Why Does My Sump Pump Smell?
A Guide to Crawl Space Odors
A sump pump is an important part of protecting your home from water damage. Sometimes, however, it can also be a reason you have unpleasant odors coming from your crawl space. Maybe you have noticed a foul smell coming from that area. If so, do not ignore it. It may indicate a problem that if left untreated will create greater damage and expensive repairs later on. Here are some common reasons why you may notice this odor from your sump pump and what you can do to get rid of the smell.
Source of Crawl Space Odors
First, it’s important to know where the source of the smell is coming from.
Sewer Line: It might be sewer gas which is caused by a faulty sewer line which allows sewer gas to escape and enter your crawl space. This does not necessarily have anything to do with your sump pump but is an entirely separate issue. If this is the case, hire a professional plumber to inspect the sewer system for leaks or blockages. it may require sewer line repair to damage portions of the sewer line. At minimum it will require a cleaning of the sewer line to remove debris and build up.
Mold buildup: Mold and mildew build up maybe another cause for musty or dirty or other foul smells. If there is excessive moisture in your crawl space it creates an ideal environment for growth of mold and mildew. Your crawl space may need to be sprayed and scrubbed for current mold to kill it off and you’ll want to ensure proper ventilation and even dehumidification to remove moisture from the air.
Stagnant Water: There may be stagnant water that’s building up underneath your crawl space which can cause excessive issues. Although the sump pump is built to pump water out if it’s not working properly or the water is not flowing to the sump pump it will still accumulate and cause problems. Maintain your sump pump regularly and call a professional if you need assistance. Check the discharge pipe of the sump pump to make sure that it is clear and unobstructed. You’ll also want to consider waterproofing or encapsulating your crawl space to prevent water infiltration. Finally, we recommend a proper drain tile is installed to allow water to properly flow to your sump pump.
Rodents or Insects: Another common cause of smells coming from your crawl space is due to an infestation of rodents or insects. Not only do they introduce unpleasant odors and perhaps damage your sump pump, but they are attracted to unpleasant odors as well. Contact a pest control professional to identify and eliminate the infestation and hire a company like Vance insulation to seal any cracks or openings in your crawl space to prevent future infestations.
Tips for Preventing Sump Pump Odors
- Regular Cleaning: Be sure to clean the sump pit regularly and prevent bacteria growth.
- Check for Leaks: Check the pipes and pump and connections for any leaks that could lead to water damage and odor.
- Ventilation: If your crawl space is not adequately ventilated, humidity and air quality will be negatively impacted. Increase your ventilation to improve your air quality. A dehumidifier helps immensely to improve your air quality.
- Professional Maintenance: Vance Insulation offers an annual maintenance program to inspect your sump pump and dehumidifier.
- Odor Eliminators: You can use natural odor eliminators once the source of the problem has been eliminated. Baking soda may be the trick to eliminating the odor
By addressing the underlying cause of the odor and implementing these preventive measures, you can keep your sump pump running efficiently and odor-free. If you continue to experience persistent odors, it’s best to consult with a professional to diagnose and resolve the issue.
Vance insulation has been helping homeowners in Central Virginia protect their homes and their crawl spaces from moisture damage and mold damage for over 60 years. Contact Vance Insulation today to handle all of your Moisture Control issues under your crawl space.
