What is the problem when the basement smells like the poop that was just flushed upstairs?

Question

This is not a joke. The upstairs sewer line is almost directly above the basement bathroom one. We smell it in the hallway, outside the basement bathroom. We have city sewage and toilets under 5 years old, the same with the seals.

Answer 1

You may have a dry trap in the basement. If the water level in the basement toilet stays the same when you flush the upstairs one try pouring water into all the drains in the basement. This would include any sinks, laundry tubs or floor drains. If any of these traps are dry then gas from the sewer line will come through the dry trap into the basement

Answer 2

Does the level of the water in the bowl of your basement toilet fluctuate, especially when the upstairs toilet is flushed? If so, you may be losing the water seal in the trap of the toilet, allowing sewer gas to escape into the basement. The level of the water should stay constant, indicating that the vent is working properly.

Is this a new phenomenon? What has happened recently that might cause the problem? Are you in a location that has had a lot of snowfall? Perhaps the vent pipe is covered with snow, or maybe moisture coming up the vent pipe has frozen, plugging the pipe.

There are many possibilities. Without knowing more of your situation, it would be impossible to explore them all.

Answer 3

Problem may be your vent. Run an auger/snake from the top (roof) to clear the pipe. If problem continues it is most likely due to a break in the pipe or at a connection in which case the pipe would need to be repaired/replaced.

Problem could also be a rupture in your waste line which runs from the wax seal on toilet to the sewer main. Should be able to see it (smell it) by following the line under your house. Hope you have a crawl space, otherwise you'll have to dig.

Answer 4

first thing I would check is if you have a drain in the basement floor or even an unused sink make sure the traps aren't dry. If there is no water trapped then the gasses will come up from that point. if that is the case just pour water down the drain to fill the trap. you also may check any cleanouts and make sure they are capped correctly.
I hope this helps

Answer 5

are you able to place a barrier so the dogs won't be able to get intothe basement? additionally get a particular variety of cleansing spray which will get rid of the canines heady scent from the basement that may shop the dogs from going to the basement and pooping

Answer 6

sounds like the lines need to b flushed

Answer 7

Could possibly be your venting on your septic system clogged, Leaves sometimes do this.

Answer 8

sounds to me like your vent pipe is plugged,or broken. with it being in the wall it may be hard to locate breakage