Toilet should not be bubbling while you're in the shower.

Why Is My Toilet Bubbling When The Shower Is Running?

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Typically, homeowners do not like to deal with maintenance issues. When it comes to plumbing issues, you should consult a master plumber. Unfortunately, this could take some time and any homeowner needs to understand the ins and outs of their homes. So, dealing with toilet bowl issues while in the shower is important to know. This allows you to troubleshoot the problem before any master plumber has time to assist. Why is my toilet bubbling when the shower is running? Three reasons: clogged sewer drain, blocked vent stack, and incorrect plumbing.

Let’s take a look below at some more details regarding your plumbing.

How Does My Plumbing Work?

The plumbing of your home is very simple. Plumbing is set up to feed your fixtures and appliances to successfully transport water to your faucets and appliances. Let’s take a look at what your plumbing is composed of.

  • Air and gas plumbing vent
  • Water feed lines
  • Waste drain lines

Typically, plumbing consists of your sinks, showers, toilets, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and washing machines. Additionally, you might have a few other water and waste needs in your home. Consequently, your plumbing system works by using the laws of physics. Those laws of physics are as follows:

  • Air pressure
  • Water pressure
  • Gravity

The negative part of this system is that if one thing goes awry, it could cause a domino effect of other issues. Hiring a master plumber will allow you to troubleshoot these issues more quickly.

Any issues with your shower and toilet bubbling is cause for a concern with your plumbing.

What Is Causing My Bubbling Toilet While My Shower Is Running?

Believe it or not, there are three main reasons why your toilet is bubbling during a shower. Let’s take a look at what this all means.

  • Clogged sewer drain – A clogged sewer drain will not allow air to escape the proper pipe. As water drains down the pipe of your shower, air must be pushed out from another pipe. This is likely the toilet line, which would cause it to bubble. Additionally, a clog could suck air into the P-trap of the toilet, if there is a clog. Any air being sucked in would cause the toilet to bubble or gurgle.
  • Blocked vent stack – Keeping the vent stack clear of any debris is very important. Sewer gas and odors are pushed out of the vent stack while fresh air is brought back in. A blocked vent stack can create negative pressure in your pipes and prevent proper water flow. Air is forced through your toilet instead of the blocked vent pipe. This likely is your cause for toilet bubbling.
  • Incorrect plumbing – If your builder or contractor does not correctly install the plumbing lines, the air will not escape correctly. Your vent needs to be inspected to ensure that it was installed correctly.

How Do I Fix This?

Fixing these issues can be done with a simple solution first. If any simple solutions do not work, then you will want to call a professionally licensed master plumber.

  • Check with the municipality – Call your local municipality and have them check the sewer line. They can ensure that there is no clog at the end of the plumbing connection.
  • Use duct tape – Take duct tape and cover the shower and sink drains. Use a plunger to plunge your toilet so that the water in the toilet is forced through to loosen the possible clog.
  • Check the vent stack – Climb up on the roof and check the vent stack. Use a flashlight and tie string around it. This allows you to drop it down the vent stack up to 10 feet, and determine if a clog is present. Also, you can take your garden hose and flush water down the vent stack. If there is a clog it will be loosened and pushed back into the sewer system.
  • Check the other toilets – You will want to eliminate each bathroom from having this same issue. Once you have identified the location of the potential clog, you will want to snake the line to dislodge any clog. In some cases, removing the toilet is necessary to properly loosen any clog.
  • Still, have an issue – Call on a master plumber to complete the remaining troubleshooting. Depending on how old the pipes are, roots could have grown into the pipes and created a clog. You will need to get these removed before proceeding to use the plumbing in your home.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Now that you know why my toilet is running when the shower is running, let’s look at a few other maintenance areas. One of those is plumbing problems in old homes. If you have an old home or are considering buying one, it Is important to know that you may encounter more issues. Those are pipes that are lead or galvanized. This is in addition to possible pipe bellies, sewer lines that fail, and old fixtures.

Another area is when the bathroom smells like sewage. This is not something we want to smell when in this area. You will want to check the shower drain, jacuzzi tub, sink, or toilet. It could also be an issue with the sewer system so you may need to contact a professional to take a look.

