How to Get Rid of Sump Pump Smell for Good
A musty or sewer-like smell from the basement often comes from the sump pump pit, where standing groundwater, dirt, and debris collect and stagnate. Clean out the pit, keep the water moving, and add a sealed lid, and the smell clears.
We make small-batch beeswax candles in Far Rockaway, so a room that truly smells clean is our whole focus, and that always starts at the source rather than the scent. Below is where the smell comes from, how to clear it step by step, and how to keep the space fresh afterward, with the full the MBur beeswax candle collection here as you read.
Why the pit smells
The pit collects groundwater and sediment, and when water sits between pump cycles it stagnates and grows bacteria and mold. Debris at the bottom rots along with it.
In a dry spell, a pit connected to drains can also give off a sewer-like gas if its trap dries out. Clearing the pit and keeping water fresh is the fix.
How to clean it, step by step
- Unplug the pump and clear the pit. With the pump off, bail or vacuum out the standing water and scoop the sediment and debris from the bottom.
- Scrub and rinse. Wash the pit walls and the pump with a vinegar or diluted bleach solution to cut slime and smell, then rinse.
- Check the pump and float. Make sure the pump runs and the float switch is not stuck, so water does not sit too long between cycles.
- Refill a dry trap. If the smell is sewer-gas and the pit ties into a drain, run water to refill any trap.
- Add a sealed lid. A sealed sump lid cuts down on smell, slows evaporation, and keeps debris from falling in.
Unplug the pump before you reach into the pit. You are working with water and electricity, so cut the power first, every time.
Keep it from coming back
Clean the pit a couple of times a year, keep a sealed lid on it, and make sure the pump cycles so water does not stagnate.
Keep debris and dust from falling into the pit, which is what feeds the smell.
Freshen the whole room once the source is gone
With the stagnant sump pit handled, the air itself is the last step. A clean candle is the finishing touch here, best lit once the space is already clean. From there it is the fastest way to make the room read fresh rather than merely neutral.
For your home, Zesty fits well. It is fresh and lively, with mandarin, sea air, and a touch of black pepper, and like every MBur candle it is poured from 100% beeswax with a wooden wick and phthalate-free non-toxic fragrance oils, so freshening the air never means adding soot on top.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my sump pump pit smell?
Standing water and debris stagnate and grow bacteria and mold, and a dry trap can let sewer gas up. Clean the pit and keep the water moving.
Is it safe to clean the sump pit myself?
Yes, if you unplug the pump first, since you are working near water and electricity. Bail the water, scoop the debris, and scrub the pit.
Should my sump pit have a lid?
A sealed lid helps a lot. It reduces odor, slows evaporation that dries traps, and keeps debris out.
How often should I clean it?
A couple of times a year, and any time it starts to smell or you see heavy sediment.
Ready to keep your space smelling clean once the source is handled? Explore the MBur beeswax candle collection and find the scent that fits the room.
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