Why does my basement sometimes smell like sewage?

Why does my basement sometimes smell like sewage?

A strong sewer smell coming from your basement is most often caused from a dried out floor drain, a bad ejector pit seal, improperly vented appliances or fixtures, or even a damaged sewer line. Most floor drains also include a cleanout plug inside that sometimes doesn’t get replaced.

Why does my house randomly smell like sewer?

There are several potential reasons your bathroom smells like a sewer. Some of the most common include an improperly installed or cut vent pipe, a broken or loose seal or a damaged toilet.

How do you get rid of sewer smell in basement?

Also, check your drain traps to make sure they hold enough water. Call a professional plumber to ensure proper fixture installation. Pour a gallon of hot, boiling water down any drains that are rarely used, such as the basement drain or guest bathroom shower. This should help eliminate odors caused by dry traps.

Why does my basement drain smell like rotten eggs?

Sewer gas. That “rotten egg” smell in the basement is sewer gas, or hydrogen sulfide. A gas odor can be a sign of a small problem, like a dried out water seal in a floor drain. On a bigger scale, it can also indicate a broken sewer line or vent stack.

Why does my basement smell like rotten eggs when raining?

Raining often causes atmospheric pressure changes, which can lead to the air becoming heavy. As such, the methane gases typically found in the septic tank don’t flow through the vent as they normally would. Instead, they stay low to the ground, causing a foul smell similar to rotten eggs.

Can you pour bleach down your basement drain?

Bleach is a powerful, toxic substance that should be used carefully and properly, and pouring it down a drain is not a proper use. Bleach can react with other substances in your pipes, potentially release fumes, and further plug up the system. Pouring bleach down them will do much more harm than good.

Why do I have a sewer smell in my basement?

Finding the source of the basement smell If you notice a foul sewer smell in your house or basement, here are the five possible causes in order of probability: You have a water trap under a floor drain, laundry tub or wash basin that has dried out from lack of use. Water in any trap under unused drains will eventually evaporate.

Why does my washing machine drain smell like sewer?

The vent system for most appliances traps regulates the flow of sewer gases through the vent stack and out into the air outside the home. If the drain on your washing machine is clogged by hair or not hooked up properly, then it causes these basement drain smells to leak back into the house.

How do you get rid of a bad smell in basement?

This recipe removes a clog in the drain line and keeps the septic system running smoothly. Use this basement odor eliminator with the dynamite duo of vinegar and baking soda whenever you notice an unpleasant smell or if water is draining too slowly in sinks, showers, or the toilet.

How to get rid of sewer smell in bathroom?

Check for a cleanout plug inside the floor drain to get rid of a sewer smell in bathroom or laundry room. Remove the grate that covers the opening and make sure there’s a plug inside the drain bowl. If the plug is missing, there’s a direct path for sewer gas to bypass the water trap.