Washers
Washer smells musty, mouldy or like sewage
Front-loaders in particular trap moisture in the door seal and sump. Most smells clear with cleaning and changed habits; a sewage smell can be the house drain.
- Proudly CanadianOttawa-based team
- BBB accreditedRepairWell, our operator
- 15+ yearsof technician experience
- Insured technicianslicensed for gas work
- Satisfaction guaranteed90-day warranty on replaced parts
- Free diagnosticwhen you go ahead with the repair
Safe checks before you book
- Door seal. Pull back the rubber boot and clean the folds with a mild cleaner. Leave the door ajar between loads.
- Drain filter. Clean the pump filter on front-loaders; standing water there smells.
- Cleaning cycle. Run the washer's clean cycle or a hot empty cycle with a washer cleaner.
- Detergent. Too much detergent and fabric softener leaves residue that feeds odour. Use HE detergent in HE machines.
Unplug first. Switch off power (and close the water or gas supply where it applies) before looking behind or inside an appliance. If anything feels unsafe, stop and call.
What usually causes it
| Biofilm in the seal and tub | The usual cause, especially with cold washes only. |
|---|---|
| Standing water | A partially blocked drain leaves water in the sump. |
| Drain standpipe | A sewage smell may come from a dry trap or blocked house drain, not the washer. |
When to stop and call
Not urgent unless there is also standing water or a drain fault.
What the visit costs
The diagnostic is free when you approve the repair and it's completed. You get the cause, the parts, labour and total in writing before any work. If you don't go ahead, it's $89 + tax for a home electric appliance, or $149 + tax for a gas appliance.