Lastly, many toilets come with a ball float. However, if yours does not have a ball float and you have a running toilet, you will need to shut off the water system and probably replace the fill valve.

Always hire a plumber to determine why your toilet bowl is bubbling during a shower.

When Do I Call A Professional?

The moment that you have a plumbing issue, you will want to call a professional master plumber to fix your issues. In some cases, homeowners can make the necessary repairs on their own. However, there are some instances where the homeowner does not have the tools or equipment to troubleshoot the plumbing issues. Also, reach out to your local home inspection team. They can conduct a sewer scope inspection to see how big the plumbing issue is.

Conclusion

Discovering why your toilet is bubbling during a shower is important to saving water on your utility bill. If something isn’t right in your toilet, it could end up costing you hundreds on your next utility bill. Getting a solution to this problem is necessary for saving money. Additionally, calling on a local master plumber can help you solve this problem. Consequently, calling on your local home inspection team is also important. Not only can they refer a reputable master plumber, but they can also conduct a sewer scope and inspect your entire plumbing system. Contact Inside and Out Property Inspectors in Jacksonville, FL, and surrounding areas to get your sewer scope inspection done today.

water puddle under water heater

Can You Still Use Water If Water Heater Is Leaking

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Depending upon where you live can determine where your water heater is located. In most cases, a water heater is either in your basement or in the garage of the home. The water heater is not something that you think of inspecting often, due to the nature of the appliance. As long as hot water is coming in when you need that nice shower, typically the water heater is out of sight and out of mind.

You should consider inspecting the water heater regularly, this can save you time and money. Noticing a leak to your water heater doesn’t mean a total unit needs replacing. Can you still use water if water heater is leaking? Depending on the type of water heater, yes you can use water if your water heater leaks. Gas water heaters and electric water heaters require different approaches when it comes to leaks. Drain the water and shut off the power to prevent extra water damage is your best approach.

Let’s take a look below at what might cause a leak and what we can do about it.

Hot water heater
Hot water heater

What Causes The Leak

Water leaks in the water heater are not uncommon. Typically, they are a clear indication that your water heater should be maintained or replaced. Here are some areas that will cause a leak.

  • Aging-most water tanks can last up to ten years without any damage or need for repairs. However, all of this depends on the environmental factors that come with where you live. Colder and freezing temps can reduce the longevity of your water heater. Keep track of your yearly maintenance of the water heater.
  • Inlets and Outlets-check your cold water inlets and hot water outlets to make sure they aren’t leaking. Both areas are susceptible to damage and should be checked on yearly.
  • Pressure relief valve and temperature gauge-these two parts of the water heater can malfunction at any time. If your water heater increases in temperature too quickly the pressure relief valve and temperature gauge could be damaged. Any type of damage to either of these parts will lead to a leaking water heater.
  • Drain valve-anytime you see a valve associated with an appliance, there is always a potential for a leak. In this case, a drain valve will drip to allow the sediment to escape from the water heater. However, if you notice more than a drip from the drain valve, there is a cause for concern. Drain the tank and see if the problem persists.
  • Tank itself-if the tank itself is the location of the leak, you will notice a flood more so than a leak. It is time to turn off the electricity to the tank and call on a plumber to come and replace it. 
Rusted water heater parts
Rusted water heater parts

How Can I Tell There Might Be A Problem

There are some pretty obvious signs that your hot water heater tank is leaking or at the very least should inspect your water heater condition. Let’s look at the list of areas that are the most obvious signs.

  • Water quality-anytime you have a water quality change, especially in regards to temperature, you should inspect the water heater. In addition to temperature changes, check for the color of water and if sediment is coming through in the water. The unusual smells or taste of the water is a clear indication of an issue with your water heater.
  • Outside water heater – while checking the water heater you notice some rust spots around the external screws and sidewall of where water typically could come out. Rust is a clear indication that water has leaked somewhere and your water heater should be replaced.
  • Noisy water heater-harden sediment that has built up over time will create some noise as the water heater is activated. Those sediment rocks essentially bounce around off the walls and internal components of the water heater. This is another clear indicator that it is time for a new water heater.
  • Puddles are forming-water puddles leaking from the bottom that have formed under and around the water heater are clear indications of a leak. This must be addressed or your tank will continue to malfunction.

