Sewage smell when washing machine starts

When I moved in my washer was doing causing a stink. The entire drain pipe for the washer hose was kinda home made and not to any code that I know of.

The force of the water down the drain stack was washing out the water seal what little there was and letting sewer gases vent into the area. We changed the size of the pipes, installed a better trap and all is well now. Later, George. This photo is NOT the 'my house' problem that I posted above. Rather, just a picture of some home made plumbing that will cause exactly the same problem the OP has. Given the design, or lack of design, any water seal in this pipe is quickly wash out due to the lack of venting.

Edited to add that this plumbing would work if a legal vent was installed at the cast iron hub to PVC connection. May 4, at pm. Yes it was, another sign of a pro design, likely with some HD plumbing department help.

Thank you movingsoon! I've been hesitating starting a thread called "my basement smells like farts - why? You beat me to the punch and with a heck of a lot more class. Genius that I am I thought it had something to do with the "gas" dryer. I will be speaking to my plumber pronto! If these strategies fail to remove the sewer smell in your washing machine, contact EcoClean.

Stubborn odors are a sign of cracked drain lines, vent pipes, or other larger issues. EcoClean has over 30 years of experience specializing in sewer and drain maintenance, repair, and cleaning. Call today! View all posts by: ecoclean. Run a load of hot water through the washing machine without clothes. Add a cup of distilled white vinegar to the load. Persistent sewer smells require the attention of a professional plumber, as these odors may pose a toxic, flammable threat.

Run a small load of hot water with no clothes. Add a cup of half baking soda and half distilled white vinegar to the load. If this seems to have an effect but the smell still lingers, do the same with a cup of bleach instead of vinegar and baking soda. Run a final load of just hot water. After the load, leave the machine's door open and allow the washer to dry completely.

These remedies clean the buildup of dirt, detergent and water residue that collect in the drum, which emits a musty odor easily mistaken for sewage. Locate your washer's floor drain, typically a circular grate in close proximity of the machine. Pour a gallon of water down the drain. This helps restore water to evaporated drain traps, which lead to the release of sewer gas.