P-Trap, disappearing water???

[plumbster]

I have a P-trap toilet that constantly loses the bowl water (its always gone after about 4 hours, sometimes though in 5 minutes) and consequently we get sewer stench coming in. There is definitely no leaks and the bowl is modern and seems well installed, the water just seems to get sucked away by a greater force/vacuum(?). Sometimes we can be in the room next door and hear a big gurgle and sure enough the bowl is empty.
Any help appreciated.

[OBBob]

Is there a sewer vent? Is it blocked? The vent on old houses can sometimes be away from the toilet right up the from of the property (or whereever the connection point is).

Is the sewer pipe definately not partially blocked?

There's probably better advice to come but this would be worth checking if you haven't already.

[Ashore]

Mate this was asked before so check this thread out

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=17340&highlight=toilet+water


Hope this helps
Rgds


Edited sorry wrong link

[Fossil]

Lack of Venting, or blockage as stated above. ;)
Can only be one of two, in their various forms.

Vent is easy to check, if you are able to hop up on ladder or whatever, to get to the top of vent pipe. Vents are typically 2"-50mm. When you flush a dunny, hold your hand over the vent, and you will feel suction on the vent for a couple of seconds. If no suction, there may be a problem at vent/swv junction. I have seen some plumbers connect vents to line, with juction facing wrong way, which can lead to "stuff" getting caught and blocking vent, but not blocking 4" line. This can lead to your symptoms. This isn't the most likely cause though.

Have a dig around the pipe where it exits your home, and there "may" be an IO there for you to have a look in and investigate. The most likely cause is a blockage which you might be able to clear yourself with a garden hose. If it looks more grizzly than that when you look, get a plumber. Believe me... when you stuff around hiring an eel etc, you are generally better off geting in a competent plumber who has all the gear to sort it out. $50.00 is reasonable for a five minute job, considering travel etc etc, and these things sometimes go the $500.00 for an all day tree root situation.

Good luck. :)

[Eddie Jones]

Do you have a dog?

Is his water bowl empty?