For the past few months, every time we flush the toilet, the tub makes a gurgling sound. The worst part is the horrible gas smell in our bathroom. We just snaked and reconnected the vent to the roof. Unfortunately the tub still gurgles and the terrible smell remains. The smell is extremely strong and embarrassing when we have company over. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

We had a similar problem that snaking would not resolve. The main drain line that runs through the to the septic tank was coated internally in thick sludge that felt like soft rubber. We used a concentrated liquid lye cleaner in both ends of the main line. It must be used when the drain line will not be used for 8 hours (such as overnight). After 8 hours flush with hot water from both ends. This will clear the main drain line & resolve impending problems you did not expect.

Hi Jklotzb

It sounds like you snaked the main vent going out the roof? If this is the case, I'm sorry to say that you wasted your time as the main drain isn't the issue here.

More likely is that the drain line to the tub needs to be snaked. This can be done through the tub VENT or through the tub drain (via the overflow faceplate), but you will get resistance from the PTRAP... just keep the snake spinning as you push to get past the PTRAP... and then put out another 10-15 feet and that should help resolve this for you.

I don't think you need to get any "liquid lye cleaner" out quite yet!

Mark