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Old 05-06-2017, 03:49 PM   #1
Looch City
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Default Bad smell in basement stairwell

Hey wondering if any of you guys have experienced something like this...

I've been noticing an odour coming from the top 5-6 steps of the basement stairwell. It just smells like garbage and sewer sometimes. No smell in the actual basement or main floor of the house, it's restricted to just the stairwell.

Reading online that it could be plumbing vents that are blocked/cracked. Big expenditure coming soon?

Recommend any plumbers?
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Old 05-06-2017, 03:56 PM   #2
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If it's by a step/concrete patio/deck on an exterior wall, you might want to check for skunks nesting. Happened here about 7 years ago.
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Old 05-06-2017, 04:11 PM   #3
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Any chance you've just installed Murano glass lighting? My stairs smelled like fish for the longest time. Finally traced it to the five pendant lights.

You could tell if the plumbing vents are blocked because your sinks won't drain very well. I don't think a crack in a vent would amount to much but maybe.

Dead mice in the basement ceiling/main level floor? Probably something dead. Maybe something outside and underground that is thawing out and heating up in the warm weather?

Possibly a toilet leak and actual sewage? That could accumulate slowly in the ceiling/floor.

Pictures?
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Old 05-06-2017, 04:19 PM   #4
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You can't store dead bodies in your basement forever. Eventually you have to do something with them
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Old 05-06-2017, 04:44 PM   #5
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You might want to go snooping around to see if there is a leak coming through the foundation somewhere. Wet drywall can smell like that so just feel around for any damp or wet spots.
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Old 05-06-2017, 05:24 PM   #6
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Alternative could be a dead animal that spent the winter frozen and is finally thawed.

Are you missing a child or pet?
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Old 05-06-2017, 05:44 PM   #7
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Is there a drain near the bottom of the stairs?. If there is lift the cover off to see if there is any water in it. The trap might be dry allowing sewer odors to enter into the house. might have a harder time smelling them right near the floor as it will collect up near the ceiling or in your case the top of the stairs.

Pour about 10 Litres of water down it if it looks dry or low this will fill up the trap (you can't see the trap) and block the odors. If it works problem solved just remember to check it in case you have a crack in the pipe causing the water to slowly leak out. Should be good for months but the water will eventually evaporate again so throw a few Litres down it every 3 months.

Hope this helps.
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Old 05-06-2017, 06:01 PM   #8
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Dead hooker?
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Old 05-06-2017, 06:11 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nage Waza View Post
Alternative could be a dead animal that spent the winter frozen and is finally thawed.

Are you missing a child or pet?
Even a dead mouse can create a big stench.
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Old 05-06-2017, 06:14 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nage Waza View Post

Are you missing a child or pet?
lol
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Old 05-06-2017, 06:23 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Svartsengi View Post
Is there a drain near the bottom of the stairs?.
We had this (dried floor drains stinking) happen a couple times. Could also be a gas leak, but I am assuming you know what that smells like?
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Old 05-06-2017, 06:35 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GGG View Post
You can't store dead bodies in your basement forever. Eventually you have to do something with them
Quite true.

John Wayne Gacy killed over 30 teenage boys in his home in Chicago in the 70s. He hid them in his crawlspace. Eventually the detectives investigating were led by the stench, and discovered what Gacy had done.
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Old 05-06-2017, 06:39 PM   #13
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My smell question is related but not as bad. What would make a basement smell "wet"? Just kind of a musty, cool dampness. It's half finished, and of course the smell is primarily in the rooms that are finished. The carpets seem dry and the drywall seems fine (but I wouldn't know how to tell honestly).
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Old 05-06-2017, 06:52 PM   #14
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Do you flush or do you prefer a garbage can?
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Old 05-06-2017, 07:08 PM   #15
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It's calgaryblood's poo filled garbage can.
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Old 05-06-2017, 07:18 PM   #16
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Who owned the property before you?

Did they inexplicity travel long distances in the middle of the night?
Did they change vehicle, or alter their cars paint job every so often?
Did they change their appearance often?
Di they often dig or do construction work at all hours of the night?
Did they carry large duffel bags out to their garage during strange hours?
Did they ahve unexplained scratches and/or bite marks on their arms, face, or torso?

Last edited by ToewsFan; 05-06-2017 at 07:23 PM.
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Old 05-06-2017, 07:30 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ToewsFan View Post
Who owned the property before you?

Did they inexplicity travel long distances in the middle of the night?
Did they change vehicle, or alter their cars paint job every so often?
Did they change their appearance often?
Di they often dig or do construction work at all hours of the night?
Did they carry large duffel bags out to their garage during strange hours?
Did they ahve unexplained scratches and/or bite marks on their arms, face, or torso?
You're about 2 more serial killer related posts away from going on a list.
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Old 05-06-2017, 07:34 PM   #18
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you can buy cheap little moisture readers on amazon for 20 bucks, great way to find damp spots leaks etc, have 2 prongs on the end you push into drywall
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Old 05-06-2017, 07:42 PM   #19
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Dead hooker?
Is this supposed to be funny?
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Old 05-06-2017, 07:47 PM   #20
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Someone has found calgaryblood's stash.
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