sewage smell in bathroom when using washing machine?« Back to Previous Page

This is likely a dry P-trap or a blocked vent pipe, both common in Dubai villas. The washing machine's drain cycle is probably siphoning water from the bathroom floor drain's U-bend (P-trap), allowing sewer gases to enter.

First, locate the floor drain in that bathroom and slowly pour 2-3 litres of water down it. This should refill the P-trap and block the gases, which may solve the problem immediately if it was dry. Run the washing machine again to test.

If the smell persists, the issue is more complex. High humidity accelerates organic matter decay in pipes, and Dubai's construction standards mean some older villas may have undersized or poorly configured plumbing vents. A blocked vent stack on your roof would prevent proper air pressure equalization, causing drains to gurgle and smells to emerge when large volumes of water (like from a washing machine) discharge.

Given the strong, persistent nature of the smell and its link to an appliance, a professional assessment is warranted. You need a licensed plumber familiar with Dubai Municipality's drainage regulations. They can perform a smoke test to pinpoint cracks in sealed pipes or use a camera to inspect for blockages in the vent stack. Avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage pipes and worsen the issue.