Smell when washing machine empties in kitchen

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Hi Guys,

I have and issue and wondered if I can call on your expertise for some advice and suggestions how to rectify.

In my mums kitchen she has her washing machine and slimline dishwasher connected to the sink waste pipe with a double adapter unit U bend unit.

About 6 weeks ago she noticed that when the washing machine empties there is a foul smell in the kitchen. It has done this everytime she uses the washing machine since.

I disconnected the washing machine & dishwasher waste pipes from the adapter, removed the U bend and cleaned them all thoroughtly. There was some gunk but it wasn't blocked or restricted.
I refitted everything and checked it was watertight.
Unfortunately it didn't help as the foul smell still appears when the washing machine empties. There is no smell when the dishwasher is being used or when the sink is being used.

Any advice or suggestions please?

Thanks,

Mark.
 
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I think the plumbers would like a photo of the pipe arrangement under the sink. Showing the hight at which the drain pipes come into the U bend.
 
Water from sink is flowing back into washing machine and stagnating. When machine is used this water is then expelled.

Check machine drain hoses rise above water level in sink and check for blockage between where the hoses fit and drain.
 
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The mrs had the same problem with her washing machine; the new models are cold fill and the wash temp is lower so any bugs are not killed.

She uses the liquid that goes in with the wash, runs a hot wash once a week and leaves the door ajar between washes to help dry the machine.
 
firstly does the outlet hose from the washing machine have a U clip attached to hold it up - it should have or just held up with wire or string, even just over the top of a unit will do. the hose must at some point be equal to the top of the machine to prevent debris from the sink entering it and also to syphon the last of the water when it empties

secondly the outlet should be connected to the sink waste after the U bend on the drain side rather than on the sink side of the U bend this will keep the smells in the pipe.
 
Thanks for the replies - appologies for delay in responding but didn't receive a notification :(
I think the plumbers would like a photo of the pipe arrangement under the sink. Showing the hight at which the drain pipes come into the U bend.
Yes good idea - attached below.
Water from sink is flowing back into washing machine and stagnating. When machine is used this water is then expelled.

Check machine drain hoses rise above water level in sink and check for blockage between where the hoses fit and drain.
Now that I look at the pictures it makes sense.
Try cleaning the overflow pipe work on the sink.

Andy
Whats the easiest way to do this? Bleach/boiling water flush? - pipe doesn't look accessible/removable from below.
Try cleaning the overflow pipe work on the sink.
Sink overflow tubes are notorious for collecting detritus due to being corrugated. Over time this will decompose and start to smell.
Yes, but that would smell all of the time?
The mrs had the same problem with her washing machine; the new models are cold fill and the wash temp is lower so any bugs are not killed.

She uses the liquid that goes in with the wash, runs a hot wash once a week and leaves the door ajar between washes to help dry the machine.
Mothers washing machine is a Bosch WFD series which has hot & cold connectors. She uses powder, wipes under the rubber seal after a wash and leaves door ajar to dry out. Also cleans the filter now and again :)
firstly does the outlet hose from the washing machine have a U clip attached to hold it up - it should have or just held up with wire or string, even just over the top of a unit will do. the hose must at some point be equal to the top of the machine to prevent debris from the sink entering it and also to syphon the last of the water when it empties

secondly the outlet should be connected to the sink waste after the U bend on the drain side rather than on the sink side of the U bend this will keep the smells in the pipe.
Erm, the housing ass(ociation) refurbished the kitchen 3 years ago and this is their install - I'm not sure who would be responsible for it or if she (the tennant) can amend it :( Or if there is scope in the layout for amendments.

What would your advice be?

PICS


Dishwasher Pipe

Washing Machine Pipe
 
Apart from the use of what looks like plumbers mate? on the sink waste - I'm always amazed that installers/house-holders dont follow recommendations and fit non return valves on the wm/dw wastes pipes?
 
oh - and a bit of bleach squirted down the overflow every now and again doesnt do any harm!
 
This pipe is probably allowing water to settle in it.
It needs raising to stop that happening. Unless the washing machine is used daily, that water will stagnate. Stagnant water = smell.
Are there any 'dips' in the WM outlet pipe outside the cupboard?
CIMG0503.jpg
 
Apart from the use of what looks like plumbers mate? on the sink waste - I'm always amazed that installers/house-holders dont follow recommendations and fit non return valves on the wm/dw wastes pipes?
Would it be possible to fit a non return valve to the WM side of this installation without having to replace most of it?

This pipe is probably allowing water to settle in it.
It needs raising to stop that happening. Unless the washing machine is used daily, that water will stagnate. Stagnant water = smell.
Are there any 'dips' in the WM outlet pipe outside the cupboard?
The WM waste pipe on the outside of the cupboard is taught with no dips, just goes straight down to the washing machine.

There was space behind the top of the sink to make the WM waste pipe upright as per picture below - I'll see if this helps.

Thanks for your help :D

2qd1lq1.jpg
 
UPDATE

Smell is much improved (as in not as bad as before but still smells a little bit)

Is it safe to put bleach/drain cleaner through the washing machine to flush out its waste pipe?
 

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