1. Dried Out Floor Drain Trap
Similar to the trap in your sink drain, a floor drain features a curved section designed to hold water. This water "trap" acts as a barrier, preventing sewer gas from entering your home. To fix a dried-out floor drain trap, simply pour a bucket of water down the drain to refill it.2. Missing Clean-Out Plug Inside the Floor Drain
If the floor drain trap doesn't retain water, the issue is often a missing clean-out plug. Remove the grate covering the drain and inspect the drain bowl for the plug. If it's missing, you can easily purchase a replacement plug at most hardware stores.3. Unused Toilets
Toilets that go unused for extended periods can have their water trap evaporate, allowing sewer gas to seep in. Make it a habit to flush toilets at least every couple of weeks to refill the trap and prevent odors.4. Worn Toilet Wax Ring
When a toilet is installed, a wax ring creates a watertight seal between the toilet flange and the toilet base. Over time, this wax ring can crack, allowing sewer gas to escape from beneath the toilet. If you suspect a broken wax ring, the toilet will need to be removed, and the ring replaced. Always install a new wax ring when replacing or moving a toilet. Additionally, check if the toilet is loose on its base. If it is, use shims to stabilize the toilet and prevent it from breaking the new wax ring.Additional Potential Causes
Other potential causes of sewer odors include a broken or cracked sewer line or, less commonly, a loose pipe joint within an interior wall. If you've inspected all the issues mentioned above and still detect odors, it may be time to call in a professional.At MR Plumbing Heating Air Electrical, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing all home sewer and plumbing issues. Our experienced technicians can help you track down the source of the problem and provide effective solutions to ensure your home remains odor-free.
