Hi, I’m John from Plumb It Right, and if there’s one call I get regularly, it’s about smelly shower drains.
A foul-smelling drain can turn an otherwise relaxing shower into a rather unpleasant experience, but don’t worry—I’m here to help you understand why it happens and how to fix it.
From soap scum buildup to issues with your P-trap, I’ll cover the most common causes and practical fixes to get your bathroom smelling fresh again.
- What Causes the Smell in Your Shower Drain?
First, talk about why your shower drain might emit an odour. A smelly drain is usually due to one of the following causes:
- Soap scum and hair buildup: Over time, soap, hair, and dead skin can accumulate in your pipes, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that produces a rotten smell.
- Biofilm: This is a layer of bacteria that forms when organic matter sticks to surfaces inside the drain. Biofilm is sticky, complex to remove, and one of the leading causes of drain odours.
- Dry P-trap: The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe designed to hold water and block sewer gases from coming back up. It can no longer perform this function if it dries out, letting unpleasant smells escape.
- Mould or mildew growth: In bathrooms, the combination of warmth and humidity can encourage mould or mildew to grow, adding to the odour issue.
- Sewer line issues: In some cases, the odour might be due to a more serious plumbing issue, like a crack in your sewer line. This is less common but important to consider.
- How to Determine the Cause of the Smell
Knowing the exact cause of the smell is the first step in fixing it. Here are some ways to pinpoint the problem:
- Sniff test: Get close to the drain and check if the smell is strongest there or elsewhere. If it’s coming from the drain, it’s likely due to buildup, biofilm, or a dry P-trap.
- Check for water in the P-trap: Run water down the drain for a minute, then wait a bit to see if the smell dissipates. If it does, you may have a dry P-trap issue.
- Inspect the area for mould or mildew: If the smell is mustier, it might be related to mould or mildew. Check around the drain, shower walls, and other bathroom areas for visible signs of mould.
- Quick Fix: Flush the Drain with Boiling Water
One of the easiest ways to tackle a smelly drain is with boiling water. It’s simple, effective, and can help clear away light blockages or scum.
How to do it: Bring a kettle or pot of water to a boil and slowly pour it down the drain. This can help loosen any buildup and flush away bacteria. Repeat this process once a week to keep minor buildup at bay.
- The Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
If boiling water alone doesn’t cut it, try a baking soda and vinegar solution. These household items are great for breaking down grime and neutralizing odours.
How to do it:
- Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Follow with a cup of white vinegar. You’ll notice some fizzing—this is normal and helps break up the buildup.
- Let the mixture sit for 15-30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
This combination works well for organic buildup like soap scum and biofilm. It’s a quick and affordable solution that I often recommend to clients.
- Clear Out Hair and Soap Scum Manually
Sometimes, a deeper clean is needed, especially if there’s a lot of hair or soap scum trapped in the drain. While it might not be the most glamorous job, clearing out the debris by hand can make a big difference.
How to do it:
- Remove the drain cover.
- Use a pair of gloves, a wire coat hanger, or a drain snake to pull out any visible hair and soap scum.
- Rinse the drain with hot water afterwards to flush any remaining residue.
Pro tip: If you’re dealing with this problem regularly, consider installing a drain cover that catches hair and prevents it from going down the drain.
- Use a Bacterial Drain Cleaner
A bacterial drain cleaner can be very effective for stubborn smells caused by biofilm. Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, bacterial cleaners use enzymes to break down organic matter without harming pipes or the environment.
How to do it: Follow the instructions on the product label. Typically, you’ll pour the solution down the drain and let it sit overnight for the bacteria to work on breaking down organic buildup.
- Check and Fill the P-Trap
If the smell temporarily disappears when you pour water down the drain, you might have a dry P-trap. This is common in showers that aren’t used frequently, as the water in the trap evaporates over time, letting sewer gases escape.
How to do it: Regularly pour water into the drain to keep the P-trap full. Adding a teaspoon of mineral oil can help slow evaporation and keep the trap functioning longer.
- Inspect for Mold or Mildew Growth
If the smell is musty rather than sewer-like, it might be due to mould or mildew. Check around the drain, shower walls, and any grout lines. Mould often grows in hidden shower areas, and its odour can seep into the drain.
How to do it: Scrub down the affected areas with a mixture of bleach and water or a commercial mould cleaner. Regularly cleaning your shower with an antifungal cleaner can help prevent mould from returning.
- Consider Professional Drain Cleaning
If you’ve tried all the above methods and the smell persists, it might be time to call a professional for a thorough drain cleaning. Sometimes, buildup in your pipes can become too extensive for DIY solutions, especially in older plumbing systems.
Why it helps: Professional drain cleaning uses specialized tools to clear out stubborn buildup and can reach deeper into the pipes than household solutions can.
- When to Check for Sewer Line Issues
In rare cases, a persistent smell might be a sign of a crack or other issue in your sewer line. This is usually accompanied by other issues, like multiple drains with odours or recurring backups.
What to do: If you suspect a sewer line issue, it’s best to call a licensed plumber. They’ll inspect your line for leaks or damage and offer the right solutions to address the problem.
A smelly shower drain is an unwelcome guest in any bathroom, but the good news is that in most cases, it’s something you can fix with a bit of effort. From using household solutions like baking soda and vinegar to checking your P-trap and removing debris manually, there are plenty of ways to tackle the problem. If you need help with persistent odours or want to schedule a professional drain cleaning, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Plumb It Right.
Let’s get your bathroom smelling fresh again. I’m here to help with any questions or provide a free quote if needed. Give me a call, and together, we’ll make sure your plumbing stays in top shape.
