Sewer smells in your basement can be an unexpected and unpleasant issue for homeowners. These smells not only create a smelly environment but could also indicate deeper plumbing problems.
Identifying and addressing sewer gas smells before they worsen is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of sewer smells in basements, how to identify them, and provide effective solutions to prevent further damage to your plumbing system.
Key Takeaways
- Sewer gas smells in basements are often caused by plumbing issues such as floor drains, ejector pits, and damaged sewer lines.
- Sewer gas is harmful, with potential health risks from prolonged exposure.
- Common causes include dry floor drains, malfunctioning ejector pits, stagnant sump pits, improper venting, and damaged sewer lines.
- Solutions range from simple fixes like pouring hot water down drains to more advanced methods like hydro jetting and sewer line repair.
- Professional plumbing services like those offered by Apollo Plumbing can effectively diagnose and resolve sewer gas issues.
Why Does My Basement Smell Like Sewer?
The main cause behind sewer smells in basements is typically the sewer line, or more specifically, the sewer lateral. This is the pipe that connects your home’s plumbing system to the main sewer line. Problems with the sewer lateral can lead to wastewater leaks that might infiltrate your basement.
Sewer gas, the source of that unpleasant rotten egg smell, is primarily made up of hydrogen sulfide. While it’s easy to mistake it for natural gas, they are different substances.
Natural gas, which is odorless in its pure form, has a distinctive smell added to it for safety purposes. Sewer gas, on the other hand, can be a serious health hazard if left unchecked. If you detect this smell, it’s important to address the issue immediately.
Is Sewer Gas Dangerous?
Prolonged exposure to sewer gas can pose several health risks. The rotten egg-like smell is caused by hydrogen sulfide, which can be toxic in high concentrations.
Symptoms of heavy exposure include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even loss of consciousness in severe cases. It’s essential to fix any issues causing sewer gas leaks to avoid these risks and prevent further plumbing problems from developing.
Common Causes of Sewage Smells in Your Basement
There are several potential causes of sewer gas smells in basements. Let’s look at each one in detail:
Floor Drains
Floor drains help stop sewer gas from coming into your home. They do this by holding water in a U-shaped bend called a water trap. If these drains are not used often, the water in the trap can dry up. This can let sewer gas enter your basement.
Solutions:
- Pour a small amount of water down the drain regularly to refill the water trap.
- Use a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water to clear potential blockages.
- Use an auger to clear stubborn blockages.
- Ensure the cleanout plug is securely in place.
- Contact a plumber for professional help if the issue persists.
Ejector Pit & Pump
An ejector pit is used in homes with overhead sewer lines to pump wastewater out of the basement. Missing lids, damaged seals, or clogged vents can allow sewer gas to escape into the basement.
Solution:
- Ensure the ejector pit lid is sealed properly.
- Inspect discharge and vent pipes for cracks or blockages.
- Replace any damaged components to prevent sewer gas leaks.
Sump Pump Pit
If stagnant water sits in your sump pump pit, it can generate a sewage smell.
Solution:
- Test the sump pump to make sure it’s working properly.
- Pour water into the pit to initiate multiple pump cycles and clear stagnant water.
- Clean the walls of the pit with bleach to eliminate odors.
Vents
Proper venting is essential to prevent sewer gas from entering your basement. If vents for basement fixtures like sinks, toilets, or laundry machines are not installed correctly or are blocked, sewer gas can enter your home.
Solution:
- Confirm that your laundry room, bathroom, and other basement fixtures are properly vented.
- Ensure all vents throughout the home are correctly connected to the system.
Sewer Line
A damaged sewer line can cause wastewater to leak into the ground or even into your sump pit, resulting in sewer smells.
Solution:
- Use leak tracing dye to pinpoint the source of a sewer line leak.
- Schedule a professional inspection to identify the extent of the problem.
- Based on the severity of the leak, determine whether repair or replacement is necessary.
How to Get Rid of Sewer Smells in Your Basement
If you’re dealing with sewer smells in your basement, taking action right away can help prevent further issues. Here are a few solutions:
Ventilation
The first step in clearing out sewer smells is to ventilate the area. Open windows, run fans, and ensure air circulates freely. You should also check the plumbing fixtures and drains to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Hydro Jetting & Drain Cleaning
Hydro jetting is a powerful method for clearing blockages in your pipes. By using high-pressure water, hydro jetting can remove debris and buildup from your sewer lines without the need to dig up your yard.
Sewer Pipe Repair or Replacement
Sewer pipes can deteriorate over time, leading to cracks and leaks. Inspecting the sewer line with a video camera can help locate the issue and assess its severity.
In cases of severe damage, trenchless technology can repair or replace sewer lines without digging up your property. Pipe relining and pipe bursting are also methods that restore functionality while minimizing disruption to your home.
Apollo Can Help Eliminate Basement Smells
If you’re dealing with sewer smells in your basement, Apollo Plumbing offers expert sewer line repair and replacement services in Everett, WA, and surrounding areas. We also specialize in hydro jetting, drain cleaning, and both traditional and trenchless sewer line replacement.
Contact us today for a professional diagnosis and effective solution to your sewer gas problem. Ready right now plumbers are available to help you resolve your issue quickly.
FAQs
What is the cause of a sewer smell in my basement?
Sewer smells in your basement are often caused by problems like dry floor drains, clogged vents, damaged sewer lines, or issues with the ejector pit or sump pump.
How do I know if the smell is sewer gas or something else?
Sewer gas has a distinct rotten egg smell due to hydrogen sulfide. If you notice this odor, it’s likely sewer gas, which requires immediate attention.
Is sewer gas dangerous?
Yes, prolonged exposure to sewer gas can cause health issues such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and in extreme cases, loss of consciousness.
How can I fix sewer smells in my basement?
Solutions include pouring water down dry drains, sealing the ejector pit lid, ensuring proper venting, and using hydro jetting or sewer line repair to fix any damaged pipes.
Final Thoughts
Sewer gas smells in basements can be resolved effectively with the right solutions. Don’t wait for the problem to worsen—take action quickly before issues escalate.
If you need professional help, Apollo Plumbing is here to assist. Contact us today to ensure your home is free from sewer smells and other plumbing concerns.
