How do I get rid of a bad smell in my basement drain?

A bad smell coming from your basement drain can be unpleasant and concerning. However, in most cases, it is possible to eliminate the odor yourself using simple household products and methods. Here are some quick answers to questions about how to get rid of a bad basement drain smell.

What causes a bad smell in a basement drain?

There are a few common causes of a foul odor coming from a basement floor drain:

• Buildup of organic matter – Food particles, hair, grease, and other debris can collect in drain pipes and rot, causing nasty smells.
• Sewer gas – Gases containing hydrogen sulfide and ammonia can back up from the sewer through drain pipes.
• Mold or mildew – Moist conditions allow mold and mildew to grow inside drains and produce a musty smell.
• Clogged drain – When water cannot flow properly, it can pool in pipes and become stagnant, creating odor.

How can I locate the source of the smell?

To find exactly where the bad smell is coming from, start by sniffing around the basement. Get as close as possible to the floor drain and take some deep inhales. See if the odor seems to be strongest near the drain. You can also try pouring some water down the drain and sniffing to see if the smell increases dramatically as new air from the pipes is released. Checking connections to other appliances like the washing machine can help pinpoint the location.

How do I get rid of the bad smell?

Here are some step-by-step instructions to eliminate a foul odor coming from the basement floor drain:

1. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain – Baking soda will neutralize odors and soak up grease.
2. Scrub the inside of the drain pipe with a drain brush – This helps knock off any stuck-on gunk.
3. Flush the drain with very hot water – Hot water will melt and wash away fat and grime.
4. Pour 1/2 cup salt down the drain – Salt scrubs and deodorizes.
5. Follow with 1 cup white vinegar – The vinegar disinfects and removes buildup.
6. Plug the drain and let the vinegar sit for 15-30 minutes before rinsing.
7. Repeat treatments weekly until smell disappears.

How can I prevent the smell from returning?

To help prevent future foul drain smells:

• Pour a few cups of boiling water down the drain weekly to melt fat deposits.
• Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps and hair.
• Avoid pouring excess fats and oils down the drain after cooking.
• Consider bio-enzyme drain cleaners that break down organics and control odor.
• Install drain screens to prevent clogging from debris.

When should I call a professional?

Contact a plumber if:

• DIY treatments don’t eliminate the smell.
• The smell seems to be coming from the main sewer line.
• You have very slow drains throughout the house.
• Water is backing up out of the drain.
• You suspect the issue is due to broken or damaged plumbing.

A plumber has specialized tools and equipment to fully clean out drain pipes and address major clogs, leaks, or underground sewer problems.

Conclusion

A bad smell coming from the basement floor drain is usually a simple fix. Start by pouring baking soda, salt, and vinegar directly into the drain to break up debris and neutralize odors. Follow up with boiling water and scrubbing weekly to prevent future smells. Call a professional plumber if DIY treatments are ineffective or you suspect a larger issue. Addressing the problem quickly will restore fresh air to the basement.

Cause of Smell	Solution
Built up debris and organic matter	Pour baking soda, salt, and vinegar down the drain. Scrub with a brush. Flush with hot water.
Sewer gas back up	Pour water in floor drains weekly to fill traps and block gas. Install backflow valves if severe.
Mold and mildew	Clean using bleach or enzymatic drain cleaner. Improve ventilation.
Clogged drain	Snake the drain to remove clogs. Install drain strainers.

Tips for Preventing Bad Drain Smells

Here are some useful tips to help prevent foul odors from returning to your basement floor drain:

Regular Maintenance

• Pour boiling hot water down drains weekly to melt grease
• Use a plunger or drain snake monthly to clear light debris
• Add 1/2 cup baking soda once a month to keep drains fresh

Avoid Contributing to Clogs

• Never pour grease or fat down the drain
• Use sink strainers to catch food waste
• Limit use of garbage disposals which add solids to drains
• Compost food scraps when possible

Watch For Leaks

• Check for pooling water near floor drains
• Address leaks from appliances like washing machines
• Make sure drains are properly sealed

