Sewage smell when washer on!

[Suade7]

I know this sounds really strange, but I am at a loss as to how to sort this problem out. I rent a small, very old cottage, which is in the middle of absolutely no where with a septic tank outside (not sure if this is anything to do with the problem). About 8 or so months ago I brought a new washing machine, its plumbed in fine. However every time, I have not used my washer for even just a day or so, when my washer has been spinning for about 30 or so minutes, the kitchen fills with a real nasty, stagnant/sewage smell and I am at a loss as to what it could possibly be. All of the clothes smell lovely when they come out, so I know its nothing to do with the water - has anybody got any ideas what this could be. Thank you in advance, I know this is a bit bizzare. Suede7

[Suade7]

Hi docspook,

The waist pipe does not go up and over and is not as high as the washer, it runs out of the back in a straight ----ish line.

I am not sure what traps are?

xxxxxx

[Clanad]

It's also possible, especially considering the age of your cottage, that the system has not been vented. Each waste water pipe must be vented to the roof of the house to prevent just what you're experiencing. Several can be manifolded together so there maybe only one pipe coming out of the roof. If the vent pipe does exist, it could be blocked...

[Suade7]

Hi Clanad,

Could this in anyway mean dirty water could be in with my clothes when washing? Should I arrange for a plumber to come and have a look, or could it be something I could sort out?

Thank you so much for your advice,xxx

[Clanad]

The trap doc references is called a "P" trap here in the U.S. Somewhere in the waste pipe shortly after the connection between the outflow from you washer is required to be a "S" looking pipe (imagine it turned on it's side) that always stays filled with water to prevent gasses from coming back into the house. Looks like this http://wetheadmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/pic tures/2008/11/p-trap.jpg ...
A word of caution... so far you've only complained about the smell, but the gasses coming out of a septic tank can be deadly. You really need to have the system looked at...

[GEEMAC]

I think the key word in your question is 'rent'. Explain the problem to your landlord/lady and keep badgering them until the problem is sorted.

[Mr Veritas]

We have our septic tank emptied every 2 years,when was yours last drained?
If it it is too full the smell might be backing up on you/

[Segilla]

My machine exits waste water into a pipe which sends it on down one floor into the mains sewer. I don't understand why this smell is not always present, but if I was that bothered, (living alone I use the machine only twice a week), I would get a piece of old bicycle inner tube and fix it over the flexible U tube from the machine and the vertical pipe. That should make an airtight seal - but I can't answer for smells which may then emerge from the sink overflow.

[prodraught]

I am pretty sure there is no trap on your washing machine waste, or the trap is cracked and not holding water - this is the only way smells can get back.