One thing I always tell people—if it smells like rotten eggs and you can’t find the source, don’t just light a candle and hope for the best. Sometimes it’s just a dry floor drain, but I’ve also found cracked vent pipes hiding behind finished walls. Quick sniff test isn’t always enough... trust your nose, but don’t ignore your gut either.
Had this happen last winter—walked into the basement and it smelled like someone left a dozen eggs to rot in a gym bag. I thought maybe it was just the laundry, but nope. Turns out, the floor drain had dried up and let sewer gas in. Is there a trick to keeping those drains from drying out? I keep forgetting to pour water down there... sticky note on the wall, maybe?
I hear you on forgetting—outta sight, outta mind. Some folks use a little mineral oil after pouring water, since it slows evaporation. Ever tried that? Just curious, does your drain get any use otherwise, or is it just sitting there most of the year?
Some folks use a little mineral oil after pouring water, since it slows evaporation. Ever tried that?
Funny you mention mineral oil—I’ve actually done that in a few older homes where the floor drain never saw any action. One place, the owner only remembered the drain existed when the whole basement started smelling like a swamp. We’d pour a pitcher of water, then a splash of mineral oil, and it really did help keep that trap from drying out for months. Not everyone likes the idea, but it beats coming back to that rotten egg stink every spring. Most folks forget those drains even exist until their nose reminds them...
Most folks forget those drains even exist until their nose reminds them...
Ain’t that the truth. I’ve lost count of how many tenants call in a panic every spring, convinced there’s a gas leak, when it’s just a dry trap. I’m with you—mineral oil works, and it’s low effort. Some folks worry about “chemicals,” but honestly, a few ounces is safer than letting sewer gas fill the house. I’d take mineral oil over that sulfur stench any day.