At this point, if you notice a leak, the power from the circuit breaker should be turned off. You can also turn off the water supply to the water heater at this time. If you have a gas water heater, you will want to open up the doors and windows to get rid of any carbon monoxide that may have built up in the home.

How Much Does It Cost

A repair or replacement of a water heater can cost around $1,300 to $5,500. Typically, gas water heaters can cost you $1,000 to $3,000 for repairs and replacement. The monthly average cost for a gas water heater is $36.50. The monthly average cost of an electric gas water heater is $46.50.

Other Recommended Maintenance

While we are on the topic of water heaters, did you know that maintenance is required on the water heater? Conducting maintenance on the water heater allows it to last longer. Maintenance can involve the following, flushing it, adjusting the temperature and resetting, turning it off and back on, and checking the drain valve.

Another area associated with your water heater involves the internal parts. If the anode rod goes bad inside the water heater you likely will not have hot water. It is important to understand this part of the water heater so that you are aware of when to call on a professionally licensed plumbing contractor.

Finally, while the other parts are being inspected on your water heater, make sure that the thermostat is also inspected. A thorough inspection can save you time and money down the road.

water heater repairman
Water heater repairman

When Should I Call A Professional

Anytime there is a water concern in the home, it is a great idea to also reach out to your local home inspection team. The local home inspection team can refer you to a professionally licensed plumbing contractor. The contractor can assist you with your concerns regarding using water while the water heater leaks. A replacement water heater is likely needed. Before calling on the wrong plumbing contractor, reach out to the local home inspection team and learn all of your options in terms of your water heater needs. In this case, a reputable professionally licensed plumber.

Conclusion

Anytime you are doing plumbing upgrades or repairs, you should contact your local home inspection team. They will refer you to various local professionally licensed plumbing contractors. These contractors can give quotes on the installation of a new water heater if that’s what is needed. Check out our home inspection services in the Jacksonville, Area!

Slow water flow from a faucet

How To Clean Sediment From Water Lines

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When opening your faucet in the bathroom sink and watching slow water flow it can be rather frustrating. There are a few reasons why this could be happening and it’s important to check all of them. Open the water lines in all of your faucets to see if this slow flow is isolated to one faucet. As you go, through the kitchen and bathroom faucets, you can notice if the water flow has been reduced.

Fortunately, you can troubleshoot the possible reasons for this slow water flow. Cleaning your pipes and the P-traps connected to the drains in your first approach. After this is completed, you can determine the best way to clean the remaining portion of the pipes. How to clean sediment from water lines? Flushing cold water back through your hot water pipes is a great first step and the pipes stay intact.

Let’s take a look below at what sediment is and some steps to remove it.

What Is Sediment

Sediment is a residual compound that forms inside your hot water pipes. Typically, depending upon the type of pipes that your home has can determine what type of sediment might be present in the pipes. Rust often builds up in metal pipes and can settle at the bottom of the pipes. This creates a backup of the water flow as the sediment of rust builds over time. You might also see sediment as hard water minerals that have built up and affixed themselves to the pipes. Regardless of the type of sediment that is present in your water pipes, getting it cleaned out is vital for a steady water flow.

What sediment looks like in water
What sediment looks like in water

How Can I Remove Sediment

Fortunately, there are many home projects that can be accomplished by you the homeowner. Here is a list of steps that you can follow to safely flush and clean your sediment from the hot water lines in your home.

