It's more a dirty laundry water smell. And it's coming from the laundry area. What could be happening? There is no water spilled or clogging anywhere. It could be the septic tank being full, but then I think it would smell more like sewer. It's just the smell you get if you forget your washing and leave it in there for three days. Only stronger. What should I look for? I'm worried that there might be a broken pipe under the floor or something. If that were true, who would I call? I'm getting crazy about it. Help!
2006-11-14 08:03:39 · 22 answers · asked by brer 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If it smells like moldy or mildew sort of odor, it could be socks or other small laundry items that have floated up over the washing machine wash basket and gotten stuck behind the washing tub inside the machine, call for washing machine repair, they will take the washer apart and may find some moldy laundry stuck inside there.
2006-11-14 09:35:50 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I will tell you what my smell was and maybe that will help. The water softer sits right next to the washer and dryer. There is a drain line on the softer that hooks into my main drain line. I kept getting a bad smell in the house and it was stronger on the upper floors. It took some time to track it down. The drain line on the softer went dry. There was no water in the trap (the "U" shape of a drain pipe like a sink drain pipe) As soon as I put some water in the drain pipe the smell was gone. If you have a drain in the room that has not been used for a long time try putting about a gallon of water down the drain. This will fill up the trap in the line and stop the smell from coming up. I do this every month for the two drains that are not used. I can't cover the drains they are used for when something doesn't work right. Then the water will go down the drain and not all over my floor. I hope I never need them! LOL
2006-11-14 17:02:34 · answer #2 · answered by n0zyx 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello,
You may have a plugged or broken vent pipe. This is a pipe that goes through the roof. There are codes as to exactly this pipes placement in the plumbing system in your house. To test vents, place a condom, or a peice of saran wrap over the top of the pipe and run water the ballon should be pulled into the pipe. Do Not leave these on the pipes! If you cannot safley get on your roof to do this...DONT DO IT! The smell you smell is probably from gray water which comes usually from sinks and laundry washing machines. If you have a newer home, the hose that drains the wash water could not be making it to the pipe as some newfangled contraptions have the drain plumbed into a modular plastic unit near the water shut off valves for the washer. Check and make sure that the drain hose is not leaking water into your wall. Sometimes the traps in the drains for washing machines get plugged with fabric softner and socks. Especially childrens small socks can make it through the pump in the washer and get stuck there near the drain trap (a trap makes it so gas cannot get back into the house) then the socks get coated with fabric softner and dead detergent.
Hope I have been helpful.
2006-11-15 00:14:01 · answer #3 · answered by markinnh03451 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you have a raised foundation it's not likely that it's a broken pipe. I live in an area where everyone is on septic systems. My neighbor across the street, his system frequently overflows because his leach field isn't big enough. The overflow runs out onto the street but doesn't have a sewer-like smell. That's probably because it only happens when he does too much laundry or dishes at one time. If it's been a while since your last pumping, I recommend you have it done. Most places charge about $150 or less. It's worth it, you don't want to have your toilets start backing up.
2006-11-14 19:09:33 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can't see any visible puddles of water any where. I would start by having the septic tank cleaned or emptied. If it doesn't go away then call a plumber. You may be right in thinking broke pipe under the floor. Good Luck.
Are you sure it is not the washer smelling? Try using hot water and bleach in an empty wash cycle and see if that helps.
2006-11-14 16:08:23 · answer #5 · answered by Just asking 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you have a floor drain?? If so the water in the trap may dried out and allowed the drain to vent the septic. Pour in some water and if the drain is never used buy some RV anti freeze and and pour in a cup--it will not dry out. And check any other drains that are not used regularly--like laundry tub. And if you have a covered sump/ejector pump the seal may be bad. For that you need a plumber.
2006-11-14 16:08:58 · answer #6 · answered by NuncProTunc 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you looked for "dry traps" yet? Each drain in your house has a "U" shape in drain pipe to hold a bit of water and hold back sewer gas from coming back up. Check all anything with sewer drainand floor drains that don't get used often. Poor some water into them. Then wait for the air to clear ! Hopefully
2006-11-14 20:28:21 · answer #7 · answered by prariegrass 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you check the lint screen on your Washer? If so, run a load or 2 of laundry through with baking soda.Check underneath everything and make sure there is no dead animal,such as mice. This is the time of year them enter the house. And they Do Smell Like Sewer..Good Luck.
2006-11-14 16:07:18 · answer #8 · answered by ruth4526 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could possibly have some water that settled somewhere in the walls, floorboards, or under the house that has gone stagnant. Call a plumber or your landlord to come check it out.
2006-11-14 16:05:23 · answer #9 · answered by Jennifer F 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That awful smell is coming from your rooftop vent pipes because thats the way they are designed. Vent pipe filters are the solution. For more info go to www.ventpipefilters.com
2006-11-16 19:17:54 · answer #10 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