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About Sharon McCarthy
Expertise
I can help with most questions about residential plumbing problems including septic systems, and some questions about irrigation. I have no experience with commercial installations or codes.

Experience
I have been a sole-proprietor service plumber in two small towns north of Phoenix Arizona for 26 years.

Publications
I had a monthly column in the United Steelworkers of America, local 1033, newsletter 1978 to 1982. I wrote an article for "The Theosophist" in 1977. I've written dozens of letters to the editor in many newspapers.

Education/Credentials
High school and three years of college. My step-father, having worked 40 years in the plumbing trade in Chicago, taught me for two years. The rest has been hands-on experience.

Past/Present Clients
Many hundreds of good people in Cave Creek and Carefree Arizona

You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > Plumbing in the Home > sewage smell- washing machine

Plumbing in the Home - sewage smell- washing machine

Expert: Sharon McCarthy - 10/31/2009

Question
I detect a sewage smell during washing laundry (we have a septic system). I have never detected the smell anywhere else in the house. There is a U-shaped trap connected to the bottom of the drain line in the basement. The washer drain hose is at the same height as the washer. We typically wash on the cold cycle. The water by itself does not smell. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thank you.

Answer
Dear Keith,

  Sewer odors are the most maddening problems to solve! I get several "sewer smell" questions a week, and it's always the same...because I'm here sitting at my computer and not there smelling this odor it's very hard to pinpoint the origin. There are a number of possibilities.

  Your set-up, the pipe with a trap, the hose going in at the top is standard. It's possible that when the water is pumped out it creates an air pocket as it's shooting through the trap and this might allow some sewer gas to come up.

  I have a suggestion. If you can find some flexible material, maybe some pantyhose-type fabric, wrap it around the drain hose going into the pipe so the spaces are completely blocked. You might have to wrap some baling wire around the hose and then around the top of the pipe to keep it all jammed in there. Then run a load and see if this helps. If not, write back and I'll think some more. Sharon

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