I purchased a new condo on the 11th floor and I've been having plumbing issues for the last few months. The building contractors seem unable to help. Basically, I get sewage discharge coming up through my bathroom sink drain and when I flush the toilet the pipes in the shower make a gurgling or banging sound. The water in my toilet also fluctuates without me flushing it. One day the water was completely sucked out of the bowl. The sewage that comes up in my bathroom sink is random. It races up through the drain pipe, fills the sink, and then goes back down. I don't understand why I'm having these issues on the 11th floor. There is one floor above me. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

The problem is either in your condo or below it.

You might ask the people directly below you if they've had any backup. If they do NOT, then the problem is somewhere between their highest point and your condo.

If they DO, then the problem is somewhere below them.

The contractors will be of little help... I'd get with the Mananagement Co. or Association, or whoever it is that runs the place... and be persistent about insisting they resolve the issue.

Hi Pet,

" i get sewage discharge coming up through my bathroom sink drain and when i flush the toilet the pipes in the shower make a gurgling or banging sound. the water in my toilet also fluctuates without me flushing it. one day the water was completely sucked out of the bowl."

This tells me that you have two problems. " i get sewage discharge coming up through my bathroom sink drain " tells me the drainage has a partial clog downstream from the lavatory while this, "when i flush the toilet the pipes in the shower make a gurgling or banging sound. the water in my toilet also fluctuates without me flushing it. one day the water was completely sucked out of the bowl." tells me that the vent to your bathroom's blocked. Thi8s will slow down the draining action and cause clogs in the drainage system.
This is a problem in the common area and should addressed by the plumbing contractor ASAP and at no charge to you or the Condo Association. If the building is new then it should still fall under warranty. Have your Condo Association address this at once. It's everyone problem and not just yours alone. Please keep us informed of developments. Tom