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Sewer smell in the basement or bathroom
A sewer smell usually comes from a dry trap, a clogged house trap, a partly blocked main or a problem in the vent. Start by pouring water into floor drains and unused fixtures. If the smell stays, the line needs a look.
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- Price confirmed before work starts
Starting prices. Every job is different, so the technician confirms your price on site before any work starts. Nights, weekends and holidays add $150. All prices
Check these first
- Dry traps. Pour a bucket of water into the basement floor drain, laundry drain and any sink or shower that isn’t used often.
- Loose cleanout plugs. Check the house trap and any basement cleanouts for missing or loose caps.
- Slow drains. If anything is also draining slowly, the line is likely partly blocked.
If the smell stays after that, the source is in the line.
Common causes
| Cause | What you notice |
|---|---|
| Dry trap | Smell near an unused drain, goes away after adding water |
| Clogged house trap | Smell at the front of the basement, slow drains |
| Partly blocked main | Smell plus gurgling or slow drains |
| Blocked roof vent | Gurgling, smell in bathrooms |
| Cracked line | Persistent smell, sometimes damp spots |
How we find it
A camera inspection shows whether the main and house trap are clear, holding waste or damaged. If it’s a blockage, we clear it. If the camera shows a broken section, you get the footage and a referral to an NYC master plumber.
Where we work
What we don't do. We clear, clean and inspect drains and sewer lines. If the camera shows a cracked, collapsed or separated line, you get the footage and a referral to an NYC master plumber for the fix. Why we work this way
Common questions
Is sewer gas dangerous?
In small amounts it's mostly unpleasant, but strong or persistent sewer gas can contain hydrogen sulfide and methane. Ventilate the area. If you smell gas from your stove or boiler, that's a different emergency: call your utility.
Why does my basement floor drain smell?
Floor drains have a water seal in their trap. If the drain isn't used, the water evaporates and sewer gas comes through. Pour a bucket of water in it every few weeks.
Can a clogged house trap cause a smell?
Yes. A partly blocked house trap holds sewage that should have drained, and the smell often comes up at the front of the basement.
Need a drain cleared?
Calls are answered 24 hours a day. A technician looks at the job and confirms your price on site before any work starts.