Bad smell in basement stairwell

[DuffMan]

Originally Posted by taco.vidal

Is this supposed to be funny?

Nope, I am serious business.

[ToewsFan]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

You're about 2 more serial killer related posts away from going on a list.

Just don't put me on that list for deportation to the East for "resettlement" and I will be fine.

[Ducay]

As mentioned, check any drains (sinks, floor drains, (even a sump if its plumbed in), to see if their P-trap is dry. Pour some water down each either way just in case.

[Nancy]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

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).

Assuming you don't have a leak... The concrete slab will wick moisture and will also have condensation forming from winter into spring. Could be the walls too if they are improperly insulated. Do you have good air circulation down there? The floor problem is usually avoided by installing a floor system.

[topfiverecords]

It's probably

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by afc wimbledon

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

the ones without the prongs are better for walls, ceilings, anything that you can't or don't want to put holes in. I use one when looking at a use camper.

[TorqueDog]

You probably came home drunk one night, went into the basement, forgot you were in your own home, and peed in the stairwell.

At least, that's why most concrete stairwells smell funny.

[Looch City]

Originally Posted by Svartsengi

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.

Thank you!!

Checked the drain and sure enough, it looked rather dry. Poured water down there and now I'll monitor if the smell stays away.

And thanks for the comments everyone. I visually checked for moisture as well and couldn't spot anything.