Sump Pump Odor: Causes and Solutions

If your basement smells bad and you have a sump pump, then the pump might be to blame for the odor. In most cases, inadequate maintenance is the main culprit. Note that your sump pump might be smelly even if it's still running as usual. Below are some specific causes and solutions for a smelly sump pump.

Causes

Multiple things can trigger bad odor from the sump pump. Here are some common ones.

Dryness

The sump pump has a basin that should always have water. The water covers the drain openings and prevents drain gases from flowing back into the house. Thus, the gases will escape and fill the basement with their smells if the basin dries out.

Water Stagnation

Although the sump pump shouldn't dry out, it shouldn't have standing water either. Water stagnation occurs if the basin has water but not enough to trigger the pump's action. The stagnant water will encourage mold and mildew growth, leading to their characteristic smell. The wastes in the water can also decompose and smell.

Waste Buildup

As previously mentioned, the water that the septic pump handles isn't exactly clean. Some of the waste in the water occasionally clogs and accumulates. With time, the waste decomposes and begins to smell.

Pump Wear or Damage

In some cases, damaged or worn parts of the sump pump, or related plumbing parts, can also lead to a foul smell. For example, damaged gaskets and seals can allow the foul smell to flow back into the house. Damaged or blocked venting can lead to pressure imbalance, drainage problems, and sewer gas escape. 

Sewage Infiltration

In rare cases, your sump pump might smell due to raw sewage infiltration. The problem arises if the main sewer line has suffered damage and sewage is affecting the local groundwater. In such a case, the sump pump might smell since it handles excess groundwater.

Solutions

A smelly sump pump requires prompt diagnosis and fixing. Apart from the discomfort, the bad odor can also mean something is wrong with your sump pump or plumbing. The following measures can help, depending on the diagnosis.

Clean the Pump

Cleaning the sump pump may help, especially if you are dealing with:

• Waste accumulation
• Water stagnation
• Mold and mildew issues

In any case, you should clean the pump if you haven't cleaned it in a while. A wet/dry vacuum and a brush are enough to clean the sump pump if it's mildly smelly. However, a thorough cleaning may be necessary if the sump pump is extremely dirty and smelly. Thorough cleaning is a professional job since it involves taking out the pump from the pit.

Refill the Basin

If the pump basin is dry, then the solution is as simple as refilling it. The water will seal the opening and trap sewer gases. In fact, try this before you call the plumber. The bad odor should dissipate almost immediately if your diagnosis is correct.

Fix the Damage

Lastly, you might also need to fix damaged or worn parts of the pump or plumbing. For example, you may need to replace damaged seals, gaskets, or vent pipes. You may also need to replace the main sewer line that is saturating your home with sewage. Of course, you should only do these things after a professional plumber confirms those parts need replacement.

The sump pump plays a critical role in flood prevention, so it deserves regular and thorough maintenance. Contact Art Douglas Plumbing Inc. if your sump pump starts to smell. We will diagnose the bad odor and fix it to help you regain your home's comfort. You can also rely on our professional services to maintain your entire plumbing system.