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When I flush the toilet, the water flushes down fine but a black/brown resdue flows back up into base of bowl and stays at bottom of bowl?? there is a bad smell in the downstairs bathroom and our main upstairs bathroom. We live in a city with good infrastructure and our home was built in 2004. do I have a flow problem or is sewage backing up somewhere? thanks very much!
Already Tried: flushing repeatedly, plunging, I dont seem to have a problem with waste being flushed away but seems to be some coming back up into bowl?
Hello my name is XXX X'X going to help you out today.
ok thanks Ted
A few things to check. Look inside the tank and make sure everything is okay (sounds like this isn't the problem but start there) Also have you attempted to use a plungger>? Or a closet auger/rodder?
And in the downstairs is there a tub or shower in that bathroom?
yes tub and shower
yes I have plunged but not auger
You said you live in the city so i'm assuming your not on well water? Correct?
correct
Okay, is there any of sign of dirty water in the tub, like stains like it has come up before?
here's a link for an auger: http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchView?catalogId=10051&storeId=10051&langId=-15&N=0&Ntt=toilet+auger&Nty=1&D=toilet+auger&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&s=true
no the tubs and showers are good- do you think I have a blockage somewhere?
Since you have no sign of it backing up into the tub I would get an auger and try clearing the Toilet line because if the main was blocked past where the toilet line drops into you would have it backing up into the tub.
Also has the toilet been removed recently?
ok so your advice is to auger both upstairs and downstairs toilets? no toilets have never been removed
I would start with the toilet downstairs, the upstairs is not having dirty water issues correct? Just smell?
no the upstairs is the dirty water issues and the downstairs is the smell??
If the auger doesn't work you will need to get a rodder and rod the line from a cleanout
okay if it's at the upstairs (i misunderstood) then I would suggest using the auger on that toilet, then if that doesn't work you will have to pull the toilet and inspect and the run a rodder down the line or a cleanout.
the----then
ok - is there anything else it could be-
From what your saying it has to be something in the tank or right at the bowl itself. If your not experiencing drain problems. (checking the venting would be need if you were having issues draining)
If you decide/need to pull the toilet make sure you pick up a wax ring for the re-install.
ok I will get an auger and start there- thanks for your help Ted
No problem
Experience: I have very extensive troubleshooting/fixing experience in the plumbing industry.