Q. How can I eliminate the stench coming from the ejector pump pit in my basement?
Alfred Ament, New Lenox
A. The sump that receives the discharge from the basement toilet, laundry and floor drain is tied to the home’s sewer system.
Sewage ejector pumps are required if the sewer line going out of the house to your city sewer line is above the floor level of the basement. There’s a chance that sewer gas can back up into the pit in your basement.
This sometimes happens when the water evaporates in the trap of a seldom-used drain such as in a basement floor.
You can try adding a cup of vegetable oil to the trap to reduce the evaporation in the drain.
Another possible cause of odor is improper venting. Water flushed down a second-floor drain can suck water out of an improperly vented trap.
High winds blowing over an improperly connected through-the-roof vent can also suck water out of a trap. Vents can be plugged by debris such as leaves or birds’ nests.
If you hear a gurgling sound or if the water level in a first-floor toilet changes when an upstairs toilet is flushed, this may mean the vent is plugged.
Another possibility is the sump’s check valve, which is designed to block sewage from backing up into the home, might be getting stuck open because of lint or debris. If there is no check valve on the floor drains and on the sewage ejector, you may have to install one.
Also, the sump should have a sealed lid to keep the smell out of the basement.
Q. I have small children who insist on leaving their bedroom doors cracked open at night.
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Problem is, when I leave the doors slightly ajar, they slowly swing themselves wide open.
I’ve resorted to holding the door with the closest stuffed animal!
I’m sure there’s an easier way to make sure they stay put.
It’s a newer construction house, and I don’t recall this problem happening when I first moved in.
John Bourjaily, Hinsdale
A. As a house settles, doors can sag or become misaligned. You can try adjusting the hinges or tighten any loose hinge screws.
If the screws can’t be tightened, try replacing the screws.