Drains...

[MumOfTheMoos]

One of the loos in our rented house is smelling intermittently, but getting more frequent, of drains!

It's a rented house and blocked drains is about the only thing we're actually responsible for.

The loo is not blocked, it's flushing well but just smelly. It's just not getting better on its own.

What can I do now that will mean I'm not going to have to get the plumber in?

Can you buy strong bleach and poor into the water reservoir/cistern of the loo?

Milton Tablets are also good for this. That way you can sterilize your cistern.
Flush when they have dissolved, and then leave it to soak a bit in the loo between flushes.

Do you happen to have any 'emergency' cover on your home insurance? We had a gradually increasing drain stink dealt with by Metrorod, via calling our insurers (this is not an insurance claim, just an extra service), there was no charge. Otherwise, if it is getting worse, maybe worth getting a local drain company to stick a camera down the sewer (or asking your landlord to get this done). Have you lifted the drain covers outside to see if there's an obvious blockage? Or sometimes chucking a few buckets of water down the manholes can get things moving properly again.

it is more likely the pipes than the WC so you need to start by looking under the drain covers. If the WC is flushing properly and is not leaking it can't smell. There might be a leak under the floor.

so called flushable wipes, kitchen roll, sanitary products, and grease or fat poured down sinks are usually responsible for blockages.

Look for the top of the soil pipe. If it comes out above roof level it will probably be OK. But if it has a vanted cap inside the bathroom or hidden in a polumbing duct it may have stuck open.

You haven't got a saniflow have you?

Ah, thank you for the advice - I wonder if something is leaking somewhere....blocked drains are our responsibility but leaking one may be different. I have no idea where the drain covers are but will go hunting