Hey everyone, I've run into a pretty weird problem with a horrible sewage smell that's been hanging around my basement for a few days. Usually, I can track down these smells to either the bathroom or the floor drain, but this time it's coming from my living area down there. I tried pouring water into the drain like I usually do, but that hasn't done anything. The smell is so overpowering that I can actually taste it! I've confirmed this by going to other parts of the house and returning; as soon as I come back down, it hits me hard. I even opened a window and ran a fan for a while, which cleared it up, but as soon as I shut the window, the smell comes back full force. I've tried using baking soda, vinegar, and charcoal with no success. My landlord isn't willing to help, and it's really affecting my living situation. I'm actually worried it could be something toxic. Anyone know what might be causing this smell or how I can fix it?
5 Answers
Could it be an issue with your cat using the basement as a litter box? I had a similar experience, and once I figured that out, it was a game-changer! A black light can help locate any hidden spots.
Have you checked for any dead animals in the walls or attic? I thought my smell was related to plumbing issues, but it turned out to be a dead animal that smelled worse than sewer gas. An exterminator might be able to help with that.
I'd also check the plumbing stack for leaks. We had an issue where our floor drain was backing up because it wasn’t sloped correctly. A waterless trap seal can fix that easily.
Another possibility is that you're creating a vacuum seal with your windows closed, which might be pulling smells from your drains or plumbing vents. Keep the window slightly cracked to help ventilate the area better.
It sounds like you might be dealing with a gas leak, specifically mercaptan, which has a distinct smell. Since you're in a basement, it could settle there. I recommend checking for any gas leaks in your home right away. You might want to get an HVAC technician involved who can measure vents and check if anything's blocked. Sometimes, a booster fan on the plumbing stack could help.