The waste water fills the trap below and creates a seal that prevents the sewer smell gasses from entering the home.
Sewer gas smell from washing machine drain. Innovative wastewater solutions that are powered to restore. A plumber came over scratched his head and didnt know what to do about my sewer gas problem and gave. Im assuming there is one but I cant be sure.
But sometimes when Ive seen washers installed its kind of almost an afterthought. In common with a sewer the still-air of your washing machine between washes is harboring the byproduct of anaerobic bacterial metabolism sewer organisms. A clogged drain pipe could collect soap hair and lint leading to bacteria growth which can smell like sewer gas coming from your washing machine.
If youre dealing with a dry p-trap this should fix it. The best way to tell is by pulling the machine away from the wall. And the same is true if the p-trap or the drain hose connecting the machine to the p-trap was not correctly installed.
If left unattended this blockage could cause problematic backups and even more smell spreading through your laundry room and home. Your front loader will smell like sewage if you do not take appropriate care of your machine. Now if youve ever looked under a sink and see the U-shaped drain pipe thats known as a trap.
I use the washing machine about once a week so the trap should not be drying out. Bacteria mold and mildew thrive in a damp and dark surfaces. Keep in mind Im on city water as well.
It doesnt seem to get the same kind of care and attention that a sink drain. When enough water drains out sewage gas starts coming up. See the next diagram for a typical washing machine drain.