  1. Remove all aerator screens from your water faucets and give them a thorough cleaning.
  2. Turn off the water heater. Close the inlet valve and make sure that the pilot light is out. You can connect a garden hose to the drain located at the bottom of the water heater and run the water into your floor drain. You can also run it out the garage depending on where your water heater is located.
  3. Plug the faucet that is farthest from the water heater. A rubber stopper or coin can assist you with this. Placing either in the faucets aerator and screwing the aerator back on will keep water from going through that faucet.
  4. Open your cold water handle on that plugged faucet and let the cold water run for 40 minutes. As pressure can build, you need to look for leaks at the faucet or water heater. By running the cold water for 40 minutes, you ensure that it flows through the hot waters pipes and flushes the sediment out through the water heater drain hose.
  5. Repeat these steps with all other water connection, such as the laundry connection.
  6. At this time, you can remove the plugs from the faucet and garden hose. Open the water heaters inlet valve and close the drain valve. This allows you to fill up the water heater and get it ready for use. If you have a gas heater, then don’t forget to relight the pilot light.
Removing faucet aerators
Removing faucet aerators

How Much Does It Cost

The cost of something varies depending on who you hire and the time to complete the project. The average cost for a professional to come and clean out sediment from your water lines is $50 to $200. You can also be charged $100 to $200 to have your boiler lines cleaned out. Not everyone has a boiler, so this could be irrelevant to some.

Other Recommended Maintenance

After having the sediment flushed out of your water lines, you should have an inspection of your pipes inside the walls. Anytime you are dealing with water and pushing or blowing backwater through a line, pressure could build and cause damage. We highly recommended for your peace of mind that you inspect the walls after you complete this project.

You might be experiencing water in the home that is a tad bit on the cooler side. It could be there are issues with the hot water heater. We recommend that you test out the water heater by using a digital multimeter.

Lastly, as this project comes to a close, consider looking into how to prevent calcium buildup on your faucets. This can save you time and money when it comes to fixing a slow water flow.

No water pressure in shower head
No water pressure in a shower head

When Should I Call A Professional

Dealing with a project at the home with regards to plumbing, it is a great idea to call professional plumbing services out to assist. To take on a project like cleaning sediment out of your water lines is a mistake so always use the assistance of an experienced professional licensed plumber. Contact your local home inspection team so that they can refer the best professionally licensed plumber for the job. When dealing with plumbing, we wouldn’t want you to make a mistake and accidentally destroy the water lines within your walls.

Conclusion

Calling on your local plumbing service and home inspection company allows you to find a solution to getting sediment from your water lines. Adding chemicals or completing a reverse flush of the lines might be easy to do. We recommend that you call on professionals. Your home inspection team can recommend a quality plumbing service company to come out and flush the water lines as needed. This helps protect the water flow of your home. Check out our home inspection services in the Jacksonville, Area!

Moisture on the walls

How To Find A Water Leak Inside A Wall

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Arriving home from a long day at work and you walk into your home to settle in for the night. While walking towards the kitchen, you look to your left and there is a watermark on your wall that was not there before you left. Immediately, you begin to panic. How to find a water leak inside the wall? The best way is to hire a professional to use a thermal imaging camera, moisture meter and to inspect the area.

Lucky for you, we will discuss all of your options should this occur in your home. Let’s dive into the details.

Causes of a Water Leak Inside a Wall

Pipes

Leaks can come from many areas such as inside the walls due to faulty plumbing or cracks in the pipe. No matter what material is used for your plumbing, damage can occur to the pipes. Some homes might have Pex plumbing and this can damage easily as rodents like it. In colder climates, it does not do well in freezing temperatures.

Also, many older homes will have plumbing issues because they have galvanized or lead pipes.

The reason swimming pools up north are winterized and water is blown out of the pipes prior to sealing them, is to avoid the possibility of the pool pipes bursting underground during the winter months

Polybutylene Pipes

Polybutylene pipes were used in homes from 1978-1995 and are made of plastic, cheap, and not sturdy. They also react to chlorine and cause leaks at the connections. In 1978, builders in the Sun Belt states were using this pipe in homes until 1996. The failure of the pipes wreaked havoc on homes and thus a Class A lawsuit was filed against the manufacturers. In the end, $1 billion was awarded to the plaintiffs.

Roof

Also, consider that a roof might have a leak, and water can get in from above and seep down the wall, causing damage to the wall. Even though the majority of issues come from a plumbing issue, that is not always the main cause. Gutters can also back up and cause water to enter the home. Additionally, there can be problems with the eaves or downspouts clogging so keeping these areas clean and free of debris is important.

