When your basement smells like rotten eggs: weird facts about wastewater mishaps

Curious if anyone’s tried those mechanical trap primers? I’ve seen them mentioned but never actually installed one. They’re supposed to keep the trap wet automatically, but I’m skeptical about adding another gadget that could break down the line.

Honestly, I’ve wondered the same thing. The idea of a “set it and forget it” solution is tempting, but then I picture the thing quietly failing and my basement turning into a methane spa. Sticky notes are low-tech, but at least they don’t break or need batteries. Anyone else feel like half these fixes just trade one problem for another?

then I picture the thing quietly failing and my basement turning into a methane spa

That’s exactly my nightmare scenario. I tried one of those “automatic” primers once—ended up with a puddle and a smell that could knock out a raccoon. Sometimes a bucket of water every month just feels safer, you know?