[homeownerflux]

I am 1st owner of brand new, single-story house on a slab. I get 'wet-rusty-pipe' smell in 5x5' utility room, but ONLY when the outside temperature is 80 degrees +. Otherwise, no smell. W/D are hooked up in U. room but only used once about 3 months ago. I've 'rocked' the washer and no sound of sloshing water. No smell in any other part of the house, including 2 bathrms about 8' and 12' away from U. room. No problems with tub drainage or toilets/water levels. This little room is in the crook of the L-shaped house between attached garage and house. No smell in garage or pipe-entry points in U. room, even when the actual room smells. There is an air-conditioning vent and an outside fresh-air vent in the ceiling of U. room, but no smell when either is on or off. I looked at the 'crook' of the L on the outside of the house, which is a washed-rock garden area. There aren't many plants there, so not much watering. I dug back the rock and pulled up the weed-barrier and in the corner was very wet mud. I left this pulled back for about a week now and have been VERY careful with watering in this area and it seems to be drying up at a very slow rate. Looks like drier mud now. Any ideas?

[KISS]

See if the trap on anything in the utility room is drying out. That's the J, P or S shaped thing that should exist on most drains.

Is there a drain in the utility room?

How about a french drain or a large gap between the walls and the floor?

[speedball1]

KISS is on to something here.
If you don't use the washer for months be sure to fill the trap. Also, every washer has a sump where water collects and stays. Sniff the washer and if it smells cycle it and then pour a quart of bleach in and let it set over night. Next morning cycle the washer again to flush it out. If you have a laundry sink fill that trap also. Good luck, Tom