The wall looks like it is sweating next to the shower.
The wall looks like it is sweating next to the shower.

What Will The Water Leak Look Like

Noticing that you have a water leak is actually quite easy. There are many ways to tell and some are more easily seen. Let’s review what a water leak would look like.

  • Wet spots on the wall – this will give the appearance that the wall is sweating. An example of this is in the pictures above in which it is leaking water outside of the shower enclosure.
  • Black or brown spots on the wall – this indicates mold or mildew has begun to grow
  • The paint on your walls start to peel and bubble up
  • Your wall is stained and discolored or even warped
  • A dripping sound is heard when water sources are turned off
  • Hot water leaks can cause a hot or warm spot on your floors and walls.
  • Smells of musty scents are detected by you as you walk past the walls

There may be a water leak underground if you are experiencing any of the above or it could be in the walls. If there is a water leak underground, a sewer scope inspection can be done. This inspection is done by an inspector who uses a special type of camera that goes through the drainpipe in the home and into the sewer lines. This allows the inspector to see if there are any issues or potential issues before you buy the home or while you are living in it.

Selecting The Right Test To Determine If There Is A Leak

Leak detection can be rather inexpensive considering the potential damage that has been occurred. There are a few ways to conduct leak detection, even as a home owner.

Moisture Detection Unit

There are moisture detection units that you can purchase from a local hardware store to assist you in your leak detection process. This device will analyze the moisture inside the wall. You will place the meter against the wall and collect measurements from four to five different spots. This data will allow you to determine where the most moisture buildup is occurring. However, you will still need a professional to find the source of the leak.

Infrared thermography inspection.
Moisture Meter Showing Wet Wall

Infrared Thermography Inspection to Find a Water Leak Inside a Wall

Another leak detection tool is called an infrared camera. This camera will use thermography to analyze moisture in the walls by using optics, infrared energy, and surface temperature. A home inspection company that does this (not all do) will have certified inspectors in this area. Not every company does, but we do here at Inside and Out Property Inspectors! You need someone certified so they know how to read the colors on the camera and know where the temperature differential is. Thus, this will allow us to find the area where the leak will be, and instead of tearing down walls, it is zeroed into a particular area.

One of the last ways you can conduct leak detection is by cutting a hole in the drywall where the leak is showing. This will allow you to get in behind the wall for a direct view of where the possible leak is coming from. Keep in mind, this is the last resort as not all leaks are present in a direct location. Water can travel many feet prior to it actually damaging a wall. Lastly, this is why hiring a certified professional will save you time, money, and repairs in the end.

You can check the water meter to see if you have a leak in your home.

What to Do If I Find a Water Leak Inside a Wall

  1. Turn off the water to the home.

This is located outside of your home, generally on the same side as your sprinkler system pump, or on the garage side if you do not have a sprinkler system.

2. Check your water meter. The water meter is located close to the road and is where the city water number is taken by their technicians each month.

3. Water meter still running? If the water meter is still running even after you have shut off your main water connection, then it is highly likely that you have a leak.

In this event, you should call a professional plumber or leak detection company to inspect your issues and determine what the costs of repairs might be.

How Much Is The Water Leak Going To Cost

There are a few factors that come into play when assessing the repair charges of water damage to your home’s wall or ceiling. On average, the repairs can cost anywhere from $350 to $2,500 depending on the extent of the damage.

You also have to consider that a good water damage company is necessary to get a proper quote on all of the repairs. Not only will the walls need fixing, but plumbing and mold removal might be involved as well.

You are not the only one to have gone through a leak in a wall. Let’s take a look at an informative video on how to approach the leaky scenario.

Maintenance of the Home

Eaves and Downspouts

It is imperative that you keep your eaves and downspouts associated with your gutter work free and clear of all debris. If the gutters get backed up with debris, it is possible for water to collect and build up with no place to go. Once the gutter overflows, the water could possibly enter your home’s interior walls. Keeping the eaves and downspouts free and clear of debris on a regular basis will substantially reduce the chances of water entering your home.

