Hi!

I am currently looking into a new home. Upon visiting I noticed a smell, quite similar to stale water coming form the basement. The current owner explained that it was due to the toilet not being flushed often enough therefor not draining the macerator pump. The toilet is below sewage level therefor a macerator pump is used.

Is there any way other than flushing the toilet that can help get rid of the stench? More importantly, can it be a more serious problem and not the macerator pump at all? What would be the best advice to ensure that there is no lingering smell - to be rid of it for good?

Jakymec

can it be a more serious problem and not the macerator pump at all? What would be the best advice to ensure that there is no lingering smell - to be rid of it for good?
This could be a vent problem if the dedicated vent frpm the pit is tied back to the house system. Check the pit seal and the dedicated vent. Let me know! Regards, Tom

I would not accept the owners statement. There is something more wrong than a toilet not being flushed enough. If it were that simple wouldn't he flush is several times before showing the house? Follow Tom's suugestions but, since this is not your home, yet, you need to work with the current owner. At this time this is his problem, not yours.