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vanislegirl · Apr 14, 2009, 08:28 PM

I replaced my upstairs toilet with a new low flow one, then got my septic tank cleaned out professionally. There's still a bad smell in the bathroom even though my friend took the toilet off again and replaced the wax ring. Help please!! Thanks

ballengerb1 · Apr 14, 2009, 08:32 PM

Get a better friend to replace the wax ring correctly. Are you 100% sure there is no crack in the sewer pipe or the new toilet that would defeat the wax ring/ Is your toilet falnge flush with the floor surface or is it depressed below the floor?

vanislegirl · Apr 14, 2009, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

Get a better friend to replace the wax ring correctly. Are you 100% sure there is no crack in the sewer pipe or the new toilet that would defeat the wax ring/ Is your toilet falnge flush with the floor surface or is it depressed below the floor?

We took the first new toilet back because there was water leaking out underneath from inside the bottom of the toilet after it was put in. We thought there may be a crack. Then he installed another new one... no leak but still smelly. I don't know if there's a crack in the sewer pipe. How do you tell? There's no problem with the downstairs bathroom. The flange was a bit of a problem because new flooring had been installed and the flange had to be built up higher with an extra piece. We asked at Rona and they told us what to do, but maybe that's the problem. It has 2 wax rings on it. It's so frustrating not knowing exactly what it is. It just keeps smelling bad. I only really notice it at night too. Is the gas toxic, like bad for my health? It's got to be. Thanks for helping!

ballengerb1 · Apr 15, 2009, 04:39 PM

Yes, sewer gas is not healthy at all and we should get this fixed. 2 wax rungs is always a bit dicey but there is a better solution. You remove both old rings are apply PVC spacers in the flange until you reach level with the floor top surface, then you apply one new wax ring that comes with a neoprene collar. Closet Flange Spacer :: Oatey.com The spacer comes in different thicknesses so you buy what combination makes it flush with the floor. You can grease the spacers with a good coat of plumbers grease or paste then with wax from the old ring, I'd go with the grease.

mygirlsdad77 · Apr 15, 2009, 05:02 PM

Agree with ballengerb, only thing I would suggest is that the closet flange should be raised (with spacers) to the point where it is at least a quarter inch above finished floor(no higher than 3/8" above floor). The correct way to install a closet flange is on top of finished floor. In your case the floor was laid around flange, meaning you will have to use spacers to raise the level of seal on flange. This way you can use one wax ring(which is definitely preferred).

Also, if toilet drain is accesible from below floor, your best bet would be to cut out old flange and fill the void where old flange sat, so that the area where old flange sat is now flush with finished flooring, this way the new flange will sit on top of flooring, and not be reccesed into it.. then reconnect a new flange to existing toilet drain pipe

ballengerb1 · Apr 15, 2009, 05:06 PM

I stated flush, which is the lowest acceptable height and my girl says 3/8" above flush, which is the other end of the extreme. Both would work and are acceptable, there is wiggle room for the wax ring spacing.

vanislegirl · May 7, 2009, 11:32 PM

Thank you so much all of you for helping me out. You're great. You helped me to make the right decision which was to call a professional plumber and have him fix it. He did exactly what you all said. Plus he sealed it around the bottom. It fixed the problem immediately. What a relief after smelling that horrible odour for months. There are no shortcuts. And I realize more and more that I never save money by getting a "handyman" to do a job meant for a tradesperson such as an electrician or plumber or painter. Thanks again!!

speedball1 · May 8, 2009, 09:46 AM

We thank you for the update and your information will be helpful to others. Cheers, Tom