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Do you ever notice a funky smell coming from your shower drain? You are probably wondering what makes your shower drain smell so bad. If so, this article will show you how to identify and fix that problem.
This article will go over what causes a smelly shower drain and how to fix the issue. The most critical step is to find out if there is an object blocking your pipe. It could be hair, soap scum, or something else entirely. Once you have determined whether there’s an object blocking the pipe, all you need to do is remove it with a plunger or plumber’s snake.
Have you ever come across the smell of rotten eggs or something equally unpleasant coming from your shower drain? Well, you are not alone in this dilemma. The good news is that there are remedies for this problem. In this blog post, you will find brilliant recipes that have proven to be pretty effective time and again in getting rid of smelly bathroom drains. Read on to find out.
What Causes a Shower Drain to Smell?
- Dirty P-Trap
A P-trap is a U-shaped section of a pipe that dips below the rest of your shower drain line before connecting to make up one side’s stack. A P-trap can be found in most homes with an under sink or kitchen washroom. However, it might not be easy to locate it because these parts are usually concealed by other fixtures like garbage disposal units and dishwashers, where you can find them too.
You can find P-traps in your bathroom and kitchen sinks, but not always under the same conditions. You are most likely to see it if you access it from below ground level, like a basement or crawlspace for installing new plumbing fixtures; this includes shower drains too.
A P-trap plays the vital role of holding ample water at all times so that no gases can escape through your shower and sink drains. If you notice an odour coming from these plumbing fixtures, there could be a hitch with the amount of water in the fixture. Check for leaks first by running some tap water through it before looking further into fixing this issue yourself.
Then again, if your shower or sink is draining with an unpleasant smell, it could be because the P-trap is not holding water. If this happens often or you notice that there is no water in them during use, turn on the water heater and run some hot water through it for five minutes before doing anything else.
Replace or Refit Your P-Trap
It is also possible that your P-trap needs to be refitted or replaced. Suppose you are still getting a sewage smell after running water through it frequently. In that case, it could also be an issue with the P-trap itself. Therefore, a plumbing professional will need to inspect it and determine whether they can fix it right away through simple maintenance tasks like replacing parts. Otherwise, you can take care of these issues before calling for professional assistance.
Clean the Shower Drain P-Trap
You now know that there are solutions to a dry or malfunctioned P-trap that gives off an unpleasant odour. But what if your shower drain is not leaking but still smells? Although you cannot see the source of this problem with your eyes, it could be dirty. Drain cleaning will help deodorise any smelly fumes coming from inside the P-trap.
To clean your drain, simply dispense around 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by white distilled vinegar of the same quantity. Cover it and allow the chemical reaction to work its magic. This combination should clear out any grime, thus preventing clogging up inside the P-trap. These substances are proven cleaners for various things like drains, so give this cleaning hack a go in your free time.
Vinegar is a natural cleaner. It has been used for centuries to clean everything from wine bottles to floors. If you are experiencing bad smells coming out of your drain, this remedy should do the trick!
- Clogged Shower Drain
The best way to avoid clogged shower drains is by keeping your pipes clear and clean. If you notice an unpleasant odour coming from your household’s drains, there may be some build-up in these pieces. The build-up can also result in rusting, depending on the severity.
If you notice an unpleasant odour when showering, it could be due to a blocked drain. Clogs can cause bad smells since they trap dirt and do not allow water to flow properly through the pipes.
Handling a Clogged Shower Drain
Clogs are a common issue. Therefore, it is always smart to consider clogging as a possibility when you notice an odour coming from your shower drain. If the water is not draining at all or drains slowly and with difficulty, that suggests there is something in the pipes preventing its flow. It could be dirt or other substances like hair clogging up your drainage system. It can lead to unpleasant smells and expensive repairs as you will need someone to come in and take care of those pesky blockages before they can cause more serious problems down the line.
The most common cause of a clogged, smelly shower drain is hair products left in the drains over time. It could be hairspray, gel, mousse or any other hair product sprayed into the hair and then washed down the drain when shampooing. Hair products can also clog up your pipes if they are not rinsed out well enough. Therefore, they should always be rinsed out thoroughly after every use.
