Sewers

Why does my sump pump pit smell?

I have a sump pump pit in my basement. There is a large inlet into the pit that seems to be coming from the outside area, probably drain tile? Someone installed a car port and new concrete in back of the house and put in 2 drains that run into the pump. The pump pumps into a pipe upward that goes directly into the main drain sewer pipe. There is a trap in this pipe. There is allways a stinky smell coming from the pit. It appears the smell comes from the big inlet from the outside. When the pump evacuates the pit, the inlet whole is exposed above the water level. Is this a problem? Should that water be over the inlet hole? Any help please.

Public Comments

1. it may be stagnent water, put some bleach in their and kill of the bacteria, and yes, the pump will pump the water away from the inlet hole and turn off. it will turn on when the inlet hole fills with water.
2. Visit the hardware store. There are a number of products for septic systems such as Rid-X. The sump pump is not a septic tank but it does have the same problems. Bacteria and mold. Both can be a question of Health. The pit should be dry normally. The system is for emergency only and never should have been connected to receive run off from Storm drainage. Black Mold is very serious and can cause respiratory problems resulting in death.
3. bleach would be the dumbest thing you could do.The bacteria that someone who will go un-named is telling you you need to kill with bleach is in fact already dead! you need to go the Rid x route as another un-named but very smart person suggested. you see the smell developes when the bacteria is no longer able to eat the solid waste that accumulates in the pipes.
4. If no water comes from this hole then cap it. If this is the drain from the car port and concrete added outside can you redirect the that drain. Where does the water in the pit flow to can you re route the water flowing out of the pit to a stoem drain outside no sewer drain?
5. figure aprox occupants / 30 gal per adult so if your faimly consists of 5 members you should muiltiply times 30 gal also step up pump hp min spec smell can be reduced with special order imbatement flo tec ok a new spec pump will retail @ 255/295 expect mainaint every 6 mo min
6. Bacteria. The sump pump is for emergency only. All other times it should remain dry.
7. like stag water smell or sewer smell? It is important both can make you sick or kill you believe it or not. Check to see if actual drain vent (usually near the top of the drain in the house basement floor, will be at an angle and should be capped off)is capped off or did the cap get removed or rotted out? Sewer gas call kill you. If you aren't sure or don't understand what I'm saying just call a plumber. Have an inspection. Some will do it for free.