The floor drain in our old Ottawa basement smells terrible - is this a problem for finishing the basement?

Yes, a smelly floor drain is definitely a problem that needs to be addressed before finishing your basement. That odor typically indicates sewer gas is escaping through a dried-out trap or damaged drain system, which poses both health risks and code compliance issues for any renovation.

The most common cause in Ottawa's older homes is a dry P-trap - the curved section of pipe that should hold water to block sewer gases. In basements that aren't used regularly, this water evaporates over months or years, allowing methane and hydrogen sulfide to rise through the drain. Simply pouring a bucket of water down the drain and waiting 24 hours often solves the problem if it's just a dry trap.

However, if the smell persists after refilling the trap, you're dealing with a more serious issue. Cracked or damaged drain pipes are common in Ottawa homes built before 1980, especially those with original clay or cast iron drainage systems. Tree roots, ground settling from our freeze-thaw cycles, or simply age can create breaks that allow sewer gas to escape. This becomes a major concern when finishing a basement because building codes require proper ventilation and you can't enclose areas with active sewer gas leaks.

For basement finishing projects, the Ontario Building Code requires all drainage systems to be functional and properly trapped. If you're planning a secondary suite or rental unit, this becomes even more critical as you'll need building permit approval and inspections. The City of Ottawa building inspector will flag any drainage issues during the rough-in inspection phase.

Professional assessment is essential if the simple water refill doesn't solve the problem. A licensed plumber can camera-inspect the drain line to identify breaks, blockages, or structural issues. In Ottawa's clay soil conditions, we often see foundation settling that damages older drainage systems. Repairs might range from $500 for a simple trap replacement to $3,000-8,000 for excavation and pipe replacement if the issue extends under your foundation.

Don't attempt to simply cover or ignore the problem during finishing - sewer gas is both a health hazard and a code violation. Address the drainage issue first, then proceed with your basement renovation. For a comprehensive basement finishing project that includes proper coordination with licensed plumbers and building code compliance, contact Ottawa Basements for a free consultation.