Repetitive Bathroom Smell

[Catalina]

I am hoping I am in the right place. We have been in our house for a couple of months now, renovating and learning as we go. The problem that seems to have developed in the last week is the bathroom has a very bad smell (we haven't begun renovations there as yet). We have discovered there is either a leak or seepage from the shower through the concrete floor as there is a circle of peeling paint developing on the living room ceiling below, but didn't know if that would have anything to do with the terrible odour. We have used the drain cleaners, leaving seceral hours, as well as bleach. All have worked, but within 12 hours maximum the bathroom is once again smelling and gets so bad it goes through all 3 floors of the house and is unbearable to go into the room. We also have a ventilation system in the bathroom which seems to be working fine. :confused: Any ideas on what is the problem and how to fix it?

[Mike Swearingen]

You apparently have a clogged vent pipe(s) on the roof.
When water drains through the house system and the vent is clogged, it will siphon water out of hte nearest trap to create a "vent".
This allows sewer gas back into the home through the trap (you shower drain trap, which also is leaking.)
Vent pipes can gt clogged with birdnests, leaves, debrtis, ice, snow, forst, etc. Someone will hav eto go up on the roof to clear it.
You can try to repair the drain leak from above, but it is very possible that you may have to open the ceiling below it to correct it.
Good luck!
Mike

[Catalina]

Thanks Mike. LOL, that was not the answer we were hoping for though.....hmmm, who will be going on the roof will be the question. :eek:

[Ed Imeduc]

You can take a water hose up on the roof and run it in the vent pipe there to see if its clear. this is a fast way.

ED ;)