Carpets

Make sure to check the carpets in your home to see if you have mold growing. This often can happen from roof leaks, as well as pipes that break or even flood in the home. Some maintenance ideas to avoid this are vacuuming often, replacing the air filter every 3 months in the HVAC, and making sure the air conditioner stays in the “auto” setting instead of the “on” setting.

HVAC units can leak water inside and outside the home.

HVAC Systems

HVAC systems last about 10-15 years but do need maintenance. Make sure you are changing out the air filter every three months. This is important so you know that air is able to flow through. Also, check the air handler to make sure there is no water leaking. If there is or you see the coils freeze, you need to hire a professional.

When Should I Call A Professional

The moment that you notice any damage to your walls or ceiling is when you will want to call a professional water damage company. If you are not sure who to call, you will want to call the Inside and Out property inspectors. The team at Inside and Out property inspectors will be able to assess the damage and refer a more reputable water damage company. This will provide you with peace of mind as you get the best home repair care for your money.

Conclusion

Coming home after a long day of work and you notice a water puddle on the floor or signs of damage to your walls. These are examples of things that can ruin your day really quickly. Well, have no fear, we are here to help you. Inside and Out Property Inspectors can conduct an infrared thermography inspection on your home in the Jacksonville and St. Augustine, FL areas.

Leaky pipe

3 Ways to Stop a Leaking Pipe

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Leaking pipes in the home can create a mess along with a lot of damage and expense. However, sometimes it is difficult to know where the leak originated. How do you stop a leaking pipe? Besides turning off the water in the home first, the other ways are using epoxy putty, a pipe repair kit with tape, and patch and clamp. Unfortunately, these are temporary fixes and in the end, you will need to replace the pipe.

We will look at why you need to know how to stop a leaking pipe, three ways to stop it, fixing other areas of the home that have leaks, how to know when you have a leak, and when to call a professional.

Why You Need to Know How to Stop a Leaking Pipe

As mentioned above, water leaking from a pipe can cause a lot of damage in the home so finding where the pipe is leaking is important. Sometimes it might be in a wall or it might be under a sink for example. Stopping the leak until you can get a professional to visit and fix the leak is important. Many professionals can use infrared thermography to find it for you as well!

3 Ways to Stop a Leaking Pipe

1. Expoxy Putty

This is a substance that hardens at room temperature and can be used as an adhesive to fill a space. You want to make sure you buy the type that is made for pipes. This can be used over the source of the leak to temporarily stop it.

First, you will turn off the water for that area at the water valve closest to the pipe. If it is a sink, toilet, clothes washer, or bathtub (and exposed pipes), the valve is close to the appliance. However, it might be better to turn off the water for the entire house. If you are not sure where the main water valve is, it is usually on the perimeter of the home, or locate the property inspection report to find it.

Next, you will drain the water that is in that line and dry it. It must be dry to put the epoxy on it.

Then, tear off enough epoxy that you need and knead it. This will help with stretching it over the leak.

Read the manufacturer’s directions, and apply the putty over the leak and allow it to cure.

Lastly, after curing, turn the water on and check to see if there is any leaking. If not, that is great and you have put a temporary fix on the pipe.

2. Pipe Repair Kit With Tape

Another option is a pipe repair kit with tape and an easy way to temporarily stop the leak.

To do this, shut off the water supply first

Next, read the directions from the manufacturer for how to activate the fiberglass tape and wrap it around where you see the leak. Do you have a low pressure line? If you do, you can use silicone tape instead

This should be easy to do because of the flexibility of the tape. However, if you need help, contact a professional

patch and clamp

3. Patch and Clamp

The third way to repair a leak is with a patch and a clamp

Turn off the water supply and dry the area. File down any sharp edges

Look at the damaged section and apply the repair patch over it and use the clamps to tighten it

Turn the water back on to make sure there are no leaks

Here is a video about additional ways to fix a leaky pipe.

How to Fix Other Areas of the Home That Have a Leaking Pipe

Leaky pipe joints– these can be difficult because of the angle of the joint. However, repair sleeves and rubber pipe connectors can help fix this issue.

