Hi, Just discovered your site and here's my puzzle to start! Been in this house 6 months. its @20-25 yrs old on city sewer system, 3 bathrooms (1 in the basement). This problem started after a weekend with lots of family here. The master bathroom toilet bowl empties the water within @5 minutes of refilling leaving a nice aroma of sewer line - no leakage on floor, and can hear "gurgling" noices in toilet and can also hear other toilets flush. Have also noticed a "sewer smell" in the sink in the same bathroom, primarily when using hot water, ever since we bought this house. Advise if I can offer any more input - thanks!

Hi Rusty,

The water is being sucked out of the toilet bowl and the lavatory trap by suction. This suction's caused by a blocked vent and the system is attempting to vent through the traps in the fixtures. The answer to your problem is to snake and clear the lavatorys roof vent. You may call in a plumber or do the job yourself. If you choose to do the job yourself and need help or instructions, click on back. Regards, Tom

I went up on the roof with the inexpensive "snake" I picked up somewhere, and found the 4" OD pipe (?uncapped) with a definite obstruction which the snake seemed to break up and /or push down @20'. The toilet level seems to be staying up, but is there a better means of cleaning the vent to rid any partial blockage left? Thanks a lot for your help!

Correction: water is not staying up - is it time for a pro?

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Originally Posted by rustypiper

correction: water is not staying up - is it time for a pro?

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It's time to rent a commercial sewer snake. Snaking a clogged line is the only sure wayto clear it. Good luck, Tom