The basement bathroom smells like raw sewage and the toilet seems to flush every hour or so on its own. I hear a "flushing" noise. We just bought this house and I don't know why the inspection wouldn't have revealed this problem. Maybe not the smell... as that can be hidden for a short period, but you would think he would have heard the flushing in the pipes? Anyone have any ideas?

Because you put too much faith in a home inspector. Were you there when he did the inspection? Why did you not hear it when you inspected the house also ?

But unless it is a major problem, more than a clogged drain line that will need to be snaked out, and if it is a major problem you will have to prove the previous owners knew about it and failed to inform you. ( if they were required by your state law and/or type of sale)

Did the home inspector get on the roof, not just on a ladder ( or did he even have a ladder many don't) So if he did not go up on the roof, or crawl into and go all around the attic and into a basement or crawl space, you did not get a good inspection, you got the average inspection people in US get

Did he have a thermo gun to check heat loss or cooling loss in the home, and to look for moisture in areas.

Was the electric turned on to the house ? Gas if there is gas ? If electric was not on, did he have a generator to power the home to check the circuits.


I used to get houses, but I have never got a good inspection, the last one I hired refuse to do a full inspection and I canceled the check he got, yes most want to be paid up front.

Was this inspector one that the real estate agent recommended, guess what if he does not pass the house, the agent does not sell the house, so if a inspector fails too many houses, how long willl that agent keep recommending them?

But you first thing now is to get a plumber out and inspect the system to find the issues.

Answer Chucks questions. In the meantime let's fix that running toilet. Which ballcock do you have in the toilet? (see image) Let me know Tom