Bathtub faucet– maybe the bathtub faucet won’t turn off and the tub is about to overflow! Turn off the water at the main water supply if the pipes are not exposed for the tub. If they are, there should be a handle to turn close to the tub.

Toilet leaking water – if you notice water coming out from the base of the toilet, check the tank lid, T-bolts, and the wax ring.

Water heater– keep up with maintenance with the water heater. Also, if you see water leaking from the drain valve, tighten it and see if that helps. If not, contact a professional.

water meter

How Do You Know if You Have a Leak

Before you see the leak, one indicator is that your water bill is higher. Anytime we have a leak, the water bill increases. You can check your water meter, which is by the street or in your backyard and usually has a metal top over it.

When you are checking your yard for other signs, have you seen cracked pavement or bulges in the driveway? Maybe you see sinkholes or potholes in the yard, or air and dirt in the water? If yes, you will need to contact a professional to check if there is a water leak underground. You will need to find out if it is from the sewer line on your property and your responsibility or if it is off the property and the city’s responsibility.

Did you notice there may is mold or mildew in the home or peeling or bubbled paint or even dripping sounds? These could signify that you have a water leak in the walls. It is important to get this checked out right away by a professional.

When to Call a Professional

Call a professional if you suspect you have a leaking pipe. Remember, you may be able to temporarily fix it yourself but it will also require a replacement. If you are not comfortable replacing it on your own, contact a professional. Also, if you have any of the signs above for a leak you cannot see, contact a professional for help.

Conclusion

Moreover, water leaks are frustrating and seem to come out of nowhere. However, if you can catch it early enough, then you can spare a lot of damage in the home and yard. An important takeaway is to make sure you know where the water main shut-off is or the water valves near the appliances. We can inspect your home for water leaks in the Jacksonville and St. Augustine areas. We use infrared thermography and can find the source for you! Contact us if you are in need of one of our services.

Bathroom smells like sewage

Bathroom Smells Like Sewage Causes & Fixes

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Most people will have air fresheners in their bathroom to keep it smelling clean.  Sometimes candles are lit or fragrances are open to make sure there is a pleasant smell.

Unfortunately, there may be a time that you have a sewer smell and it is important to find the cause.  What do you do if your bathroom smells like sewage?  There are a few areas to check; the shower drain, the Jacuzzi tub, the sink,  and the toilet.  If there is gurgling noise in the sink and toilet drains and the water smells, you may have a bigger issue with the sewer system.

Taking a look at these three areas will give you an idea of where the smell is coming from.  Addressing it right away is important because the methane gases from the sewer are highly flammable and can cause health problems.  

Why This is Important

The smell of sewer is not a fragrance we want to be around or breathe in daily.  Smelling sewer in the home means there is an issue in the shower with the drain, a vent pipe that is cut or not installed properly on the toilet, or seals that are broken or loose. Finally, a build-up in the overflow of the sink can also cause this smell.  If you investigate all these areas and still have the smell, you will need to call a professional.

Bathroom Smells Like Sewage- Causes

The shower drain
Shower drain can cause the bathroom to smell like a sewer

1. The Shower Drain

When we shower, it is to clean the dirt off our bodies.  However, did you know that the products we use can cause a biofilm to form?  Do you see an orange or pink film? If yes, this could be causing the shower drain to make the bathroom smell like sewage. Cleaning this biofilm is important as it is bacteria.

How to Clean the Biofilm When Bathroom Smells Like Sewage

  1. Take the cover off the drain with a screwdriver
  2. Take a paint roller cover and dip it into hot water and then disinfectant
  3. Stick the paint roller in the drain and spin it around to get the film off
  4. Repeat as necessary putting the cover into the hot water and disinfectant

2. The Jacuzzi Tub

If you have a Jacuzzi tub, you may notice black flakes coming out of it.  This could also be due to biofilm, just like you find in the shower as mentioned above.  Take a look at this link to find out the process for cleaning it out.

Sink
Sink with biofilm will cause a bathroom to smell like a sewer

3. Sink

In the sink, there can be a buildup of guck and mildew and makes the bathroom smell like sewage.  Fix this by:

1.Use ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of distilled white vinegar

2.Pour these in the drain

3.Put a stopper over the concoction and keep it there for 30 minutes while a foam forms.

