We have a sewer smell in our washing machine. If clothes are left for any period of time in the washer, they must be washed again. Any remedies?

I hope Plumber Tom or one of the other pros jumps in on this question (he's way more qualified than I am to answer)! But in the meantime, I'd ask if your washer's drain hose goes UP to washer height--THEN feeds into a drain? It needs to do this to prevent accidental siphoning back into the washer.

Yes, our drain hose comes up to washer height and empty's into the sanitary tub next to it.

** empty's into the tub next to it. **

Than it is unlikely to be sewer gases.

Undissolved soap, fabric softener and mineral deposits can be left inside the washer and cause odors. This often happens when washing in too cold of water and/or using too much detergent or fabric softener for water conditions.

In many cases, the washer will have to be at least partially disassembled and the effected components cleaned (if possible) or replaced. Doing so immediately after performing a wash with extremely hot washer may help to soften any build-ups (which can harden to like cement) to make them easier to remove. Common places for these build-ups to occur is under the top tub cover, on the outer tub and under the agitator.

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site

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[This message has been edited by DanO (edited November 26, 2003).]

And be sure the 1-1/2" waste line on the laundry tray is trapped. If your main house drain is not exposed sometimes the trap is buried in the concrete floor, and you won't be able to see it. You will only see the drain line going into the floor. Check the fresh air inlet at your curb, (or lawn) when the washer is pumping out. You should notice the curb trap "running". You need a good bright flashlight and maybe a telescopic inspection mirror.