Why do I smell a sewer odor in my unfinished basement?
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John on Jan 04, 2015@Jackie. Try to determine if there is an air vent pipe integrated with the plumbing in question. The vent pipe usually exits through the roof and thus siphons off the offensive gases. If you don't have one you will experience 'smell-back' from the effluent gases filtering back up through the drains and toilet. One can be installed without cutting a hole if the roof by installing a vent pipe in the wall with a vent cap placed on top which you can find a Lowe's or Home Depot. I have successfully used them.Helpful Reply
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Barbara Thomas on Jan 05, 2015If you are vented properly, consider a gas leak. We once had that smell in the basement of an older home and it was coming from a gas furnace. The smell eventually went through the house and we called the gas company for a check. They immediately shut the furnace down. Just a thought.Helpful Reply
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Glen on Jan 05, 2015Check all your drains including the one in the floor. These are connected to the sewer line. They should have water in them which fills the trap below the floor, over time this can evaporate, if they are dry, gas can come up them. I suggest filling them with water.Helpful Reply
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Eloise on Jan 05, 2015I was told by a plumber to pour a bucket of water into the floor drain at least once a month to prevent sewer odors.Helpful Reply
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Simone McInnis on Jan 05, 2015Sewer gas happens when the pipes don't get used. Just pour water down the drain.Helpful Reply
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Bet1058847 on Jan 05, 2015Try putting a little water in any drain that may not have been used in a while. If the drain trap is dry it will allow sewer gas to come back up.Helpful Reply
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Victoria Cross on Jan 05, 2015I had the same problem and found pouring a bucket of water down the floor drain every week kept the smell away.Helpful Reply
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Jackie traverse on Jan 06, 2015Thank-you all for your information!! Extremely helpful! I will pour water in and see how that works, then I would have a plumber check the venting as John suggested. I feel a bit more educated now. Thank-you!!!Helpful Reply
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