Improve Drain Ventilation

• Ensure drain traps always contain water to block sewer gas
• Check vent pipes for blockage
• Consider installing an inline drain vent fan

Install Protective Devices

• Drain screens prevent debris buildup
• Backflow valves stop sewage backup
• Enzyme drain cleaners help break down organics

Dealing With Specific Causes of Bad Smells

The method for getting rid of a bad basement drain smell depends on identifying the exact cause. Here are some common specific culprits and how to address them:

Sewer Gas Backing Up

Sewer gases like hydrogen sulfide and methane can sometimes leak back up through basement floor drains. To prevent this:

• Pour water in drains weekly to maintain full drain trap seals
• Install a mechanical backflow valve on main sewer lines
• Ensure drain vent pipes aren’t clogged so gases can escape outside

Grease or Fat Buildup

Grease, fats and oils washed down the drain can coat pipes and rot. To remove:

• Pour boiling water to melt the grease so it can wash away
• Use baking soda and vinegar to break up oils and scrub away residue
• Avoid putting fats or oils down drains by collecting in cans for disposal

Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew sometimes grow in wet drain pipes causing a musty smell. To kill mold:

• Scrub pipes with a chlorine or oxygen bleach mold cleaner
• Clean pipes regularly with an enzyme cleaner containing beneficial bacteria
• Improve ventilation and airflow to prevent moisture buildup

Decaying Organic Matter

Food scraps and other debris that collects in drain pipes can rot and cause foul odors. To remove:

• Manually remove debris with drain snakes or augers
• Run hot water for several minutes to wash away particles
• Use enzymatic drain cleaners to break down organics
• Avoid putting food waste down drains by composting when possible

Natural Drain Deodorizers

There are also some simple, natural ingredients that can help freshen up stinky basement drains between deep cleanings:

Baking Soda

• Neutralizes odors and scrubs away residues
• Pour 1/2 cup down drain weekly
• Let sit 15 minutes before rinsing

White Vinegar

• Cuts through grime and removes buildup
• Helps prevent mold and bacteria growth
• Pour 1 cup heated vinegar down drain monthly

Salt

• Safely scrubs and deodorizes pipes
• Pour 1/2 cup down drain before boiling water weekly
• Abrasive grains help scrub

Lemon Juice

• Natural acid cuts through gunk and grime
• Antimicrobial properties deter mold and bacteria
• Slice lemons and push down drain periodically

When to Call a Professional for Bad Basement Drain Odors

While mild drain smells can often be resolved with regular DIY maintenance, there are some instances when a professional plumber may be needed. Call a plumber for the following issues:

• Foul sewage odor coming from main home drains and vents
• Failed attempts to eliminate odor using multiple drain cleaners
• Water pooling around floor drain indicating blocked pipes
• Noticeable drops in water pressure and very slow drains
• Signs of sinkholes, cracked pipes, or water leaks near drains
• Previous rodent infestations that may have caused damage
• Old metal or cracked drain pipes that need replacing

Plumbers have specialized augers, pressure jetting systems, cameras and pipe inspection tools that can thoroughly clean out drain pipes, remove blockages, and address any structural issues. They can also detect any underground problems like sewer main breaks or issues where the municipal connection joins your home’s plumbing. The expertise of a professional plumber is advisable for severe or persistent basement drain smells.

Tips for Hiring a Plumber to Fix Foul Basement Drains

Here are some tips for hiring the right plumber to eliminate foul odors coming from a smelly basement floor drain:

• Ask friends and neighbors for plumber recommendations
• Search online reviews of local plumbers
• Look for licensed plumbers certified in drain cleaning
• Choose plumbers with extensive expertise, modern equipment, and drainage specialization
• Ask if they use video drain inspection to locate the exact problem
• Request an upfront estimate of costs for the work needed
• Be wary of plumbers asking for full payment before doing the work
• Consider plumbers who provide warranty on parts and labor
• Schedule a certified, insured plumber with good reviews

Taking the time to find a qualified, professional plumber will ensure that any stubborn drain odor issues get resolved quickly and completely. Often a simple drain cleaning is all that is required to eliminate foul smells and get your basement drain pipes fresh again.