No More Smelly Shower Drain in 2023? Here Are 3 Potential Fixes
Are you forced to hold your nose when you enter your bathroom? Does it smell like something unworldly is lurking beneath your shower drain?
Mold, mildew, clingy hair, and other factors could be the underlying causes of a smelly shower drain. Fortunately, the fix is often as easy as running water in the p-trap, removing a clog, or cleaning the drain components.
Read on to determine whether any of these causes might be behind your shower drain smell.
Three causes of a smelly shower drain
1. Your Drain’s P-Trap Is Dry
What exactly is a p-trap? A “p-trap” is a curvy section of the drainpipe that connects a fixture’s drain to the rest of your drain system. A p-trap gets its name because its shape closely resembles a “p” or “u” shape. Having a small amount of water in the p-trap is important because it blocks stinky sewer gasses coming up through the drainpipe.
You may have a dry or malfunctioning P-trap if you smell sewer gasses or rotten eggs. Run the faucet for a bit and see if the odor goes away once water is in the P-trap. You may have a problem with your P-trap if you do not see water when you remove the strainer and shine a light down the drain.
2. Clogged Drain or Stopper
In the drain, small objects such as hair, soap scum, and other debris become trapped, which causes clogs over time. When these items remain in the drain, the clog develops a stink. Remove the clog with a drain snack or plunger. In the case of a stubborn blockage, a plumber will need to be called.
3. Mold and Mildew
In terms of smelly shower drains, mold and mildew are the most common culprits. Why? Because they thrive in dark, wet places, your shower drain is a perfect place for odors to reside. Make sure the stopper and drain cover are properly installed. Whenever the stopper or drain is warped or doesn’t fit correctly, it’s time to replace them.
Call a plumber to fix your smelly shower drain
When dealing with a foul-smelling shower drain, it’s a good idea to check into the three areas we mentioned above. However, if you run into any trouble removing the stench, then it might be time to call in the pros.
At Emergency Plumbing & Solar, we’ve never met a shower drain problem we couldn’t fix. Whether you need drain cleaning or a pipe replacement, we’re the right team for the job. Schedule an appointment today at (808) 691-9309 Oahu, (808) 400-8811 Hawaii Island.
