How to Get Rid of a Sewer Smell From a Sump Pit

How to Get Rid of a Sewer Smell From a Sump Pit
Written By
Gail Delaney
Gail Delaney
Published: Dec 19, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Sump pits are not only for home use. They are in places such as hospitals or car repair shops where they collect a variety of liquids. Clean your sump pit periodically to keep foul smells to a minimum.

Things You Will Need

  • Water
  • Garden hose
  • Bleach
  • Scrub brush
  • Oil
  • Heavy gloves
  • Work lights
  1. Remove the cover of the pit. Disconnect the sump pump from the electrical outlet and remove it from the pit, or leave it in so it can pump the gunk out.

  2. Spray the walls and bottom of the sump pit with a garden hose. The pump will do its job and pump the gunk away. If your garden hose won’t reach, scrape and scoop the crud from the walls.

  3. Keep spraying until the water is clear.

  4. Clean the walls of the pit with bleach and a scrub brush. Use as much bleach as you need to get the job done. This sanitizes the pit and slows the sour smell from returning.

  5. Mix the bleach to a ratio of 1 oz. to a cup of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray the walls of the pit as you scrub. You can scoop the gunk into a bucket, or use your wet-vac and suck it up if you have disconnected the pump.

  6. Add 1 to 2 tbsp.of oil in the sump pump crock. The oil helps seal it so the smell will not come through.

The Drip Cap

  • Sump pits collect water and other fluids.
  • This sanitizes the pit and slows the sour smell from returning.
  • You can scoop the gunk into a bucket, or use your wet-vac and suck it up if you have disconnected the pump.
  • Add 1 to 2 tbsp.of oil in the sump pump crock.

Photo Credits

Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Gail Delaney

Gail Delaney is a writer in South Dakota and has articles published online at various websites. She is the garden editor for BellaOnline, with years of gardening experience. Being the caretaker of her parents led her in the direction of…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.