Why Does My Shower Drain Smell So Bad?
A shower can be a place to unwind, relax, and let go of troubles. After a long day, you might look forward to a refreshingly warm and pleasant shower. You turn on the water, only to be greeted by a distinctly bad smell.
The foul smell from the drain is so strong that it masks the beautiful fragrance of your favorite soap. Perhaps the smell is growing each day and making its way to other parts of the house.
An unpleasant smell in the shower can be from the sewer, sulfur gas, mildew, dirt, and more. Oftentimes, the uncomfortable odor can signify a deep-rooted problem that only an experienced professional plumber can resolve effectively.
Shower Drain Smells Can Intensify If They’re Ignored
Finding the exact cause of the foul odor can be a challenge that is best left to a skilled plumber in Springdale, AZ. You might not be sure where exactly the smell is coming from. The type of smell also can vary, depending on the cause of the problem.
If you notice any of these smells, there is a good chance that the drain needs an inspection:
- Rotten eggs
- Earthy smell
- Dirty socks
- Urine
- Decaying wood
- Chemicals
If your shower is clean — without any visible traces of mold or mildew — the problem is most likely inside the drain. This should not be ignored as the issue could be magnified over time. It could also lead to the growth of bacteria, mold, bugs, and more.
Shower drain smells should be addressed by professionals who are trained to identify and treat the many possible causes of your plumbing problem.
A Layer of Biofilm Might Be Building Up
Also known as “pink mold,” biofilm is organic matter that can collect in the P-trap, drain, or even on the pipes. The slimy substance comprises organic matter, such as bacteria, skin cells, and dirt.
Biofilm can gain a foothold when grime and hair accumulate over time and clog the drain. A collection of microorganisms, such as fungi, mold, protists, and bacteria, then grows over the debris.
Biofilm deposition in the drain can cause a very unpleasant smell, which can be dangerous to your health. This type of hazard needs to be addressed promptly.
When you schedule a plumbing repair in Springdale, AZ, a professional plumber from Stith Plumbing & HVAC will thoroughly clean out the drain and remove the biofilm and dirt from the entire system.
The P-Trap Might Be Broken
A P-trap is a small section of the pipe used to hold water. They are found in almost every drain. The P-trap, as the name suggests, traps a small amount of water. The water serves as a protective barrier that prevents sewer gases from coming up into your home.
There are many reasons why your P-trap might be malfunctioning, including:
- A stubborn clog that extends to the drainpipe
- A buildup of dirt
- A layer of biofilm over the P-trap
- Leaking pipes
- The P-trap is broken
Having a broken P-trap can be dangerous, as the sewer gasses are constantly released through the drain into your bathroom. Not only can it be very unpleasant to smell, but the fumes can also be toxic.
If your shower drain smells like sewer, a prompt inspection by one of our expert plumbers can safely address the situation.
A Clogged or Broken Sewer Line
A break in the sewer line can cause a strong odor in your shower. A clogged or broken pipe in a central area or near other drains can cause the stench to spread through the house via toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers.
Fixing a broken sewer is something you should never take into your own hands. Our professional plumbers in Springdale, AZ, will conduct a complete inspection and repair the problem safely and promptly.
A Leak in the Pipes Under the Shower or in the Walls
If there is a leak in the pipes, sewer gas might be coming into your home. Pipes are designed to contain sewer gas safely. When they’re functioning properly, the air you breathe indoors is free of toxins from the waste in your plumbing. If your shower drain smells, there could be a leak in that area.
Diagnosing leakage in pipes requires a comprehensive inspection of the plumbing system. When you schedule an inspection, our licensed plumbers will diagnose the exact nature of the problem and fix it so that your home is free of toxic sewer gas.
Mildew or Mold
As much as you want to avoid it, sometimes, mold and mildew grows quickly in damp, dark places. If there are gaps in the shower area or a problem with the stopper, the conditions can be conducive to the growth of mold and mildew.
Rather than letting the problem compound, seek professional help to effectively address the situation. Handling mildew and mold as soon as you notice it will prevent it from becoming a much larger hazard.
Blocked or Clogged Vents
Your P-trap might not be retaining water properly, which can happen when there is a clog in the shower vents. The vent system, including the vent stack, can have a blockage anywhere.
A trained technician will find out where the debris is and clear it out so that the system can work effectively to trap the sewer smell.
Trusted and Reliable Plumbing Repair in Springdale, AZ
Stith Plumbing & HVAC is a professional plumbing company that has served both residential and business customers in the community for over 50 years.
Our skilled team of licensed and certified technicians is knowledgeable in all aspects of plumbing repair. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and provide emergency services 24/7.
Get Rid of the Toxic Smell — We Can Help
We know how stressful it can be to have a strong, unpleasant smell in the shower or any area of the house. For over five decades, we have been providing our local customers with exceptional services at affordable prices. No matter the problem, our team is adept at finding it and providing you with long-term solutions.
Contact Stith Plumbing & HVAC today!