# Are Sump Pump Odors Turning Your Stomach? What You Can Do About Them > Making necessary repairs requires a professional plumber. Here are a few likely explanations for sump pump odors. Are foul smells emanating from the basement? Sump pump odors are telling you something’s wrong. A sump pump is an [essential safeguard against flooding](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/flooded-basement-safety-cleanup-checklist.html) from interior or external sources. Situated in a covered basin in the floor, the pump may be activated by groundwater rising up from below the foundation, by an inundation due to a ruptured pipe in the house above or  floodwater entering from outdoors. [![plumber's tools](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/plumbers-tools-e1423758717522-300x200.jpg)](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/plumbers-tools-e1423758717522.jpg)While all you need is your nose to realize something’s not right, pinpointing the actual problem in the [sump pump system](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/sump-pump-solutions.html) and making necessary repairs requires the expertise and skills of a [professional plumber](http://rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html). Here are a few likely explanations for sump pump odors: ## Dry Drain Trap If the sump basin incorporates a drain connected to the sewer line, water in a U-shaped trap inside the drain pipe functions to seal out sewage odors. If the trap dries out during long intervals with no flow, sewer gas will leak into the home carrying pungent odors. ## Broken Sewer Line A sewer line located in or beneath the foundation may be ruptured or leaking. Raw sewage from the line percolates into ground water below the basement floor that eventually rises into the sump basin. If the pump is operational,  tainted ground water is pumped out of the sump basin as it rises. However, sufficient sewage residue remains to cause odors that infiltrate the home. A plumber can determine if sewage is infiltrating ground water and track down the leak. ## Stagnant Water If the sump pump never fully empties the basin, a defective or binding float switch may be at fault. The constant presence of water in the basin causes stagnation that produces odor. A plumber will drain the basin entirely and test operation of the pump to set the proper on/off levels of the float switch. He can also rinse the basin and pump a mixture of bleach and water through the discharge line to deodorize the entire system. For professional service to track down sump pump odors and resolve the cause, contact [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html). *Image via [Shutterstock.com](http://www.shutterstock.com)* ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/sump-pump-odors-turning-stomach-can.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/sump-pump-odors-turning-stomach-can.html)