What to Use for a Smelly Basement

Rid the Air of Moisture

• Dehumidifiers and moisture-absorbent compounds pull the moisture from the air to collect and condense it from a gaseous to a liquid state. This moisture that enters the basement space from possible seepage, air condensation from upper levels and/or from the laundry room has nowhere to go.

Proper Ventilation

• Ventilation not only allows fresh air to flow into the basement, but it also circulates the stagnant, moist air out. All too commonly basement windows remain closed for extended periods. For problem areas, install a ventilation system in the basement, especially in the areas that do not have windows. Even in the absence of windows, leaving doors open and windows cracked may help keep the smell down.

Repair Leaks

• Leaky pipes and improper drainage from gutters and the slope of the house are avenues for moisture collection in the basement. Once the water sits, the stagnant water invites and breeds mold, mildew and the proliferation of pests. Call in a plumber to make the necessary repairs to prevent water collection in the basement.

Prevent Seepage

• The porous nature of the basement’s concrete walls is not enough of a barrier against water that seeps through it from the outside. Even houses built over underground streams are susceptible to moisture collection from beneath the concrete floor. Seal every concrete surface in the basement with a quality waterproofing paint that expands in the pores of the concrete. Water is then met with an impenetrable barrier between it and the basement of the house. These measures taken to reduce and block moisture from entering the basement will significantly reduce its odor.

Drain Maintenance

• An empty drain may be the problem if all the other problems did not take away the smell. If there is an open drain in the basement floor that looks dry, air from the vent stack that is connected to it may be entering the house. A quick solution to this problem is to prime the drain line by filling it with water to block the smelly air.