DIY Network

Smelly House DIY's Finders Fixers team comes to the rescue for a couple with an odor problem in their home due to a leaky sump pump. From "Finders Fixers" episode DFFX-203

Tim Hockenberry, one of DIY's Finders Fixers home inspectors, helps a couple get rid of a smelly problem due to a leaking sump pump. Various moisture leaks and wet spots near the sump pump seem to be the odor culprit.

To fix the problem, Tim and the Finders Fixers team clean the sump pump, repair the leaks and sanitize the floor.

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	DIY Finders Fixers home inspector, Tim Hockenberry, comes to the rescue to convert this dirty, smelly sump pump...
	...into this hardly recognizable clean-as-new sump pump.
	Figure A

Cleaning the Sump Pump

Materials:

gloves
vinegar
scraper
garbage bags
self-adhesive gasket
drill
plastic cap
caulking gun

1. First put your gloves on and remove the pump cover.

2. Using a scraper, clean around the edges of the pump making sure none of the debris drops into the pump and adds to the toxic mix. Dispose of the debris immediately. Don't use a vacuum, which can risk spreading the toxic odor.

3. Clean the pump cover. Use water and vinegar to clean and deodorize.

4. Use the same vinegar and with a garden hose, flush out the inside of the sump pit. Turn on the pump drain and repeat.

5. Replace the clean pump cover. Seal with self-adhesive gasket (figure A) around the cover then drill into place.

6. Add a plastic cap and seal using a caulking gun.

	Figure B
	Figure C

Sanitize Floor

Materials:

broom
enzymatic cleaner
plastic drop cloth
slip-resistant paint

1. First clean the area by sweeping up any loose debris. Open any windows and/or doors for ventilation.

2. With the enzymatic cleaner in hand, spray the entire floor surface. Make sure to get good coverage around the entire area.

3. Allow the cleaner to soak into the concrete floor. To prevent the cleaner from evaporating too quickly, cover the area with a plastic drop cloth (figure B).

4. Once it has completely dried, seal the entire basement floor with a slip-resistant, satin finish paint (figure C).