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

They help, but I swear, squirrels treat them like an IQ test.

Mesh caps are a double-edged sword, aren’t they? They keep out the birds, but squirrels seem to see them as a challenge. I once found a chewed-up mesh cap stuffed halfway down my vent pipe - guess who won that round? Not me.

As for weird things in drains, I pulled a Barbie leg out of a basement floor drain last winter. No idea how it got there, but it explained the slow gurgle and that delightful “rotten eggs” aroma. If you’re dealing with recurring smells, it’s worth checking the floor drains for dried-out traps too. Sometimes they just need a cup of water to reseal, but if there’s debris or toys (or wildlife), you’ll want to clear those out first.

If you’re using mesh caps, try stainless steel and secure them with hose clamps. It won’t stop a determined rodent, but at least they’ll have to work for it.

I get the appeal of mesh caps, but honestly, I’ve had better luck with solid vent covers. They’re pricier and take a bit more effort to install, but I haven’t had anything chew through yet. Squirrels are clever, but they can’t bite through metal plates. Just something to consider if you’re tired of replacing chewed-up mesh every year.

Funny you mention that - last winter I tried mesh and a squirrel chewed right through it in a week. Switched to a solid metal cover after that and haven’t had any more critter issues. Takes a bit more elbow grease, but worth it for peace of mind.

Switched to a solid metal cover after that and haven’t had any more critter issues.

I hear you on the metal covers - they’re a pain to install sometimes, but way tougher than mesh. Did you notice any difference in moisture or airflow after switching? I always worry about trapping humidity down there and making the smell worse.

I had the same concern when I swapped out the mesh for a solid lid. It definitely cut down on airflow, and I noticed the humidity creeping up a bit, especially after heavy rain. Ended up drilling a few small holes near the edge to help with ventilation - seems to be a decent compromise, though I still check for condensation every so often. Have you tried any kind of gasket or sealant around the cover? I’ve wondered if that would help with odors without making the moisture problem worse...