Everyone loves a hot shower, but sometimes things can go south. Sometimes the shower drain smells and you’re left wondering what is causing that smell and how you can eliminate it. Many homeowners are plagued by shower drain smells for one reason or another. A clean shower drain is essential for preventing the spread of disease and creating a healthy environment. To get rid of the smell, it is important to first understand what is causing it and which type of shower drain smells you are dealing with.
What causes shower drain smells
The most common cause of shower drain smells is due to the water seeping out of the shower drain and going into the walls, which can cause mold and mildew-related smells. In some cases, the smell can be attributed to a buildup in hair and soap residue. In this case, you can use a plunger to clear the drain and remove any hair or soap residue that may be blocking the drain. The bacteria that lives inside your drain will multiply and thrive if you do not clean it often enough. This is why it is important to clean your shower drains often, as well as to avoid putting any hair, soap, or other products down the drain.
A smelly shower drain can also be caused by a clogged pipe or a faulty gasket. If you run a bath or shower and the water starts to smell musty, mold-like, or rotten, it could mean that there is a problem with the drain or the drain pipes. This is most common in older homes where drain pipes have been damaged by tree roots, or where the drain pipes have been replaced with improperly-sized pipes. It’s important to try and identify the cause of the smell so you know whether you have to repair the drain or drain pipes, or replace them.
How to get rid of the smell
If you see mold or mildew growing in the drain, you will need to clean it. Sprinkle some baking soda down the drain, and then pour some vinegar over it. Let it sit for about an hour, and then flush with hot water. To prevent the odor, clean the shower drain thoroughly once a month, and run a drain cleaner through it to get rid of any lingering gunk. If your shower drain still smells after clearing it, then you should call a plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.
If you have a shower drain that smells bad after you shower, you may have a clogged shower drain. Don’t let that blockage go unattended for very long. The smell could be originating from your drain pipe, from the other drains in your house, or from your water main, if you have one. While you can force the issue by using baking soda and vinegar, or even pour down a bit of bleach, you may wind up with a bigger problem on your hands. A plumber can clear a clogged drain without adding to a smelly mess.
