Do you notice a foul smell coming from the shower drain? You’re not alone. A stinky shower drain is a common plumbing headache for many homeowners. To effectively eliminate the odour and maintain a fresh and clean bathroom, it is essential to identify the underlying causes.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the common reasons behind a smell coming from the shower drain, how to troubleshoot the issue, and expert tips on fixing it. Let’s get to the bottom of that mysterious and unwelcome drain smell in your bathroom.
U-shaped P-trap pipe
It holds a small amount of water that prevents sewer gases from entering your house. The water in the P-trap evaporates, thus allowing odours to escape.
Clogged or Dirty Drain
Your drain can get blocked by hair, soap scum, and other organic substances. Bacteria grow on these materials and produce smelly gases.
Biofilm Buildup
This slimy bacterial residue can be hard to remove. If your drain smells bad even after cleaning, biofilm may be the culprit.
Sewer Line Problems
Blocked sewers let sewage smell enter your home. Multiple smelly drains or slow drains indicate sewer issues.
Venting Issues
Blocked vents trap sewer gas, which escapes through drains. Vent problems also cause drain water to evaporate, leading to smells.
Leaky Seals or Cracks in the Drain Pipe
Old pipes sometimes develop leaks that allow sewer gas into the bathroom. It’s essential to inspect and replace old pipes.
Mould or Mildew Growth
A hidden mould or mildew under the shower base or at its corners. Not directly sewer gases, yet they smell the same way as sewer gas odour.
Improper Shower Drain Installation
Poor installation may cause drainage problems and ineffective sealing that triggers odour over time. UR Plumber is your trusted local plumber.
DIY Tips to Eliminate Shower Drain Odours
When you experience a dangerous odour only in your bins there are some homemade remedies to try before calling an attendant:
1. Flush with Boiling Water
Boiling water quenches minor clogs & rinses away germs. Protect it down the drain.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
This classic combo works well for odour removal:
- Pour one-half cup of baking soda inside.
- Follow with one cupful of white vinegar.
- Let it sizzle, then sit stillfor ten to fifteen minutes.
- Flush hot water through.
3. Confirm There is No Still Water
A washbasin having standing water indicates drainage flaws or sealing needs. Take off clean the drain cover examining buildup.
4. Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum
They can clean drain pipes and suck out debris, clog stuff, and smells.
5. Clean the Overflow Drain
Overflow drains get dirt and bacteria sometimes. Use a brush and vinegar to clean.
6. Use Enzyme Cleaners
Enzyme cleaners are safe and break down waste without harming pipes.
When to Call a Professional
If the smell doesn’t go away or if the drains are slow and bubbling after you’ve tried, call a plumber. They can do:
- Camera checks inside pipes
- High-pressure jetting to clean pipes
- Airflow checks for vents
- Repairs for sewer lines
UR Plumber is fast and reliable in Tamahere and Waikato for addressing challenging drainage problems, such as bad shower smells.
Need Help? Contact UR Plumber Today
UR Plumber assists with unpleasant odours, slow-draining pipes, and sewer backups in Hamilton and Waikato. Contact us at 027 856 7712. You can also visit our online store for your plumbing needs.
Conclusion
If shower drains smell like sewers, it’s frustrating yet fixable. Similar problems arise frequently. From simple blockages to complex sewer issues, identifying the cause keeps bathrooms fresh. UR Plumber provides fresh services when prevention fails. They do clearing and inspections regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my shower drain smell like sewage only after I use it?
This could indicate a clog or biofilm buildup that gets agitated when water flows. If DIY solutions don’t fix the issue, call UR Plumber for a thorough pipe inspection and cleaning.
Can a smelly shower drain make me sick?
Yes, prolonged exposure to sewer gases can be harmful. If the shower drain smell is strong or causes headaches, nausea, or dizziness, seek professional plumbing help immediately. UR Plumber is available for emergency callouts and fast resolutions.
What’s the best way to prevent the drain smell in bathroom?
Regular cleaning, using your shower frequently, and keeping hair catchers in place can prevent odours. If you’re unsure, UR Plumber can provide annual maintenance checks to keep your system in top shape.
Is it safe to use bleach in my shower drain?
Bleach smells good, but it harms pipes. It can also be detrimental to septic systems. For a safer alternative, try using baking soda and vinegar. Or call UR Plumber to do green cleaning.
Why does the shower drain smell come and go?
This can occur when the P-trap dries up, due to venting problems, or when there are partial clogs. To fix smelly drains fast, call UR Plumber’s team today.