There's a box in the wall behind the washer and the flexible tube runs up the wall and then empties into a pipe that is in that box then the pipe runs down to the sewer line. There is also a wash tub sink right next to the washer. I took the face plate off the box and smelled all around and couldn't detect any smell like is in the shower. What are you thinking?

I was wondering if there was a standpipe with no trap. The pipe inside the wall is the standpipe but you may not have access to see if its trapped.

I don't have a way to tell if it has a trap. If there wasn't a trap would that cause a smell in the garage (where the washer and dryer are) or could it travel through to the shower?

Probably not related after all. After reading your post #17 ithought they were right next to each other, sorry I am lost on this one.

Thank you so much for your ideas! We too are stumped and going a little crazy. When we find out what's going on I'll let you know. Thank you again for your time.

One other thought. They are right next to each other. They have a wall separating them and the shower (and rest of house) sits shoulder height above the garage/washer.


Hi. We tried stripping all of the tile, deep cleaning it with a pourous cleaner and then resealing. We removed the shower heads and valves and cleaned them as well. The smell is still there. I've been keeping a time and strength of smell chart because the smell is fluctuating so much throughout the day. Today it was mild smell and then about 5 minutes later I ran the dishwasher and 5 minutes after that the washing machine and then 5 minutes after that I walked by the bathroom and the smell was overwhelmingly strong. Any other ideas?

I ran the dishwasher and 5 minutes after that the washing machine and then 5 minutes after that I walked by the bathroom and the smell was overwhelmingly strong. Any other ideas?
I'm begaining to wonder if there's a blocked vent and the discharge from the washer, or drainage from other fixtures, doesn't suckthe trap seal down in the shower trap.
BOB? Any ideas? Tom

Got one idea, this post started in 10/07 so I think they drown in the smell by now. LOL

Bob,
Pisser started this back in 07. Don piggybacked his post in March and last posted today. This thread's still active, so whadda you think? Tom

Tom thank you so much for your idea. If the smell is strongest within 10 minutes after starting the washer or dishwasher could that still be the case or would the appliance not have drained yet? It's a front loading washer and takes about an hour to run a load of laundry.

Not sure Don,
You must realize that smells and weird noises are the hardest to track down when you're on site and just about impossible when you're not.
All we can do is point out likely spots. To check the shower trap , run a load of wash. After the washer unloads remove the shower strainer from the drain and shove a rod down the drain until it hits the bottom of the trap. How much water's on the end of the rod? I'm grasping at straws here. Regards, Tom