Our plumbing expert George has been working in the industry for over 40 years, with a specialization in plumbing, HVAC, industrial pipe, valves, and fittings. One of his specializations is helping homeowners work through unique plumbing challenges. Below you’ll find one of the newest questions he’s received, and how a simple solution can save you thousands of dollars on your repairs.
We’re confident that you won’t find a better combination of product selection and advice to meet the needs of homeowners and plumbers alike.
Why do I smell sewer gas coming from my basement?
There are two main reasons why you may smell sewer gas coming from your basement. The first possibility is that the P trap is dry. This can occur when there is no fixture supplying water to the trap (typically the laundry tub), allowing sewer gas to pass through the trap and out the floor drain. An inefficient recommendation is to run a trap seal primer from the bottom of the laundry tap to the P trap; this requires breaking open the floor, running a 3/8″ line, and drilling into the side of the trap. The second reason you may smell sewer gas coming from your basement is if there is no P trap at all.
The best solution in both cases is to use a product called a Trap Guard. Trap Guard is installed in your floor drain and allows water drain while stopping the sewer gas from coming up. This works by using a soft rubber tube that is curled to create an airtight seal in the floor drain. When water goes down the floor drain it causes the tube to temporarily uncurl until the water stops, at which point it curls back up to create an airtight seal.
By solving this problem with a Trap Guard a homeowner can completely eliminate the need for construction or additional plumbing. Saving thousands of dollars in repair bills.
Whether you’re a plumber looking for a local supplier of high-quality products, or a homeowner taking on a project for the first time, you’re welcome at Ontario Agra.
Simply give us a call, email, or visit in store where we can provide customized advice to help you get the job done right.
