Smelly Basement?

[RadiclDreamer]

Ok, my basement has a funky odor. Im talking like funky smelly odor. Its an unfinished basement and I believe the smells is coming from the drain in the floor. I have tried pouring bleach down them and then later after rinsing VERY well ammonia. They both seem to take care of (or overpower) hte smell for a little while

I want something that will either cover it up permanately or even semi permanately. Or something I can do to the drains to stop the smell. They have covers with holes in them. I cant cover them because one serves as the drain outlet for my central air. Any ideas?

 

[chowderhead]

Does it smell like mold or dead animal (stuck in the pipes)?

 

[IGBT]

..may have a broken sewer pipe. Bring in a plumber with video inspection. I had the same prob and did the video inspection and found a collapsed pipe. Saved time and money to find it and deal with it once the seriousness of the problem was realized.

 

[D1gger]

It sounds like you may have a floor drain without a proper P-trap. A P-trap is a "U" shaped piece of pipe under the floor level that keeps gases in the drain mains from travelling back through the pipe into the house.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Originally posted by: D1gger
It sounds like you may have a floor drain without a proper P-trap. A P-trap is a "U" shaped piece of pipe under the floor level that keeps gases in the drain mains from travelling back through the pipe into the house.

If thats the case what can I do about it other than smashing the floor to get to the pipes

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Originally posted by: RadiclDreamer

Originally posted by: D1gger
It sounds like you may have a floor drain without a proper P-trap. A P-trap is a "U" shaped piece of pipe under the floor level that keeps gases in the drain mains from travelling back through the pipe into the house.

If thats the case what can I do about it other than smashing the floor to get to the pipes

You can check with a snake for the P trap. If no trap, there is nothing you can do other than digging it out and installing one. However, you need to do an inspection for mold as well. Sorry but, there are no easy fixes.

 

[Engraver]

Lime should be able to neutralize the odor, but it may cause build-up in your drain if you don't flush it out later.

 

[leeland]

get a de-humidifier

 

[HN]

try the last suggestion here:
http://www.realsimple.com/real...,22304,1590426,00.html

 

[Capt Caveman]

If the trap is dry, it'll allow gas to come back up the drain. Try pouring water in to fill it.