4.Once 30 minutes is up, take the stopper out and use a plunger.

5.Create a seal with the plunger and move it up and down several times to try to get the clog out

6.Then, run warm water in the drain for a couple of minutes.

7.Repeat the steps of the plunger and the water if the clog remains.

If the clog remains, contact a professional to help.

The P –Trap is Dry, Dirty, or Missing and the Bathroom Smells like Sewage

The P-trap is the U- shape pipe under the sink.  If the P-trap becomes dry, it is because the water evaporated from the shower.  Fix this by running water for a few minutes to allow it to fill up.  If the P trap is dirty, it is not holding water and allowing the hydrogen sulfide gases to escape.  If the P trap is missing, replace it or call a professional to do this.

4. The Toilet

Bathroom still smells like sewage after checking shower drain, Jacuzzi tub, and sink? Then check the toilet next.  The toilet may have an improperly installed or cut vent pipe in the walls if you smell sewage.  The vent pipe sends the odors out of the home but if it is cut or improperly installed, it could be sending the odor back into the bathroom.  You don’t want this to carry on for long and need to call a professional.

If you look at the toilet and there is water pooling next to it, it can be loose or broken seals or more caulking is needed.

Seals broken or loose.
Broken seal on bottom of a toilet

5. Seals Broken or Loose

The toilet attaches to the drain with seals.  If they are broken or loose, they will allow sewer gases into the home.  If the seals are leaking water around the toilet, bacteria grows and creates a yucky smell.

The wax ring seals the toilet to the pipes, so if it is broken or missing, this can cause foul odors and important to fix.  You can do it yourself but it is a good idea to contact a professional, as it involves removing the entire toilet.

Caulking

Caulking at the base of the toilet is important to make sure it is connected to the floor.  However, some professionals don’t think it is a good idea, while others say it is essential.  If caulk is missing there can be a sewer smell that comes up from the floor if there is a separation between the floor and the toilet.  If you do need to add caulk, make sure you leave a little open in the front and back areas at the base of the toilet for drainage when cleaning the floor or if there is a water leak

6. Gurgling of the Toilet or the Sink

If you hear the gurgling of the toilet or sink and it is yucky water, it could be a sewer issue.  This is not something for a homeowner to mess with and you need to call in a professional.  A professional will come to the home and do a sewer scope inspection.

The inspection only takes a few minutes and involves turning off the water in the home.  Then, the inspector will turn it on and flush out the system and allow the sewer scope camera to float through and take pictures of cracks, clogs, what the material of the line is, and if there are tree roots growing through the line.  The inspection costs about $100- $250 depending on the location of the home.

7. Air Admittance Valves & Plumbing Vents

The gurgling of the toilet or sink could also be a clogged plumbing vent.  The purpose of the plumbing vent is to provide a backflow of air into the plumbing system and release sewer gases outside your home.  If the vent is cut or installed improperly, it won’t allow the sewer gases out and you can have gurgling of water.  In fact, gurgling of the sink or toilet is an obvious sign.  Plumbing vents allow fresh water into the system and for water to flow smoothly through the drain pipes and get the gas and odors out of the home.

Every home needs at least one plumbing vent that goes to the outside.  However, instead of having many in the home, some people choose to use air admittance valves instead. Not every state allows these to be used so check with the building codes in your state. Here in Florida, they are allowed according to  2014 FBC Plumbing Guide . Like with everything mechanical, these can fail. The most common place for air admittance valves is underneath your sink. Check under your sink for sewer smells if you believe it is an air admittance valve.

When to Call a Professional

Call a professional when you need help diagnosing the problem or if you find the problem is more than you can handle.  As mentioned above, if your issue is gurgling of the toilet or sink, then a sewer inspection needs to be done by a professional.

Conclusion

Sewer smell in the bathroom is unpleasant and can be harmful so start investigating as soon as you smell it.  There are a few areas to check as mentioned above and if you aren’t comfortable fixing them or need help to diagnose and fix, please leave us a note below so we can help! 

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