Foul Basement Smell Turns Out to Be More Than Just a Gas

A basement bathroom renovation turned into a nightmare for Marisa and her husband when a pungent odor suddenly filled their home, sending their kids into a frenzy of blame-shifting and embarrassment. The putrid smell lingered for days, leaving the family wondering what could be causing it. It wasn't until a plumber arrived that they discovered the source of the stench: a clogged submersible sewage pump and an alarm system that had failed to alert them to the issue.

Background & Context

Submersible sewage pumps, also known as sewage ejector pumps, are a common feature in homes with basement plumbing. These pumps raise waste from downstairs plumbing up to the level of a home's main sewage drain line, often unseen and unthought-of until they fail.

For homeowners like Marisa and her husband, who have invested time and money into their basement renovations, a malfunctioning sewage pump can be a costly and frustrating experience. The consequences of a failed pump can be far-reaching, impacting not only the homeowner's wallet but also their quality of life.

Key Details

According to Marisa, the smell started to develop after her husband loosened the bolts on the submersible sewage pump in an attempt to DIY a fix. However, this action inadvertently caused a sewage backup, releasing a torrent of foul-smelling waste into the closet. The plumber who eventually arrived at the scene discovered that a wad of baby wipes had jammed the pump motor's impeller, causing the malfunction.

The fix was relatively inexpensive, with the plumber estimating a cost of around $150. However, the smell took a full 24 hours to subside, leaving the family to endure the stench for an extended period.

What Experts Say

We spoke to Mark Kay, founder and editor of SepticTankHub, to gain a better understanding of submersible sewage pumps and the common issues that can arise with them. "Most homeowners don't know what a sewage ejector pump is, or think it's the same thing as a sump pump, until it backs up," he explained. Kay emphasized that clogged impellers are the most common cause of sewage pump failures, often resulting from flushing items that shouldn't be flushed, such as feminine products and wipes labeled as "flushable."

Aaron Adams, a master plumber, echoed Kay's sentiments, adding that sewage pump failures can also be caused by jammed float switches, bad check valves, normal wear, and tripped circuits. Adams noted that dental floss can also become tangled in the pump's mechanisms, leading to costly repairs.

Key Takeaways

• The most common cause of submersible sewage pump failures is clogged impellers, often resulting from flushing items that shouldn't be flushed.
• Homeowners should be aware of the potential for sewage pump failures and take steps to prevent them, such as regularly inspecting and maintaining their pumps.
• DIY attempts to fix sewage pump issues can often make the problem worse, rather than better, and should be avoided whenever possible.
• Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent costly repairs and reduce the risk of sewage pump failures.

What This Means For You

For homeowners with basement plumbing, the experience of Marisa and her husband serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and inspections. By taking proactive steps to prevent sewage pump failures, homeowners can avoid costly repairs and reduce the risk of foul-smelling odors invading their homes.

As a homeowner, it's essential to be aware of the potential for sewage pump failures and to take steps to prevent them. Regularly inspect your pumps, keep them well-maintained, and avoid flushing items that shouldn't be flushed. By doing so, you can enjoy a clean, safe, and healthy living environment for years to come.

So, the next time you're tempted to flush that extra toilet paper or wipe, remember the story of Marisa and her husband. A little bit of foresight and caution can go a long way in preventing a costly and embarrassing basement smell.