We have had 2 sewage backups in our shower in the basement since June 2009. We noticed that when we flush the toilet the drain in shower gurgles. There is a trap, but it stinks. What could cause the gurgling noise and the smell. The basement was finished in 2003 and the house was built in 2001.

Hi Askme241:

Most likely the main drain line has started to develop a slow blockage of some kind.

Try to fill a tub upstairs and then drain the tub... see what happens to the shower drain in the basement. If it overflows then you will need to rent a medium to large electric snake machine and clear the main drain line of whatever it is that is clogging it up.

To find the main drain cleanout look at the front of the house in the basement or look at the front of the house just outside the foundation. Remove the cap and then try to flood the pipes by filling and draining the upstairs tub again. If water backs up at the cleanout or you can hear gurgles/bubling then send the snake down this main cleanout to clear the blockage. If the main line seems clear then you may need to lift a toilet to snake the main drain from the toilet to the main cleanout only (or go down a main vent at the roof if you have a flat roof). To determine the correct drain cutter head to use talk to the rental guys or pop back and you can discuss that with us.

Purchase some leather gloves and a pair of goggles for safety's sake.

Let us know if you want to discuss this more... O.K?

MARK