I'm having an issue with my laundry room smelling really bad while the washing machine is running. The machine is next to a sink, and I've noticed that air and water bubbles come up from the sink drain during the wash cycle. After calling a plumber, they snaked the line, and the smell improved a bit, but it still lingers at times. I can still see bubbles rising in the sink's drain pipe, but they don't quite reach the sink itself. I checked the P-trap under the sink, and it seems to have water in it. I'm considering installing a studor vent under the sink, but I'm not sure if that will solve the problem, especially since I suspect the issue might be with the laundry machine's drain line instead. Could there be a venting problem that's causing this smell? I'm open to suggestions or remedies and prefer to avoid opening up the wall behind the washing machine if possible.
1 Answer
You might have an issue with the drain lines. Normally, both air and water should flow freely without causing problems. If you've had a plumber check things out, there might be a clog in the drain line or a blockage in the venting system, which could lead to those smells. Check if you have a stack vent in the wall; it's crucial for proper airflow. If you get on your roof and don't see one sticking up, you may need to investigate further because it sounds like something could be obstructing the flow. How old is your house, and are there multiple stories? That could give clues to the plumbing layout.

Yeah, I agree! If everything else in the house seems fine, the plumbing setup might still have some issues. I see you have a stack vent in your roof, but is it directly above the laundry room? It might still be connected in an unexpected way. Plumbing from the 60s can sometimes come with hidden quirks!