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rybekmo
Mar 23, 2010, 08:00 AM
Our toilet has a gas smell coming out of the bowl/water. It actually looks cloudy.

viomary
Mar 23, 2010, 08:06 AM
I am actually very ignorant to any type of plumbing issues but I got this off the internet. Some other sites also said something about a wax seal..?
Because sewer gas contains methane gas (CH4) there is a risk of an explosion hazard or even fatal asphyxiation. Sewer gases also probably contain hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) In addition some writers opine that there are possible health hazards from sewer gas exposure, such as a bacterial infection of the sinuses (which can occur due to any sinus irritation). Depending on the sewer gas source and other factors such as humidity and building and weather conditions, mold spores may also be present in sewer gases.

CHayn
Mar 24, 2010, 03:52 PM
Is the water cloudy anywhere else in the house. How about in the tank of this toilet? If it smells like sewer gas reset the toilet.

speedball1
Mar 24, 2010, 05:30 PM
Chayn asks good questions, answer them.
I have a few of my own. Id the smell worse outside the bowl or does it come directly from the water in the bowl. Do you see any bubbles?
Let's see! How can sewer gas get past the trap in the bowl and come out in the water in the bowl?
Could be a partial blockage sending a bubble of sewer gas bouncing back up the line.. If so it will smell worse directly after a flush.
Could be a ruptured wax seal allowing sewer gas to escape.
Could be a blockage causing back pressure and a blocked vent forcing the gas through the toilet bowl.
Lottsa things to consider. But I would start by pulling the toiloet, snaking the toilet drain line and installing a new wax seal as I reinstalled the toilet. Smell better now? Tom

rybekmo
Mar 25, 2010, 10:39 AM
Thanks to all... the smell is definitely coming from the water... someone mantioned pouring bleach and letting it sit for the night to help with any blockages that might be in the trap... I don't smell the gas smell at the base, so I don't think it is the wax ring...