My Basement Drain Smells

A foul smell coming from your basement drain is more than an inconvenience. It is a warning that hazardous and potentially flammable gases are entering your home, putting your family at risk.

Odor

A basement drain can emit a foul odor that reminds you of sewage. You might smell rotten eggs, methane and ammonia, as well. These odors occur when sewer gas flows up through the basement drain and into your home, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Cause

Sewer gas and its bad smell come up through your basement drain when the drain's trap goes dry. Water sits in the trap and creates a barrier between the air in your basement and the air in the sewer. Without any water, you no longer have a barrier, according to the University of Minnesota.

Solution

By blocking the sewer gas coming up through the drain, you also will block the smell. Pour water into the drain to fill the trap. You can prevent the smell from returning by pouring water into the trap on a regular basis to make sure it always stays full.

References

• Wisconsin Department of Health Services: Sewer Gas
• University of Minnesota: Odor Issues With Onsite Sewage Treatment Systems