October in Canada brings cooler temperatures, rainy days, and more time spent indoors. Unfortunately, it also brings a common household problem that many Canadian homeowners overlook until it gets worse, a smelly basement floor drain.
Whether you live in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, or anywhere in between, the shift to fall can cause changes in your plumbing system that result in unpleasant odours. These smells often start small but can quickly signal bigger issues like clogs, sewer gas leaks, or even a pending backup.
Here’s what you need to know about why it happens in October, what you can safely do at home, and when it’s time to call the professionals at 24/7 Emergency Plumber.
Why Floor Drains Start Smelling in October
As the season changes, your plumbing system responds to several factors that make odours more likely:
- Dry traps from underuse
- Humidity build-up in closed basements
- Blocked drainage or buildup from leaves and debris
- Poor ventilation and lack of airflow
- Heavy rain pressure in municipal sewer lines
All these factors come together in October, creating the perfect storm for floor drain odours in homes across Canada.
What You Can Try Before Calling a Plumber
Some odour issues are easy to fix if caught early. Try these simple steps:
- Pour a few litres of water into the floor drain to reseal the trap
- Add a tablespoon of cooking oil to slow evaporation
- Use enzyme-based drain cleaners to break down buildup
- Check for gurgling or bubbling in other fixtures
If the smell keeps coming back or you notice any pooling water, it may be time to bring in a professional.
Why October Is the Best Time to Act
With cooler weather setting in across Canada, October is the right time to handle drain issues before winter makes them harder and costlier to fix. Once freezing temperatures set in, repairs become more difficult and costly. Smelly drains often indicate deeper issues that could lead to flooding, backups, or even burst pipes if left unchecked.
How We Fix Basement Drain Smells Across Canada
At 24/7 Emergency Plumber, we provide rapid-response plumbing and drainage services across major Canadian cities. Here’s how we help:
Snaking and High-Pressure Jetting
We remove blockages using powerful equipment, whether it’s hair, grease, or debris.
Drain Cleaning and Maintenance
We deep-clean your drain system to remove buildup and prevent future odours.
Sewer Line Repairs or Replacement
If the smell points to a damaged or collapsed sewer pipe, we can carry out necessary repairs before winter.
Sump Pump and Drain Tile Inspections
We inspect and service these systems to prevent backups and basement flooding.
Cities We Serve
We provide 24/7 support in:
Ontario: Toronto (Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, East York, Midtown, York), Mississauga, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Burlington, Ajax, Hamilton, Milton, Pickering, Oakville, and across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
British Columbia: Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Langley, North Vancouver
Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton
Quebec: Montreal
If you live in or near any of these areas, we’re ready to help with fast, professional service.
When It’s Time to Call
Get in touch if:
- The smell comes back repeatedly
- There’s standing water or slow drainage
- Other fixtures in the home are bubbling
- You’ve recently had a storm or rain
- Your basement has flooded before
Don’t wait for a backup to cause real damage. If your floor drain smells off, take care of it before winter arrives. We’ll send a professional plumber to inspect and solve the issue, quickly and safely.
📞 Call us now at 16479482730 or book a visit online.
We’ll find the issue, fix it fast, and keep your home safe and dry all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fall conditions like dry traps, indoor humidity, and less ventilation make odours more noticeable. Seasonal rain can also affect your sewer pressure.
Once a month is usually enough for unused basement drains. Add a bit of cooking oil to reduce evaporation.
It’s better to avoid bleach. It can damage pipes and release fumes when mixed with organic waste. Use enzyme cleaners instead.
Yes. We’re available 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
That could point to a bigger issue like a venting problem or a sewer line blockage. We’ll perform a system-wide check to identify the root cause.