[Fleo1996]

Recently I've noticed a strong septic odor emanating from the toilet in my basement bathroom. It appears that the odor, regardless of how clean the toilet is, fails to go away. Could this be a problem in the pipes? I have never had a problem w/clogging etc. I have a shower in the same bathroom but no odor seems to be coming from its drain pipe. The sink does not seem to have any odor either. Please advise. Do I need to call a plumber?? Thanks.

[doug238]

Does the toilet rock? Typically an odor means the wax seal is not intact.

[Fleo1996]

The toilet does not rock. It appears to be stable. The odor is new, having lived in this house for several years and not noticing a problem before. Thanks for your responses.

Fleo1996

[speedball1]

Doug may have something here. A wax seal can prevent water leaks but still allow sewer gas to escape. Another might be back pressure caused by a partial clog is sending sewer gas back up the line where it comes out the bowl as a bubble. Both guesses are off the top of my head. This is one of those cases where you almost have to be there. Good luck. Tom

[Fleo1996]

Thanks Tom for your prompt response. It sounds like I may have to call in a plumber and splurge (sp?) with the cost to come to a conclusion w/this. Good day.

[doug238]

Have you checked for dead critters? I'm going to tell you about a remedy that I heard from an older lady that actually worked. If the plumbing seems intact, try this first. Without being there I do not really know if you have a plumbing problem. A smoke test would reveal an odor or vapor leak though
Anyway, I was telling an older lady about a cat urine problem. She told me that a small bowl of vinegar placed on the floor in the general vicinity of the odor would remove the odor permanantly. It took about 3-4 days but it did. I have told this to others and they tried it on various odors and it worked every time. I don't know how it worked but I do know it worked.