How to Clean a Smelly Basement Floor Drain

Apr 20 2023

A floor drain in the basement is designed to clear any spilled or seeped-in water. It provides a place for water to drain away, preventing flooding and other water damage. Like any other plumbing fixture in your home, it also requires occasional maintenance.

When the floor drain in your basement gets clogged or damaged, it sets the stage for pooling water, unpleasant odours, and hazardous mould growth.

Let’s get that basement floor drain clean once again with these helpful tips!

What Causes Basement Drain Odours?

Before we hop right into the cleaning tips, let’s talk about the possible causes of this underground stench.

1. Mould

Smelly odours coming from your basement floor drain are often direct products of mould and mildew. Where there is mould, there is usually a leak. So, make sure to have a plumber inspect the source.

2. Sewage

As sewage deteriorates, it releases fumes and gases into the air.

3. Plumbing Imperfections

Another stench trigger could be the actual structure of the basement plumbing system. Plumbers are humans too, and common mistakes like the lack of a drain trap or sewage vents could lead to flaws like unwanted smells.

Ways to Clean a Smelly Basement Floor Drain

1. Hot Water

Did you know that hot water helps clear out drain pipes? The heat melts hardened gunk, grease, and other types of dirt that accumulated inside the pipes. This quick fix is as simple as boiling water and pouring it down the drain. A few pots of boiling water are a powerful solution for battling basement drain smells.

2. Restore Trap Water Level

Like we mentioned a moment ago, one of the most widespread causes for basement floor drain smells is gas.

This ghastly occurrence rears its ugly head when the water level in the trap dries up completely.
It’s a situation that usually corresponds to drains that are barely used. When the water evaporates entirely, it can’t seal out harmful sewer gases.

This hazardous smell can be eliminated by restoring the trap water levels. Do this by pouring a quart of water into the drain. Top it off with a couple of tablespoons of cooking oil to prevent rapid evaporation.

Do this simple maintenance trick about four times a year to keep your basement floor drains in check.

3. Pour Hot Vinegar

Vinegar doesn’t exactly smell like air freshener, but it surely beats drain stench. Hot vinegar, in particular, is a great way to keep your drains clean.

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and let it boil in a pot. Pour the mixture down the drain and wave goodbye to that intoxicating drain funk.

For an even more powerful combo, you can always go for the classic vinegar and baking soda dynamic!

4. Regularly Dust Baking Soda

Foul odours wouldn’t stand a chance against some periodical baking soda sprinkling. Baking soda absorbs the smell and dissolves it instead of letting it escape into the air.

Sprinkle baking soda at least once a week to effectively ward off bad smells.

5. Call for Professional Cleaning Services

If basement pipe leaks are the primary source of the leaks, it’s beyond anything that a DIY plumbing can handle. Leaks that aren’t repaired immediately could cause severe water damage as the days go by—growing your bills exponentially.

When cleaning just won’t cut it, you know it’s time to recruit the services of an expert. For reliable basement waterproofing services, your home will be in good hands with 1st Rooter.

Depending on the specific case, our plumbers may advise that you get a sump pump or a dehumidifier. Another solution would be to seal cracks in the basement walls.

Don’t Let Your Money Go Down the Drain

You wouldn’t throw your hard-earned cash down the drain—but that’s kind of what happens when homeowners lack proper plumbing maintenance. It leads to very costly repairs that could’ve been prevented. At the same time, we’re also certain that you wouldn’t want a smelly basement floor drain to lead to health hazards and property damage.

At 1st Rooter, we specialize in a variety of plumbing services, and that includes drain cleaning and basement sealing. So, if you’re searching for the best plumbers in Hamilton, Oakville, and Burlington, you’ve just found them here at 1st Rooter.

Contact us for a quote today!