We have a finished basement with a full bath. There is a sewage pump that was installed last spring to replace one that had broken.

We have been noticing a strong sewage smell in the basement that seems to occur when the toilet is flushed.

We don't use that bathroom often, so sometimes a week or 2 will go by and the toilet will not be flushed. When someone flushes it for the first time after that 2 week or so period, the smell is really very strong. It seems to help if I repeatedly flush it about 10 times to let the pump work several times, but the smell takes a long time to dissipate.

Is there an easy solution to get rid of this problem? We have just been avoiding the use of that bathroom altogether!

I'd appreciate any advice anyone can offer!

Thanks so much!

Joanie Parente

Is there a floor drain in the bathroom?

Is there a floor drain in the bathroom?

Ummm... no, only a drain in the floor of the shower

Okay no floor drain, only a shower drain, gotcha. You say the bathroom doesn't get used often. Does that mean the shower hasn't been used in a long time? If so, check to see if there is water in the trap. Same with the sink (simply run some water to refill traps). I am assuming every thing was plumbed correctly and inspected? Your tank may also not be sealed completely. The tank lid and every pipe and wire going into it needs to be completely air tight. If you notice even the smallest of gaps, you will get the smell until the tank is sealed completely.

Okay no floor drain, only a shower drain, gotcha. You say the bathroom doesnt get used often. Does that mean the shower hasnt been used in a long time? If so, check to see if there is water in the trap. Same with the sink (simply run some water to refill traps). I am assuming every thing was plumbed correctly and inspected? Your tank may also not be sealed completely. The tank lid and every pipe and wire going into it needs to be completely air tight. If you notice even the smallest of gaps, you will get the smell untill the tank is sealed completely.

Thanks so much! This is very helpful... so I think it is the case that the tank (I'm assuming you mean the toilet tank?) is not tightly sealed... nor am I sure that the pipes running to and from the pump itself are tightly sealed.

So if that were the case, would it make sense then that the smell is the worst after the first flush, and then that it dissipates gradually after flushing it several times?

I'm sorry you have to spell things out so much for me... I truly appreciate your taking the time to offer your advice!

Joanie

I would bet they didn't seal the tank top when they replaced the pump. Get a good grade caulk, doesn't have to be silicone, and caulk the edge of the concrete where the box fits and the bolt holes. Did they put the pipe seals back? There should be no visible holes in the cover.

Sorry, not talking about the toilet tank, but the sewer ejector pit lid/cover.

I am sure it probably is but is the vent pipe dedicated to the effluent tank.