I have noticed a sewage smell coming from our washing machine recently. It seems to occur shortly after running the machine. The drum appears to have drained completely (no water in drum). We are on a city waste system and do not have a septic tank. This smell seems to have occurred since we began renovating a half bathroom. This bathroom currently has all of the fixtures removed. Although there is no bad smell from the bathroom, just from the washing machine. Not sure if this is related but the timing is suspicious.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. This is driving me nuts.

Are you sure it is coming from the washing machine and not the drain pipe? If so you may have a clog in that drain. Other than that I have no idea.

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Originally Posted by stonewilder

Are you sure it is coming from the washing machine and not the drain pipe? If so you may have a clog in that drain. Other than that I have no idea.

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It appears to be coming from the washing machine which seems to be functioning, in that the clothes are getting clean and do not smell and the drum is completely draining. There is also a slop sink next to the washer that does not seem to emit any odors.

" the drum is completely draining."
Not quite. The washer tub has a sump that the water drains back into from the hose after the pump shuts off. There's always some wash water left in your tub.
It sounds to me like you may bhave some bacteria growing down in the sump.
Tonight before you go to bed pour 1/2 gallon of bleach in the tub and close the lid. Next morning cycle the washer to flush it out. Smell better now?
Good luck, Tom

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Originally Posted by speedball1

" the drum is completely draining."
Not quite. The washer tub has a sump that the water drains back into from the hose after the pump shuts off. there's always some wash water left in your tub.
it sounds to me like you may bhave some bacteria growing down in the sump.
Tonight before you go to bed pour 1/2 gallon of bleach in the tub and close the lid. Next morning cycle the washer to flush it out. Smell better now?
good luck, Tom

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Thanks for the advice. I'll try it this evening. If this resolves the problem wouldn't it just be masking another problem that will re-occur?

If this resolves the problem wouldn't it just be masking another problem that will re-occur?
Bleach will kill the bacteria that causes the smell not just mask iit so it will return. Regards, Tom