Sewer Gas from Basement Toilet

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Author Message   snshirsch Citizen Username: Snshirsch Post Number: 82 Registered: 1-2003 Posted on Thursday, September 4, 2003 - 11:13 am:        We have an old, very unused, 30 years or so, toilet on the basement level of our home. It is dry but seems to have gotten a little moisture in it lately, most likely due to the weather. However, it has in the past caused a smell througout the house especially when we turn on the attic fan. Without removing the toilet does anyone know how to close it off, seal it, or some other thing to avoid the sewer gases from coming into the house? Thanks   Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 98 Registered: 7-2003 Posted on Thursday, September 4, 2003 - 12:20 pm:        I think the quick solution is to put water in it so that you fill the u-joint. That's what it's there for   Master Plvmber Citizen Username: Master_plvmber Post Number: 88 Registered: 3-2003 Posted on Thursday, September 4, 2003 - 2:14 pm:        Brett is right. A toilet bowl has a cast-in trap. The trap of any fixture is there for the sole purpose of creating a water seal between the municipal sewer system and the home preventing gasses from entering the living space through the fixture drains. Just flush it once if it is operable or slowly pour a pot of water into it without allowing it to "flush" the water out again. Master_Plvmber   snshirsch Citizen Username: Snshirsch Post Number: 84 Registered: 1-2003 Posted on Thursday, September 4, 2003 - 2:59 pm:        Thanks. I added a pot of water and will check later to make sure it is still there. Hopefully that will be the end of the smell!   Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 101 Registered: 7-2003 Posted on Thursday, September 4, 2003 - 3:01 pm:        That will be $100.   snshirsch Citizen Username: Snshirsch Post Number: 86 Registered: 1-2003 Posted on Thursday, September 4, 2003 - 9:18 pm:        You mean you didn't get the Flooz I sent? Please check with your service provider or Whoopie Goldberg.   jgberkeley Supporter Username: Jgberkeley Post Number: 3121 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Friday, September 5, 2003 - 9:28 am:        If I can add to this, while you are adding water to fill the gas trap in the loo, add water to the sink and any basement sinks as well. If the loo was dry it is likely the sink trap is dry as well and will allow gas to be sucked through it. And, once a week add water to the basement units.