I recently hired a plumber to address a sewage smell that was specifically coming from around my toilet. The issue was that the toilet flange was too low, so the plumber replaced it with a new one that's now level with the floor and installed a fresh wax ring. For a day, everything seemed fine, but now the smell is back, especially when I'm sitting on the toilet. We've checked the vent and didn't find any clogs, and there's no odor near the sinks, shower, or tub, which we use regularly. I'm really at my wit's end here—what could be causing this persistent smell?
3 Answers
Another thing to consider might be a hole or damage in your sewer vent. It’s possible that something could have chewed through it, like rats looking for a warm spot. You should definitely call that plumber back and let them know the problem persists. They should be willing to check it again to see what else could be causing the smell. Might also be a good idea to pay attention to how the smell changes when you run the exhaust fan.
Honestly, it seems like your plumber might not have done a thorough job. Adding just one wax ring may not provide a solid seal, especially if there were residual odors from before. Sometimes, it’s best to use two wax rings for a better fit. If this is the case, you might want to look into getting a more reliable plumber since you deserve a fix that lasts.
It sounds frustrating! One possibility could be that the P-trap in your shower is drying out due to heat, especially in the summer. When that happens, the air from the sewer can escape into your home. Plus, the increased heat might be making the sewage smell stronger because of bacteria. It’s worth checking if this is happening, as the smell could originate from there instead of your toilet.