Hello,

I live in an 18 story apartment building, on the 2nd floor. My kitchen sink seems to be bringing up air. Basically, approximately 2 - 3 times a day, at different times, I will get air coming back up from the drain, which will in turn bring up whatever is in the turn pipe. The air also smells rotten. Nothing else in my apartment seems to do this, and all the plumbing seems to work well. Any idea of what I can do to solve this, or what may be causing this? Thanks!

In an apartment building surely you have a maintanance department. Have them witness this occurrence and then ask them to use a sewer machine down the sink drain.

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Originally Posted by doug238

in an apartment building surely you have a maintanance department. have them witness this occurrance and then ask them to use a sewer maching down the sink drain.

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Can someone explain how a sewer machine will solve this problem?

For you to get back pressure then something is restricting the outward flow. A sewer machine will remove this blockage. A sewer machine uses a thick, stiff cable to 'snake' the drain and clear an optimum path.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by doug238

for you to get back pressure then something is restricting the outward flow. a sewer machine will remove this blockage. a sewer machine uses a thick, stiff cable to 'snake' the drain and clear an optimum path.

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But the back pressure happens when I don't even use the sink. It happens all on it's own. I was under the impression that something form another unit was causing this...

I am under the same impression. The drain system is interconnected. If you do not address it and it gets worse then you will have more than odor to deal with

So you think is is a problem somewhere in my pipes and not as a rsult of another unit?

One other thing I noticed, after it does this, even if it's a few hours later, when I use the sink, the water will not drain right away, it first needs to bring up some air, and then the water drains. I don't know if this helps or changes the diagnostic?

The drains on a large complex are interconnected. You are connected to everyone. Let's say I am correct. If you, being on the lower floor, are experiencing a sluggish or blocked drain and the units about you are continuing to use their drains, where is all that stuff going to go?
Clue, buy a large wet vac and lots of lysol.

They're calling in a plumber to look at it after I told them what I learned here. Thanks for the help!

Doug nailed it with a partial blockage that's sending a bubble of gas back up the line and out your kitchen drain.. Since this occurs in a common area the expense should be on the condo association. Good luck, Tom