You use your shower frequently, which means that shower drain odors can start from a variety of sources, like hair and soap scum within the drain. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
If there is a smelly odor coming from your shower, you don’t have to live with it.
Understanding the Cause of Shower Drain Odors
By understanding the main causes of drain odors, you can resolve the problem and prevent it from happening in the future.
Bacteria Biofilm Formation
Bacteria microorganisms thrive in the warm, damp environment of your shower drain, emitting foul odors as they multiply. Bacteria growth, called biofilm formation, can cause a mildew smell.
Rotten Egg Smell
If a rotten egg smell comes from your drain, you likely have a sewer gas leak or leaking pipes in your home’s plumbing system. Hydrogen sulfide gas is a byproduct of decomposing organic matter in sewage systems, which can cause an unpleasant smell if there is a blockage or backup in your drain.
Sewer Gas Leaks
Sewer gas leaks can occur if there are cracks or gaps in the plumbing system, allowing odorous gasses to escape into your home. This odor can also be caused by blockages in your main sewer line, such as tree roots and debris buildup.
Inadequately sealed plumbing fixtures can also allow sewer gas to escape into your home. The plumbing professionals at Watters Plumbing can help you troubleshoot where the odor is coming from, finding the root cause of the problem.
Tips for Preventing Shower Drain Odors
Preventing shower drain odors requires some proactive maintenance and cleaning. Regularly cleaning your shower drain by removing hair and debris can prevent buildup and blockages that contribute to foul odor.
You can also try preventative measures you can place various screen devices over your drain to reduce the likelihood of clogs and buildup.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Flush
Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar and pour the fizzy mixture down the drain. Let it sit for about 30 minutes in your shower drain to break down any organic matter, and then flush the drain with hot water.
Plumbing Snake
Use a drain snake or drain auger to remove stubborn clogs and buildup from your drain pipe.
Insert the snake into the drain and rotate it to dislodge any debris, then slowly pull the snake from the drain pipe. Do this a few times to ensure all hair and organic matter is removed from your shower drain.
Some customers have found success using a natural product called BioClean. While almost nothing dissolves hair, BioClean breaks down the organics in the drains, such as skin cells and other bio-materials that allow the hair to flow more easily down the drain and into the sewer. This product is available for purchase in our showroom. Mention this blog spot, and we’ll give you $5 off your first purchase!
Boiling Water Flush
Carefully pour boiling water down the drain to help dissolve and flush away soap scum, grease, and other residue. Repeat this process a few times to thoroughly clean the drain.
When to Contact the Watters Plumbing Professionals
If your shower drain is still clogged, if a strong odor remains after trying these techniques, or if you just don’t feel like dealing with the problem, please contact the plumbing professionals at Watters Plumbing today! We can help you eliminate shower odor, remove any clogging issues, and fix potential gas leaks you may be experiencing.
Our Plumbers can identify the source of your smelly shower drain and will determine if you have a bigger issue of leaking pipes.
Contact our team to get a quote for your shower drain odor or clogging!