A clogged shower can be annoying and expensive to fix. You must be aware of the problem before it gets worse, so take a look for yourself if your drain smells bad. If it seems like something is stuck in there (or not draining at all), please do the following.
Unclogging Your Shower Drain
There are many different methods by which you could go about clearing a clog in your shower drain. You can do it manually (by hand), or you can make use of a plunger. Use plumbers gloves when removing any material from around the drains on both sides. Proceed to flush out the build-up with water while tugging slightly in up-and-down movements. You can also use pipe snakes or other flexible tools available from hardware stores to unclog it.
Another option can be by pouring hot water down the drain to clear out any blockage. However, ensure that you do not overdo any single technique because it might end up doing more harm to your drain.
Be watchful while using a drain snake, as it can cause damage to your pipes if done erroneously. Therefore, do not be afraid of calling for an expert’s help. If none of these other options work and you still need assistance unclogging the sewer line, then get a professional to help out.
- Leaky Pipes
A bathroom is a place of intense actions, and it’s not uncommon for homeowners to experience some level of odours. However, when you start smelling something in your house that doesn’t seem right, especially one related to septic systems or plumbing problems, this could be more serious than just an issue with the occasional sewer gas leak.
Leaky pipes in your bathroom walls or under the shower can allow sewer gases also known as hydrogen sulphide to escape. Therefore, you might not be able to stop a bad smell from coming out. If you notice that your plumbing system is leaking, you should reach out to professionals to carry out emergency plumbing for you.
What are the Causes of Leaky Pipes?
Leaky pipes are a frustrating part of owning a home. They can develop over time due to corrosion or from perforations in pipes. However, the most common culprit for leaks is loose fittings usually caused by poor installation and this scenario might be responsible if you’re noticing bad smells coming out into your bathroom.
Clogs are another contributor to leaks in your drain. If you have a blockage and you still use harsh cleaning products or other corrosive substances, it can allow these things to build up and eat through your pipes. This will compromise their strength over time. Perforations typically happen when you have had long-term corrosion issues.
You should, however, leave the job of fixing your leaking drain line to a licensed plumber. Get in touch with one as soon as possible so they can come out and fix the issues before more damage happens.
- Biofilm Build-up
Biofilms are like complicated organisms that form and grow on surfaces. They are often described as slimy, mucky substances with a gooey consistency similar to mould or glue. However, this description only scratches the surface of what biofilm truly is. Biofilms can be seen clinging stubbornly in various places around your home, from shower curtains to the ceiling.
Biofilms can be dangerous to your health, contributing to the spread of Salmonella and more. They cause problems for people with compromised immune systems. S. marcescens is one type of biofilm that needs special attention because it infects open wounds causing urinary tract infections and respiratory issues.
How to Clean Biofilm in Your Shower Drain
To remove biofilms, use a brush with hard bristles and a cleaning disinfectant to keep the biofilm from coming back. Ensure that you repeat this process weekly so as not to bring any more bacteria into your home. If you notice the smell of mould or mildew emanating from anywhere within reach (like under your sinks), the odour probably originates from the outside. This is because biofilms can get trapped during rainstorms by siding/roofing material. Try wiping down these areas before tackling other parts nearby. The same applies if you detect drainage problems. Start at ground level while removing the dirt.
Biofilms are biological coatings that form on the interior surfaces of pipes. They may contain excess dirt, bacteria and even viruses which can clog up your drain or harm the environment if not cleaned out regularly. To remove biofilm from your drains, first take off their cover so they do not have a chance for more build-up. Prepare some cleaner in a cup by mixing one part bleach with nine parts warm water (or the solution appropriate for your drainage type). Just use plain old household hydrogen peroxide; no fancy mixtures are needed here.
A Plumber Can Find the Solution for Smelly Drains
If you have tried everything but still cannot get rid of that nasty smell coming from your shower drain, the problem may be an issue with your sewer or septic tank. This is not a DIY fix, and it is best to contact professional plumbers who are both licensed and insured. You should also ask what services they offer while at your property so there are no surprises when it’s time for them to bill for their work.
