Our toilet has a really nasty sulphur smell, and it HASN'T been used (so this isn't due to, ahem, human business). The tank has been flushed and it's been sitting unusued. It appears to flush normally too after it's been used.
So what would be causing that smell during it's idle time?
Thanks.
2006-11-20 06:19:56 · 6 answers · asked by Rob 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You don't mention if the smell is present whenever you are in the building in which it is located. The fact that the toilet flushes normally, in all likelihood, has no bearing on your problem.
Most likely cause:
If the toilet is not used for long periods it is possible that the water in the U-shaped trap within the toilet has evaporated. The water in that trap is used as a seal to prevent sewer or septic gases from entering the house. Upon entering the building, after a long absence, check the bowl for water. If there is none, flush the toilet (to fill the trap) or dump several gallons of water in the bowl and see if the odor goes away.
Another possibility:
If the toilet has the 'nasty sulphur smell' all the time you are there, the problem is likely a failure of the wax ring which is supposed to seal the outlet of the toilet assembly where it joins the drain pipe. The ring may be dried out and is permitting sewer or septic gases to escape (before the gases reach the trap), whether there is water in the trap or if the water in the trap (as noted above) has evaporated.
2006-11-26 12:56:59 · answer #1 · answered by popcorn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say to flush it now and again to help with the smell or turn the water suppy off while it is not being used.
Also you could get some of the bleach tablets to put into the tank that might help with the smell.
2006-11-24 04:14:14 · answer #2 · answered by ohdarnitsmeagain 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it sits unused, the trap (which stops sewer gasses and smells)dries out allowing those smells to come up. Flush every few days to keep the trap full of water and the smell should go away.
2006-11-20 06:25:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
ventilation pipe running thru the roof is lower than the ridge on the roof.
2006-11-26 13:45:28 · answer #4 · answered by duc602 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the wax ring might be leaking and letting sewer gases into room
2006-11-20 08:10:56 · answer #5 · answered by paratile 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
do you have a septic tank? if so it may need servicing
2006-11-20 06:59:28 · answer #6 · answered by docsammon 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