Showering is meant to be a relaxing experience for many of us. So when you suddenly notice that your shower drain smells bad, this can turn your world upside down. Although these foul odors can be a pain to deal with in and of themselves, there’s also the matter of diagnosing the root cause of the problem.
Why does your shower drain smell? Unfortunately, there can be several different reasons for this issue. In any case, there’s a good chance that something is happening down inside your plumbing system.
Whether your shower drain smells like sewage, mold, or waste, we’re here to help you understand what could be causing this problem.
Why Is a Bad Smell Coming From Your Shower Drain?
You probably wanted the quickest solution possible as soon as you noticed your shower drain smells bad. The good news is that this nuisance of a plumbing problem can be easy to fix. However, there can also be some instances where you’ll need help from a professional plumber. Let’s go over everything you need to know.
Drain Blockage
So, why does your shower drain smell? When it comes down to it, there’s a high chance you’re simply dealing with a clogged drain. Soap scum, tangled hair, oils, and various other types of debris can form a nasty blockage in your shower drain. As a result, you may discover that your drain moves much slower than usual, causing water to rise around your ankles. Of course, foul odors are also possible, as all that grime can produce a rotten smell over time.
There are several ways to remove a drain clog. For example, you can try dumping a pot of hot water down the drain to break up the blockage. You’ll need to first remove the drain cover to have full access to the clog. However, you’ll want to avoid using this DIY method if you have PVC piping in your home, as pouring boiling water down your drains could damage your pipes.
All-in-all, the most effective way to remove drain blockages is to work with an experienced plumber. During a professional drain cleaning, a technician will use high-quality tools, such as a drain snake or hydro-jetting equipment, to thoroughly address the source of the blockage.
P-Trap Issues
Have you noticed that your drain smells like rotten eggs? A dry P-trap could be the culprit.
All your sink and shower drains need a P-trap to prevent sewer gases from getting inside your home. The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that holds a small amount of water at all times. This water acts as a barrier between the sewer gases and your home, so you don’t have to worry about smelling sewage whenever you use your sink or shower.
Unfortunately, the P-trap can dry out if you don’t use one of your sinks or showers for a long time. Since there’s no longer a barrier between the sewer gases and your home, it’s easy to see how this could be why your shower drain smells back.
Fortunately, learning how to get rid of shower drain smells due to a dry P-trap is easy. Essentially, you only need to pour half a gallon of water down the drain. This should help re-establish the water barrier.
Biofilm Buildup
If your shower drain smells musty, your instincts might tell you that mold growth is to blame. However, this foul odor is usually due to a buildup of biofilm along the walls of your drain pipes. This slimy-looking substance can have a highly unpleasant odor, which many have described as a musty smell.
So, why does your shower drain smell when there’s biofilm present? In short, biofilm is made up of bacteria. This potentially harmful collection of bacteria likes to grow on moist surfaces, which makes your drains a prime target. It’s best to address this problem as soon as possible to ensure your family’s safety.
How Can You Prevent a Foul-Smelling Shower Drain?
When your shower drain smells bad, you probably want this to be a one-and-done problem. Luckily, there are tips you can use to ensure these foul odors never return. For example, at the first sign of a blockage, you’ll want to consider calling a plumber for a Toronto drain cleaning. The sooner you remove the drain clog, the better.
If a few of your showers or sink drains go unused, you should also consider running water through them from time to time. This way, you can prevent the water barrier from drying out.
Choose Toronto’s Trusted Plumbers for Your Drain Services
Why does your shower drain smell? It’s plain to see that this question can have several different answers. Now that you know what you could be dealing with, call Priority Plumbing & Drains!
Our professional plumbers in Toronto, ON, are here to provide a solution for your smelly shower drain. We offer everything from drain cleaning solutions to sewer line services, so you can ensure your plumbing system is in capable hands. Our team goes above and beyond to meet the needs of our customers, whether they need help addressing foul odors or preventing water damage in their homes.
If your shower drain smells bad and you have a clogged drain in Toronto, contact us today to schedule an appointment!