Why Does My Floor Drain Smell Terrible?
Is an awful smell coming from your floor drain? A sewage-like odor is a sign something has gone wrong with your home’s plumbing. However, determining the exact cause can take some investigative work.
The good news is that all of the common problems behind why your drain pipe has a strange odor are relatively easy to fix. Here’s a look at the five reasons why your floor drain might stink.
Sewer Gas Leak
This possibility should be ruled out before investigating other potential causes of an awful smell from the floor drain because it can cause physical harm if left unchecked. Many homeowners aren’t aware that gases from the sewer system can get trapped in a home’s plumbing or floor traps. In addition to a persistent foul odor coming from your drain, you might also notice bubbling and gurgling sounds. It’s important to bring in a plumbing professional right away if you suspect a gas leak. A plumber may also suggest adding extra ventilation to prevent gas from building up in the future.
Clogged Drains
A clogged or slow-moving drain can create a stagnant odor in your home. The best way to fix this issue will depend on the size and intensity of the clog. Most odor-causing clogs are caused by built-up hair, soap, and food debris that accumulate in your home’s drain traps. If the clog is small, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to clear it out using a plunger.
It’s also sometimes possible to break up a smaller clog using a chemical-free combination of hot water, vinegar, and baking soda. However, some clogs are simply too large or stubborn to be neutralized using household methods. In these cases, it’s best to call a plumber. Plumbers utilize special tools that can break down or extract clogs without damaging your plumbing. Once cleared, your home’s floor traps can begin functionally again to prevent odors from seeping out.
Compromised Ejector Pit
If you’re noticing an awful smell coming from your floor drain, be sure to take a glance at the ejector pit that’s connected to the sewer line in your basement. When in proper condition, an ejector pit has a sealed cover and unclogged vent. Look for a missing lid, broken seal, or broken/clogged venting to determine if a compromised ejector pit could be the source of bad smells. If anything looks off, call a plumber to repair or replace broken parts.
Bacteria
Yes, bacterial growth in your home’s plumbing system can cause an unexplained awful smell from your floor drain. Soap scum, decomposing debris, organic matter, and other substances that attract bacterial growth can all build up in your home’s plumbing system over time. The addition of moisture from your pipes creates the perfect recipe for fungal and bacterial growth. It’s not exactly easy for the average homeowner to scrub the insides of their pipes. However, that’s exactly what needs to be done to clear out odor-causing bacteria from a plumbing system.
If buildup is minimal, using hot water and vinegar to cleanse drains may work. If odor persists after trying DIY cleaning methods, consider calling in a plumber to use a drain snake or specialized drain brush to scrub the insides of your pipes for a fresh start.
Evaporated Seal
Your drain’s P-trap is a U-shaped section of pipe that blocks sewer gases from entering your home. It does this using a bended shape that traps a small amount of water that creates a barrier. Homeowners don’t usually think about their P-traps simply because this feature doesn’t typically require a lot of maintenance. /
However, P-traps do occasionally become compromised due to clogs or wear and tear. In fact, an evaporated seal on a P-trap is one of the most common causes of unexplained basement odors. This is often referred to as a “dry” P-trap. P-traps often dry out due to infrequent use.
The easiest way to revive a dry P-tray is by restoring moisture by pouring one to three cups of water down the drain. You can also add vinegar and baking soda for deodorizing purposes. If this isn’t enough to resolve the odor, a plumber can install a new P-trap for you.
Don’t Live With That Awful Smell Coming From Your Drain Floor: Call the Plumbing Pros From Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Miami
If there’s an awful smell coming from your floor drain, it could be caused by sewer gases and bacteria that are harming your household. Nobody should have to live with unpleasant sewage odors. That’s why the pros at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Miami will act quickly to take care of the problem. We offer top-notch drain cleaning and plumbing repairs trusted by countless homeowners throughout Miami-Dade County and the rest of South Florida. If there’s any delay it’s YOU we pay! Let’s get to the bottom of your home’s odor to get everything smelling fresh again. Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today.
