Posted by Tim on October 25, 2003 at 11:11:15:
I posted a message earlier about a odor in the basement coming from the main drain pipes ONLY when the washing machine is draining. I check the pipe fittings and cleaned out the vent pipe in the basement, used drain cleaner to clean the pipes and I still get the smell. I ran the washing machine and waited in the basement for the water to drain and sure enough the odor was there. I than filled two tubs and drained the water along with flushing the toilet, no odor. My only conclusion is that there may be bacteria or mold buildup in the washing machine line(it has its own line to the main drain pipe) which may cause the odor to find its way through the pipes. After the water drains the smell goes away in about 2 minutes. Any thoughts?