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Strange noise from pipes

  • 10-10-2010 1:53pm
    #1
    groomek
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 232 ✭✭


    Over the last two weeks the pipes are making a strange noise,only when the washing machine is running.There is also a strange smell coming from the downstairs bathroom sink.

    The smell only happens sometimes and we put some stuff(don't know the name)down the sink.When the washing machine is running bubbles start to come up the sink along with some water.

    Anyone have any advice?


Comments

  • #2
    ART6
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,632 ✭✭✭ART6


    It sounds like you have a partially blocked drain pipe -- presumably the washing machine drains into the same drain pipe as the bathroom sink? That would explain the bubbles and the water backing up into the sink as when the washing machine drains the water cannot get away fast enough.

    There are many ways of clearing such a blockage, but probably the easiest to try is to block off the stand pipe that the washing machine outlet hose is hooked into, then fill the bathroom sink and use a plunger on it. Alternatively, in such cases I generally use caustic soda, available from any DIY shop. With the bathroom sink empty, tip a few teaspoons full of caustic soda onto the sink waste and then run a tap for a moment to wash the soda into the drain.

    Caution though -- caustic soda is very aggressive stuff. Get it on your skin and you will know about it. Also, it can cause very rapid heating when added to water, and can make the water boil, so rubber gloves and great care are necessary if you use that solution.


  • #3
    chinchin
    Registered Users Posts: 74 ✭✭chinchin


    groomek wrote: »
    Over the last two weeks the pipes are making a strange noise,only when the washing machine is running.There is also a strange smell coming from the downstairs bathroom sink.

    The smell only happens sometimes and we put some stuff(don't know the name)down the sink.When the washing machine is running bubbles start to come up the sink along with some water.

    Anyone have any advice?

    Had the same problem a while ago. Funny smell in downstairs bathroom on and off for months, tried several things to get rid of it but it always came back. Eventually the washing machine started causing loud gurgling noises from the downstairs bathroom sink when it was pumping out the waste water.

    In my case it was caused by a blocked outflow in an inspection chamber at the back of the house, it has started to overflow into the back garden by the time I found it. Clearing that blockage finally removed the noise and also the smell.


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