Just moved into 2nd floor apt in 4 story townhouse (built circa 1900). The bathroom sink vent pipe gurgles and splashes LOUDLY (wakes me up every time) when upstairs neighbors use sink. My plumber tells me the vent pipe is blocked somewhere above us, and as the water comes down the pipe it is using OUR SINK as a water supply. I'm confident this is exactly what is happening.

BUT, plumber said there isn't much to be done about this in an old building because it would entail breaking plaster walls to vent the upstairs sinks, and isn't worth it. He suggested that I close my sink's drain plug tightly at night to create air seal and prevent our sink acting like a vent for upstairs sinks. Tried it--the splashing/gurgling noise is still audible (but somewhat quieter) AND the sink fills partway up with dingy water (presumably neighbors' drain water). Yuck.

I need a better solution. I can't keep waking up every time someone uses a sink at night. I will go to my neighbors, after isolating whose vent is malfunctioning by identifying the times this noise happens.. . But exactly what do I ask them to do? How do you fix a blocked drain vent in an old building with plaster walls?

This is a coop building, so each unit is responsible for its own internal plumbing, but building is responsible for common equipment. Is this likely to be an individual problem, or a general problem? Thanks!

Im sure your plumber is exactly right. The only real solution is to isolate the faulty vent pipe and repair it.

Im not sure I understand your living situation (whether you actually have a land lord or not), but if you are renting the place, Im sure he is required to address that issue as it is a health factor.

If you have ever seen the roof of an apartment complex, you will notice MANY sewer vent pipes sticking out. It is for that reason. Different units in an apartment should not share a vent pipe in my opinion. I guess it depends on exacly how it is plumbed. My house alone only has one vent pipe for the main stack

This works when the toilet if flushd, but sometimes if you have to pluge the bathroom sink, the tub drain gurgles. Sometimes the kitchen sing gurgles when the dishwasher runs. If I had two separate vents for each of those branch lines, I would most likley eliminate that problem. Its an issue Im going to address this weekend, I would advise a similar appoach for you.

EDIT:

I just read your question again, and now I see if in a different way. Your plumber is most likley right about one thing, the cuase, but totally wrong about another, it is Definitely worth it to fix the problem. Raw sewage in a bathroom sink, espeically from a neighbor is unaccaptable, and buildings can be condemed for stuff like that.

However, another thing to look at before you replace a vent stack, make sure you don't have a clog below your sing, could be in the sinks below you, check with your nieghbor downstairs, see if they are having a similar problem, if not then your pipe could be clogged just causing your neighbors sewage to run into your sink. It make take someone with a good understanding of the inner workins and layout of your building to really remedy the problem.

Can you tell me whether the lavatory drain goes into the wall or down in the floor. Regards, Tom