Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    SMB1968's Avatar
    SMB1968 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jan 5, 2009, 03:48 PM
    Sewer gas from basement fixtures
    Hello all,
    We have a basement (full) bathroom that is just slightly above grade (I suspect it wouldn't even be allowed under current code -- it is an old house). The bathroom is right next to the outgoing sewer line to our septic tank & the toilet often gurgles and sewer gas comes through (maybe even through the showet stall) when upstairs toilets or showers are used. I'm trying to find a way to eliminate these odors. I read about backflow valves, but I haven't run across anyone using one for this purpose. In our utility room I can see where the line from the downstairs bathroom runs into the main sewer line, so it is accessible. Would this work? Any other advice?
    Thanks
    Scott
    21boat's Avatar
    21boat Posts: 2,441, Reputation: 212
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #2

    Jan 5, 2009, 04:12 PM

    You never put a check valve on a sewer line to the septic. Your problem is there is not good venting on that line after the toilet. The sewer gas builds up in the line to the tank and bubbles in the toilet to vent that gas build up. As Long as you have drainage to the outgoing sewer line and there isn't standing water out in the sewer line you need a 2" PVC vent within 5' of the toilet. The vent needs to tied into the main stack vent for the house or run up and out the house roof. check to see if you have a vent already after the toilet and if not, thats the problem "venting

    21 Boat

    If I helped To Answer Your Question Please Rate My Answer
    SMB1968's Avatar
    SMB1968 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Jan 5, 2009, 05:05 PM
    Thank you for the quick reply. I'll take a look at the venting issue.
    Scott
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #4

    Jan 5, 2009, 06:14 PM

    Yep, sounds like a vent issue, as 21 stated.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Basement sewer back up [ 1 Answers ]

I recently bought a home that is 47 yrs old. I had 2 backups (mostly water) in the basement and was told that the sewage pipes needed to be replumbed. I have since had that taken care of but now 3 weeks late I am hearing gurgling in the kitchen (tell tale sign of water backup) At the u joint where...

Sewer gas in basement washroom [ 5 Answers ]

I have a washroom in basement which at times I seem to have a slight sewer gas smell. I am in process of building the washroom now. The rough in was done by previous owners, but there is what appears to be a vent stack that comes up our of the floor just left of the main drain rises about 8...

Relocating fixtures in basement bath [ 1 Answers ]

I want to change the plumbing layout in my basement bathroom. All the drain plumbing is under the slab. I need to relocate a toilet shower and sink drains from their original locations.

Sewer gas from basement drain [ 1 Answers ]

I can smell sewer gas when washing machine empties into basement drain. I cannot smell sewer gas otherwise. What would cause this?

Sewer backup in basement [ 2 Answers ]

I have a problem with sewer backup in the basement when there is a heavy downpour. A waterproofing company installed pvc pipes in the basement and a pump but that only takes care of ground water if any, that comes in the basement. I paid $4500 for that job which I see now was a waste. The main...

View more questions Search