No More Smelly Shower Drain in 2023? Here Are 3 Potential Fixes
If you are stepping into your shower and it already stinks, then you’ve got a problem. 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.
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 snake or plunger. In the case of a stubborn blockage, a plumber will need to be called.
3. Mold and Mildew
The most common cause of a smelly shower drain is mold and mildew growth in the drain. Why? Your shower drain is a perfect place for mold and mildew to thrive because they love dark, wet areas, which makes the shower a perfect place to grow.
One thing you can do to help prevent the growth of mold and mildew is to make sure the stopper and drain cover are properly installed in your shower. Whenever the stopper or drain is warped or doesn’t fit correctly, it’s time to replace them. Otherwise if you notice mold or mildew in your shower, it’ll require a thorough cleaning before anything else can be done to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
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.
