Our water has been cut off for about three weeks, due to frozen pipes bursting. We have been using rainwater to flush our commode, so to speak, but now all of a sudden there is a pungent onion smell in my bathroom. What is causing it?

our water has been cut off for about three weeks, due to frozen pipes bursting. we have been using rainwater to flush our commode, so to speak, but now all of a sudden there is a pungent onion smell in my bathroom. What is causing it?

Sorry about the pipes...
Answer should be pretty simple..
You must have sinks, or a shower or other drains in the bath... in time, when not used, the loop seal in the drain pipe can dry out and allow toxic fumes from the septic system to bypass and enter the house...
Go around to all the drains in the house and fill them with a cup of water...
Good luck... hey, summer's coming!

I have poured many a cup down every drain in the house and still have the very strong odor ~ you mentioned toxic fumes. How dangerous are the fumes as there are several pregnant ladies here. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks