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    bman54's Avatar
    bman54 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    May 21, 2010, 03:20 PM
    Could urine smell around toilet be caused by a venting problem?
    We have a smell of urine in/around two commodes that are on opposite sides of the house. We have had the wax rings replaed on both, but a week later the urine smell was back. We cleaned both commodes tirelessly. We were going to replace both commodes, but someone said that the problem waslikely a venting problem and our vents need snaked from the roof. Does this sound logical or probable? If so, why didn't our plumber recommend this when the wax rings were replaced? Thanks!
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
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    #2

    May 21, 2010, 03:29 PM

    No, The water in the bowl acts as a seal to prevent sewer gases. Could be that the toilet flange is a little low and the wax ring is not sealing. If that is the case install either two wax rings or one of the extra thick ones.

    As a test for this possibility, caulk around the base of the toilet and see if odor goes away. If it does, pull the toilet and install new thicker wax rings.

    Got any little boys in the house?
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #3

    May 21, 2010, 03:54 PM

    Are there any children in the household? Let me know, Tom
    bman54's Avatar
    bman54 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    May 21, 2010, 04:06 PM
    No little boys in the house - just me, and I 'sit' when I go - I'm lazy and don't want to risk splashing!

    They did caulk around both commodes when the wax rings were replaced, so we seem to have passed that test.

    Thanks for the suggestions - we appreciate it! This is frustrating...
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
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    #5

    May 21, 2010, 04:22 PM

    Any pets?
    Could odor be coming from sink or shower drains?
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #6

    May 21, 2010, 04:34 PM

    Where do they smell the worst? Out of the bowl? The base? Behind the bowl? Where? Got to be stronger someplace. Tom
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