What do I do if my washing machine smells like sewage?
Sometimes bad smells coming from your washing machine are a sign that something is not right.
It is time to investigate if you have noticed a rotten egg or sewer smell coming from your washing machine.It is unpleasant and could be harmful to you and your family.
Different smells can be caused by different things.You have to figure out what you are dealing with before you can solve it.
It could be a rotten egg smell or something else.Built-up dirt, mold, lint, and/or soap are the most likely culprits for the growth ofbacteria in your washer.
These things build up in the crevices of the drum and under the rubber seal if you don't clean your washing machine regularly.Something small like a wash cloth can get stuck behind the seal of a washing machine.The trapped item stays wet and becomes a breeding ground for mold andbacteria.
Natural gas leaks are not as common as another possibility.The rotten egg smell of natural gas can be detected when there is a leak because the utility companies add sulfur.If you suspect a natural gas leak, call your gas company.
Pull the rubber seal back and check for anything that might have been trapped.The seal needs to be cleaned.Use a rag and a solution.The built up soap scum, mold, and debris can be cleaned with bleach or vinegar.
The machine should be run on the hottest setting.For front-load washers, add a cup of baking soda to the detergent tray.When the machine is half full, add half a cup of baking soda and 2 cups of distilled white vinegar.
The washer door should be kept open so that it can dry.After each use, wipe the machine dry behind the rubber seal.It is recommended to periodically clean your washing machine.
If a sewer smell is coming from the washing machine itself, washing it per the manufacturer's instructions and getting in there and wiping down and in between crevices with a water/vinegar solution should get rid of the smell.
Pull your machine from the wall and remove the drain pipe.There are three main culprits to look for if you can smell sewage coming from the standing pipe.
There are two reasons why there is a p-trap for every drain in your home.It traps debris so it can't get too far into your system and cause a problem.It is easier to clean out a p-trap than it is to fix it.
It traps sewer gasses from your sewer pipes.There is always some water in a p-trap.The water prevents sewer gasses from leaking into your house through the drain.
Your washing machine/laundry room will smell like sewer if the p-trap is dry.If the drain hose connecting the machine to the p-trap was not installed correctly, the same is true.
The fix is to pour a gallon of water down the pipe.This should fix a dry p-trap.If you still smell sewage, it's a good idea to call a plumbing professional.
If you have a sewer smell on your hands, it's because there is a partial stop in the line.There will be more odors and possible backups if this is left unattended.
The sewer machine should clear this up.If you don't know how to use a sewer machine, you should call a plumbing professional.
Like the other pipes in your home, the standing pipe for your washing machine has a vent pipe.Vent pipes allow air to enter the system so water can flow through them and for sewer gasses to escape out of the house.
You can shine a flashlight down the vent pipe if it is safe.Look for leaves, bird's nest, or something that might be preventing sewer gasses from escaping the pipe.Go ahead if it is easy to pull out.Call someone with the proper training and tools to do the job for you.
It is not possible to cover every possible scenario in a single post.Most of the time, the problem of a sewer or rotten egg smell comes from your washing machine.
To prevent future smells, make sure you regularly clean your washing machine.Leave the door open so it can dry.There are products you can buy from a hardware store or online that can be used to keep the door open if you have pets or little ones.
You can always call or email us if you can't figure it out.
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