Zablocki Waterproofing: What’s that Smell in my Basement?

What’s that smell in my basement?

Owning a home requires a near constant attention to our five senses. OK, so perhaps not so much taste, but we need to use our eyes to see deteriorating components, our ears to hear strange noises, our sense of touch to determine if the home is properly heated and cooled, and our nose to detect strange odors. When it comes to mysterious basement-related issues, it is your nose that will guide you towards the likely culprit. If you are asking yourself, “What’s that smell in my basement?”, continue reading to find the answer.

Does your basement smell musty?

Anywhere there is moisture, there is the possibility of smelling that musty, dusty scent that weighs on your respiratory system. This is the telltale sign of mold and mildew, and it thrives in humid environments. While small areas of mold and mildew can be remediated with a water/bleach mixture, larger areas will likely require a mold mitigation expert. Dehumidifiers can help keep key areas of your home dry and mold-free.

Does your basement smell like rotten eggs?

If you are getting a rotten egg smell in your basement, stop reading this and vacate the premises immediately. The culprit is likely a natural gas leak. If you are thinking “isn’t natural gas odorless?” you are correct. However, because of the inherent dangers of a gas leak, utility companies add a component to natural gas that produces a very distinct rotten egg smell to help alert homeowners. Because a small spark from static electricity or even the use of a landline phone can cause an explosion in a home with a gas leak, leave the property and call 911 from a cell phone or neighbor’s house once you are a safe distance away.

Does your basement smell like fish?

A distinct fishy smell in your basement is likely due to an electrical component that is loose, overheating, or burning. Loose or distressed cords, improperly loaded circuits, malfunctioning outlets, or inadequately sized fuses or breakers could potentially be the culprit. If the issue isn’t addressed promptly, it is likely to get worse and may result in a house fire. Note that this issue isn’t relegated to the basement only, however in many homes the main electrical panel and electrical circuitry is housed in the basement. If you are getting a fishy smell from your basement, call an electrician immediately.

Does your basement smell like sewage?

If your basement smells like a sewer, don’t overthink it; it may very well be sewer gas! Most drains in your home, including the basement drain on the floor of your basement, contain what is known as a “p trap”. Its main function is to allow a small amount of water to collect in the curved section of the trap each time water is run down the drain. This water prevents sewer gases from seeping up the pipe, through the drain, and into your home. The solution to this may be as simple as pouring some water down your basement drain, or running the condensate hose from your basement’s furnace or dehumidifier into that drain to ensure a steady stream of water is added. If the smell persists after this intervention, you will want to contact a plumber.

Does your basement smell like rotten food?

As a last consideration, a sour-sweet scent is an evolutionary trigger for humans to stay away.  While in some cases this may be caused by a piece of old food that fell behind a crevice, the more likely culprit is a deceased critter. As the weather turns colder in winter, creatures of all kinds may attempt to make a temporary or permanent lodging in your basement or crawl space.  If these creatures pass away somewhere sight unseen, your nose will tell you way after it is too late. Experts in ventilation and/or plumbing will likely be needed to search and remove the cause of the odor.

In conclusion, your nose can help clue you in to the cause of your basement smell.  With accurate detection and early intervention, any cause of basement odor can be remediated before it causes significant harm to your home.

At Zablocki Waterproofing, we help homeowners in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Wauwatosa, Brookfield, and surrounding communities keep their basements sound and dry. Proudly providing waterproofing, drain tile, and foundation repair services.