I live in a tri-level plan home with one bathroom on the upper level and one bathroom on the bottom level directly below it with the laundry area right off the bottom level bathroom. The problem is that every time (recently) the upstairs toilet is flushed there is a sewer smell oustide the laundry area downstairs. Any ideas or suggestions to resolve?

Are you in an area with septic or city sewer systems?
Septic could be addressed with an additive (enzyme)
City could mean you have a possible clog/roots growing into the system,you can rent a sewer auger from your local hardware or rental shop.
*note* From someone who has done this kind of work,do not use drain cleaner or any other type of drain opener until you have tried all other methods,a person who has to work with chemicals(sulphuric acid... etc,common in drain cleaners)and run an auger doesn't like his/her skin burned off.


Amendment:as to the comments by a rated individual,where is it neglect to rent a sewer cleaning devise,rental is open to all public persons willing and possibly able to do what a "real"plumber can do at what? 1/10th the cost,with a little effort homeowners do not have to be slaves to"licensed,trained,overpriced repairs when they can do it for themselves,your attitude shows a lack of belief in the average homeowner.

Check to see if you have a trap on the washing machine line.

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Originally Posted by doug238

check to see if you have a trap on the washing machine line.

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Where would that be located or do you mean the floor drain in the laundry room?

Where the washing machine drain goes from the machine, there is a hose. Where it goes.