The laundry room is a place where you spend lots of time sorting and doing the laundry.
Although there might be odors because there is dirty laundry, sometimes this can signal an underlying issue.
You might have noticed unpleasant odors that don’t seem to be normal. If your laundry room smells like sewer, there is probably a hidden problem that you need to tackle immediately.
Why does your laundry room smell like a sewer, and how to solve it? In this post, we share the ultimate guide for revealing the issue and fixing it. Once you go through it, you will know how to make your laundry room smell fresh and clean as it used to do before!
Why the laundry room smells like sewer?
A laundry room that smells like a sewer is a huge problem for your household, and it isn’t all about the discomfort. The fumes can be a safety concern, so you are advised to discover the root of the problem as soon as possible. Methane is a sewer gas that can be hazardous if accumulated in large quantities. The high levels of methane gas in the air can cause dizziness, vomiting, weakness, headaches, and other symptoms that might end up with a loss of consciousness. On the other hand, it is essential to note that this gas is very flammable.
The odors can be a sign of an underlying issue related to the drainage system. The unpleasant sewer smell results from bacteria buildup in the washing machine’s drains. This issue can be caused by problems in the drainage system, such as blockage, leaks, or flooding.
Dirty washing machine
A laundry room that smells like sewer doesn’t have to indicate an underlying problem with the drainage. A dirty washing machine can cause it, so be sure first to check this to avoid any further inconveniences. The machine will gather dirt and grime, promoting bacteria and mold growth that produce unpleasant odors. Inspect the washing machine’s interior to see any signs of mold. Focus on the door crevices and detergent drawer compartments, as these are most likely to get dirty.
You should give the washing machine a deep cleaning to fix this issue. Use a water and soap solution and a brush to remove the dirt and grime from the tiniest crevices of the washing machine. Make sure to do regular cleaning to avoid foul odors.
Improperly installed p-trap
A p-trap is installed on the washing machine draining pipes. The curvy pipe contains a small amount of water, which blocks the sewer gasses from entering the washing machine and being released into the space. If the p-trap is improperly installed, the odor-blocking system doesn’t work. When the hose is inserted too far into the drainage box, it will go beyond the water barrier. In this case, all you need to do is install the p-trap properly to enable it to serve its function of preventing odors.
Venting problems
Clogs in the venting pipes can be a source of the problem. The venting pipes allow the gasses to be expelled through an opening in the roof. Even more minor clogs can trap the gasses and don’t let them go up in the pipes, resulting in a bad smell. You can identify clogs by looking down at the draining line with light. If there are clogs, you can use a snake or another tool to unclog the pipes. If you haven’t had experience with such tools, it is better to call a professional to fix this.
Sewer problems
A damaged sewer line is one of the worst problems, but rest assured that this is not a common reason for smells. However, you would want to get it checked if you can’t find the root of the problem. The cracked pips can leak the sewage material, causing unpleasant odors. This problem can get messy, so it is better to call a professional plumber to have it resolved.
Washing machine leaks
A leak in the washing machine can be another possible cause of laundry room odors. The dirty water that leaks can mix with bacteria and produce unpleasant smells. The problem can get even worse if the moisture has damaged the floor.
How to remove odors
Some of the problems that result in a foul odor should be solved by a professional. However, there are a few DIY ways to remove the funky odors.
Use bleach
We already mentioned that a dirty washing machine could house bacteria and molds that produce unpleasant sewer smells. Even if the smell persists after you scrub the inner part, it is time for a bleach wash. Add bleach to a hot cycle to make sure the inside of the washing machine is perfectly clean. The bleach will kill the bacteria responsible for odors, so your laundry doesn’t smell like sewer anymore.
Provide ventilation
Poor ventilation can trap the odors in your laundry room. If the space is small, the fumes and gasses will have no place to escape, and they will accumulate. An exhaust fan or an opened window will release the games and let fresh air in.
Use vinegar and baking soda
A combination of soap scum and hair can cause a clog in the pipes. Even though this is a minor clog, it will trap bacteria and produce an unpleasant smell. Luckily, you can rely on a DIY cleaning method to release the pipe blockages. All you need to do is pour baking soda down the drain. Follow up with vinegar to create a reaction that will dissolve the logs and release them. Leave it for 15 minutes and rinse with hot water to wash away the debris. When The debris is cleared, the source of odors is eliminated, and your laundry room won’t smell like a sewer.
Final thoughts
A laundry room that smells like a sewer can indicate underlying issues with the drainage and vent pipes or simply be a cause of a dirty washing machine. Be sure to inspect all the reasons to discover the problem and apply our solutions to end the foul odors.