When your shower drain smells, you may have a problem that is easy to fix. However, it’s important to find out the cause of the odor so that you can tackle it correctly.
The most common culprits for a foul drain odor are biofilm, a clog, and sewage. Try one of the DIY methods below, or contact a licensed plumber for professional drain cleaning.
Soap Scum
When the fatty acids in soap react with the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water, they form a sticky, insoluble residue known as soap scum. This clings to surfaces, and it’s especially problematic in areas prone to moisture and humidity such as bathrooms. Soap scum isn’t just unsightly, it can also lead to unpleasant odors in drains and sinks. Over time, it can clog drains and trap bacteria and mildew inside.
Fortunately, it is easy to remove soap scum with a regular cleaning routine. To start, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and apply the mixture to any affected surfaces. Then, use a brush or cloth to scrub the area. You can also try mixing baking soda with water and applying it to the area in a paste form. The mild abrasiveness of the baking soda can break down thick layers of soap scum.
Another way to keep soap scum at bay is to run hot water down the drain after every shower. This can help prevent the buildup of residues that can contribute to clogs and unpleasant odors.
For a more thorough, yet safe, cleaning of your drain, try using a combination of baking soda and boiling water. First, boil about four cups of water. Then, pour the water down the drain followed by one cup of baking soda and a similar amount of distilled white vinegar. Let the solution sit for about ten minutes and then flush with hot water. This method is a good option for pipes made of PVC because it doesn’t require any chemicals or acid to clean your drain.
If you’re unsure whether your smelly drain is caused by biofilm or a clogged pipe, run a test with a glass of water. If the water smells like sewage, this could be a sign of a clogged pipe or sewage backup that needs to be addressed immediately.
Getting to the bottom of a smelly shower can be a hassle, but it’s important to address the problem right away so you can get back to enjoying your relaxing morning or evening showers. Most of the time, a stinky drain is easy to identify and resolve on your own, but some issues are more complicated and may require professional assistance.
Clogged Drain
Sometimes, the smell of rotten eggs or sewage isn’t a result of soap residue or hair, but a clogged drain. This smell is caused by a buildup of decomposing bacteria and organic material that creates a glue-like substance called biofilm. The stench from this substance travels up through your shower drain, filling the room with a nasty odor. Luckily, you can often remedy this issue by simply cleaning the drain.
First, try to remove as much of the blockage as possible with a drain brush and plunger. If you can’t remove the clog, then you may need to use a chemical drain cleaner. Before you use one of these, however, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Also, be aware that chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes if they’re used too frequently or improperly.
You can also try pouring boiling water down your drain to see if it clears the clog. Another home remedy involves combining baking soda and vinegar, which can break up soap scum and bacteria that cause foul odors. Simply boil about four cups of water, then pour it down your shower drain. Be sure to use warm water instead of boiling if you have PVC pipes to avoid damaging them. Then, pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a similar amount of distilled vinegar. The mixture will begin to fizz and bubble, dissolving the clog and removing the smell.
If your drain still smells after using these methods, then it’s time to call a plumber for professional drain cleaning and repair. You may also need to have your plumbing lines checked for leaks. Leaky pipes can allow sewer gases (also known as hydrogen sulfide) to escape and enter your home, causing a strong sewage smell in the bathroom. The leaking pipes can even lead to serious health problems, so it’s important to catch them early on and have them fixed immediately.
Sewage
If the odor coming from your shower drain smells like sewage, it’s a sign of a major problem in your home’s drainage system. Generally, this smell comes from a clogged or broken drain line. The waste and wastewater in your home’s pipes are designed to be contained inside the drain lines, but if there is a crack or a broken pipe somewhere along the way, that waste can seep out and contaminate the bathroom walls, floors, and insulation. If you notice this issue, it’s important to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible to find and repair the leaking drain line. For any plumbing repairs or installations, this plumber Tacoma is known for delivering reliable service with excellent customer care.
You can also get rid of foul odors from your shower drain by sanitizing it with baking soda and vinegar. First, pour four cups of boiling water down your drain. This technique will help remove soap scum and biofilm that may be causing the foul smell. Then, mix equal parts of baking soda and distilled white vinegar. Pour this down your drain and allow it to sit for ten minutes or so. This will eliminate any bacteria and clean the drain.
A shower strainer sits over the top of your drain and catches hair, scum, and other debris that could clog your pipe. To keep this piece of your plumbing working properly, it’s important to check it regularly for grime and wash it as needed.
Another common cause of smelly drains is a dry P-trap. Your sink drain has a u-shaped bend in it called a p-trap that’s supposed to have water in it at all times to prevent sewer gases from entering the living area of your house. When this trap dries out, it can leave behind that rotten eggs smell you’re so familiar with.
If you think this might be the issue, start by removing the drain cover using a screwdriver. Then unscrew the shower strainer and inspect it for any signs of grime. If there is any, use an old toothbrush to scrub it down and clean it well before replacing it. If the odor persists, it’s probably time to call a plumber.
Biofilm
The scaly, slimy film of bacteria called biofilm can trap germs and other debris in your shower drain. When this occurs, the odors that rise from the drain can permeate the entire room, making it unpleasant to use the bathroom. If you suspect biofilm is the culprit, try cleaning it with a mix of baking soda and vinegar. This should work to dissolve the soap scum that encourages the growth of bacteria and eliminate the foul odor.
If the odor is coming from a shower that doesn’t get used often, it could be a sign of a dry P-trap. The P-trap is a windy pipe under your sink and shower that holds a small amount of water at all times to block pesky sewer odors from entering your home. To check whether the P-trap is dried out, run some hot water down the drain. If the odor quickly dissipates, the problem is likely the P-trap.
Biofilm is not only unpleasant, but it’s also dangerous. When it dries out, the bacteria it contains releases tiny puffs of a musty gas that can make you cough and sneeze. This is why it’s important to clean your drain regularly with an enzymatic drain cleaner, DIY solution or by snaking the drain.
If you still notice a bad smell from your shower, it may be time to call a professional plumber. A licensed plumber will be able to find the source of the problem and fix it before it worsens. They will also be able to recommend preventative plumbing measures that can keep your home safe and free from unpleasant drain odors. For example, they can help you install a whole-house filtration system that removes contaminants before they reach your shower drain. This can prevent many problems from occurring, including clogged and smelly shower drains. By taking these steps, you can enjoy your shower knowing that it is smelling fresh and clean. The last thing you want after a long day is to come home and be greeted with a foul smell coming from your shower drain.