We have a newly constructed building(bathhouse) added to or home septic system.It has a shower stall,toilet ,sink,kitchen sink and hot water heater added on.Every thing passed inspection except the toilet(even the waste line to the septic passed).The inspector said its NOT holding pressure.It might be the vent or the toilet ,pull up the toilet an see if its leaking.He also said maybe the vent was punctured by a nail during drywall installation.What do you think we should do? Pull the toilet up? We are both very new to this and need some info on what to do and how to do it.Please help.We can not use a plumber because we had the permit whiched into our name already.

You can still use a plumber. No problem except you will have to pay them the going rate. The permit is of no count in this issue.

When we test a unit and call for inspection we block off the sewer at the clean out, block off every drain opening and fill the stacks from the roof until they overflow. We then let it set overnight before calling in a inspection. If the stacks are still full and no water in sight then we've passed.
Since you have failed to inform us as to how the vent's configured or if it can be inspected for leaks or even how it was inspected in the first place,( was the vent filled with water?) we can't begin to offer suggestions. How did the inspector suggest that you go about repairing the situation? Get back to us with details we can work with and we'll answer ASAP. Tom

The inspector had us block the clean out with a plumbing ball,and the vent on the roof we capped,he then filled each drain with water(toilet ,shower,sink.ect)he stuck a long piece of clear tubing in the toilet filled it part way with water,held his thumb over it and then watched for any movement in the water and then listened for air.It made a gurgling sound and air bubbles came up,the water didn't stay in the tube.He said that we should pull up the toilet because it was not holding air.check to see if it is leaking underneath,or their may be a hole in the waste vent somewhere.He said we should check the toilet first. This building has passed the first two inspections and the waste line smoke test. The only thing I can think of ,is the flange.We used a pressure flange(not glued)(not sure if that's really what its called)I have just went out and got a standard PVC flange and was going to pull up the toilet and change it.I was hopeing we may have over looked something so I don't have to pull it up.My husband was thinking the plumbing ball wasn't properly aired up(sealed ) or the pressure flange is failing.I do most of the fixing things ,he works a rotating shift. I was going to retest it myself. Put the ball in the clean out and run the shower to see if any water is coming past the ball.Then go do the air tube test thing.I think their was air in the lines.What should I do first ? Or how else can I test it ? Thanks ,Bernadette

Good morning Bernadette,
First off, a toilet flange only duty is to secure the bowl the floor. It's the wax seal that prevents water from leaking out, but I would like to know more information on the brand of flange you used and why you didn't use a regular glue in flange. If the inflatable plug were leaking air or water then that could be the cause of the problem. Try the test again and let me know how it comes out. Good luck, Tom

We seen a new type of flange and the salesperson at Lowe's said it was good because it sucksions in and there is no glueing needed(he said that is what he would use)(I won't listen to anyone but a professional anymore).However I think that is the problem.I did the test again. I blocked the vent,clean out and filled all the sink traps,then ran the shower.The toilet started bubbling up air.I would have to assume it is the toilet seal.I plan to remove then toilet and put a new wax ring and standard flange(clued).Any suggestions or comments? Thanks again ,Bernadette

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Originally Posted by fuzzbutt28

We seen a new type of flange and the salesperson at Lowes said it was good because it sucksions in and their is no glueing needed(he said that is what he would use)(I wont listen to anyone but a professional anymore).However I think that is the problem.I did the test again. I blocked the vent,clean out and filled all the sink traps,then ran the shower.The toilet started bubbling up air.I would have to assume it is the toilet seal.I plan to remove then toilet and put a new wax ring and standard flange(clued).Any suggestions or comments? Thanks again ,Bernadette

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The reason big box plumbing sales men aren't out in the field as plumbers is because they aren't.
Let me know how the test comes out after you've swapped out the flange. If you can give me a brand name of the that Lowe's sold you I would like to check it out. Good luck, Tom

He is probably talking about the new style replacements for the wax ring. They are PVC and have "O" rings at the part that sets into the PVC pipe in the floor and a Vinyl/edpm rubber flap thet fits to the toilet base. Some actually have glue like substance that hold it to the base of the toilet for instillation purposes.Tried a sample 3 years ago and it would not pass tests so I never used one again.

No,It's not the wax ring he was talking about. He stood their and showed me this flange.I should have just went with my first instinct to get the standard flange.I hate it when they sound like they know what they are talking about but DON'T.

Ok,I replaced the flange(glued) and put on a new wax ring,and installed the toilet.I pluged the clean out ,the vent is capped and I began to run the water in the shower . Air bubbled up out of the toilet for about a minute but then stopped(it stopped once the water drain was filled in the shower). I stuck a clear tube in the toilet and put water in the tube then heald my finger over it.The water did NOT move(I waited about a min).(I assume that is what it is supposed to do,so it will past the inspection?)I am now wondering if we(the inspector) did not run the water long enough the first test.The air in that pipe has to escape some how,the toilet I would think is the easiest way to come out.I sthis correct? How else can I test it? Is that all I need to do? There is NO leaking anywhere.

Ok,I replaced the flange(glued) and put on a new wax ring,and installed the toilet.I pluged the clean out ,the vent is capped and I began to run the water in the shower . Air bubbled up out of the toilet for about a minute but then stopped(it stopped once the water drain was filled in the shower). I stuck a clear tube in the toilet and put water in the tube then heald my finger over it.The water did NOT move(I waited about a min).(I assume that is what it is supposed to do,so it will past the inspection?)I am now wondering if we(the inspector) did not run the water long enough the first test.The air in that pipe has to escape some how,the toilet I would think is the easiest way to come out.I sthis correct? How else can I test it? Is that all I need to do? There is NO leaking anywhere.

I would call the inspector back and get the inspection passed. Sounds like changing the flange did it. Congratulations! Tom