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    calista77's Avatar
    calista77 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jan 11, 2008, 05:06 PM
    Occasional septic smell when washing machine is used
    Our house is a 3 year old split entry with the laundry room in the basement. In the last 2 months I've noticed a strong septic odor coming from the laundry room but only once in a while... maybe every 3 out of 7 washes. The septic tank (1000L) was pumped in September and this is the only area in the house where the smell is located. The smell, when it comes, disappears after a few hours. We have all the proper plumbing connections, p traps, etc. I've tried putting vinegar in the washing machine (full cycle, hot water) but the smell keeps returning. We do have a vent on the roof of the house, it is all up to code and isn't blocked. Can you think of anything else that it might be?
    doug238's Avatar
    doug238 Posts: 1,560, Reputation: 62
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    #2

    Jan 12, 2008, 06:57 AM
    What else is connected to that line?
    calista77's Avatar
    calista77 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Jan 12, 2008, 02:38 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by calista77
    Our house is a 3 year old split entry with the laundry room in the basement. In the last 2 months I've noticed a strong septic odor coming from the laundry room but only once in a while...maybe every 3 out of 7 washes. The septic tank (1000L) was pumped in September and this is the only area in the house where the smell is located. The smell, when it comes, disappears after a few hours. We have all the proper plumbing connections, p traps, etc. I've tried putting vinegar in the washing machine (full cycle, hot water) but the smell keeps returning. We do have a vent on the roof of the house, it is all up to code and isn't blocked. Can you think of anything else that it might be?
    There is a laundry tub that is connected as well...
    doug238's Avatar
    doug238 Posts: 1,560, Reputation: 62
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    #4

    Jan 12, 2008, 06:23 PM
    I sat here for 20 minutes pondering this. The only thing that could smell would be 1- a spill, 2- a backup, 3- no trap, 4- a leak inside or behind the machine, 5- a dead critter, or a clogged vent. Other than that I am not thinking of it right now.
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