I occasionally have a sewer gas smell near my washer. But after I run the washer, the smell will go away for a few days. What could the problem be?

Confirm that the sewer trap is working. The sewer trap for a washer is the pipe connection where the washer drain hose connects.

It would not be likely that the trap is a problem. Sewer gas and mold can smell similar. Smell around the hose connection. Some older homes just simply had a drain to the outside
Next this machine is a top loader and if it is being used several times a week the problem is likely around the tub on top. Mold will form in the tub under the basket if it is not run weekly. Normal wash cycle in a top loader should keep under the basket clear. If a week or so occurs between use then the problem can be under the basket at the bottom of the tub. Use bleach, vinegar, or baking soda in moderation to clear.

It is more likely that the problem is around the top of the top. this requires opening the top and swinging it back to get access. Make sure power is removed before attempting.

Cleaning a little bleach, soap and water.


this helps?

When you next get the smell, check the traps to see if there is enough water in there to fill the trap, if one is less then it looks like water is getting sucked out when toilet is flushed or that trap (usually bath or shower) hasn't had water going in (lack of use) and water has partially evaporated.

The tub is probably pretty dirty. Try cleaning the washer with CLR.
Visit this information:
http://www.ehow.com/info_8053120_clr-clean-washing-machines.html

are there any floor drains in the room and an unused bathtub or shower? if so the water may have evaporated from the trap and allow the sewer gas smell. try pouring water into all the drains and see if it is still happening. more elaborate problem may be a broken vent stack in a wall.

Sounds like you have an intermittently blocked vent pipe (the one that goes out through your roof). If there is gas pressure in the downstream sewer line and it can't get up through the vent, it could bubble up through your toilet or sinks. I would get up on the roof with a few jugs of powerful drain cleaner and dump them into your vents. You might also run a few dozen gallons of water down those vents after the drain cleaner has had time to work.
Good luck!

jajoy,

Did you connect the sanitary pipe stack to the sewer line that takes away the flushed effluent? Check to see that the pipe is connected, not leaking sewer gas, not plugged up with an animal carcass, and that the pipe extends through your roof three feet past the roof line (keeps smell out of house).

How long between times when you use it? Any leftover water in the washer will get stagnant and smell bad if it sits for a few days

All plumbing drains whether under a sink or the stand pipe drain, for a washer, are required by LAW to have a trap to prevent the sewer gases from entering a home.

Sewer gases are dangerous in many ways, not the least of which is the terrible smell. Sewer gas can build up and if allowed to accumulate near an appliance that operates on gas (LP or natural) can combust and cause a fire and/or an explosion.

Yes, if you can do the installation youself, do it ASAP, or contact a licensed plumber and have installed a proper drain trap for the sink and also make sure the drain that the washer is draining into, also has a trap in it.

This will have a profound impact on the smell and will help alleviate foul odors from your sewer lines.

Hope you found this Very Helpful and best regards!

Does the sewer drain line have a trap at the bottom that prevents sewer gas from entering the room? If the smell seems to be coming from the washer itself, run a wash cycle empty with a cup of baking soda, detergent and hot water to clean the interior.