 09:57 PM

Last week I noticed our toilet had bubbles coming up it for a minute or so... I don't remember if the washing machine was running or not, it seemed strange, but I didn't pay too much attention to it. Now this week, there is a sewer smell in our bathroom, and I swear I can smell it in the room next to the bathroom. All of our water drains fine in the house, are there any suggestions on where we should start? Thanks!

speedball1 · Oct 11, 2005, 05:43 AM

Originally Posted by slknopik

are there any suggestions on where we should start? Thanks!

Yes, The "bubbles" coming up out of your toilet are sewer gas being forced back up the line when a heavy discharge, such as a washer or a flushed toilet, hits a partial boockage and bounces back momentarily sending a bubble of air ahead of it. Other lighter discharges such as a lavatory or kitchen sink would pass the partial blockage without a problem.
To take care of this problem the line must be snaked from the lavatory roof vent. If you do the job yourself, rent a sewer machine and put out enough cable to reach the base of the vent and 25' more to be sure of reaching the clog. Partial clogs can only get worse, they never heal thenselves, so the sooner you address this the better it will be. Good luck, Tom

slknopik · Oct 17, 2005, 06:55 PM

Thanks for the advise! I ended up having the Roto-Rooter man come out, he took off my toilet & snaked to the sewer, when he brought it back he said it came up with some "root" and a little bit of mud. He said the mud was likely from the sewer. I am concerned how did a "root" get in there? Do you think this will turn into a bigger problem? Thank you!

speedball1 · Oct 18, 2005, 05:03 AM

"I am concerned how did a "root" get in there? Do you think this will turn into a bigger problem? "

It depends on how bad the root growth is and the condition of your sewer pipes.
What are you sewer pipes made of? Cast iron? Terra-cotta? If you suppect roots and want to control them, here are some suggestions. RootX or Robics Foaming Root Killer that contain Dichlobrnic are two products you could try.
A less expensive way would be to call around to garden supply stores and ask for fine grain Copper Sulphate. Put a 1/2 pound in your toilet and flush it down. Repeat in 6 months.
Good luck, Tom