There are often smells coming from the bathroom that you are glad do not linger for very long. Depending on the size of your family, those natural bathroom smells could happen quite often. But if you are smelling rotten eggs from your sink or drain, you may have a problem. Hydrogen sulfide gas produces a sulfur smell, and that’s something you want to take care of! That smell is produced by unwanted bacteria.
Causes of a Smelly Shower Drain
The most common cause of a smelly shower drain is mold growth, a clogged drain, dry p-trap, and leaky pipes. If you’re not cleaning your drain out regularly, the combination of these elements can create the perfect environment for the odor-producing bacteria to grow.
- Mold Growth: If your bathroom is humid and often dark, it can facilitate the growth of mold in your shower drain. This is a common cause of smell due to the musty odor produced by mold spores. The presence of mold in your bathroom should be taken seriously as it can lead to asthma and other respiratory issues. You’ll need to clean out the mold and dehumidify the area to reduce any potential odors. Mold can be difficult to eliminate. Therefore, if the problem persists, contact a professional plumber.
- Clogged Drain: When your drain is clogged, particles can get trapped and start to decay. This rotting debris produces a foul odor that will make it difficult to use the shower. Sometimes, the problem arises from the stopper in the shower. As it catches scum, hair, and other debris, it clogs the drain. Over time, these can produce a foul odor.
- Dry P-Trap: If you use your shower infrequently, the water in your trap may evaporate leaving a foul smell to fill the air. If your bathroom is filled with the smell of sewage, it could be your P-trap. The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe design containing water to prevent sewer gases from coming back up into the shower. To resolve this issue, periodically run some water down the drain when the shower isn’t being used. This will keep the P-trap full and prevent odors from escaping.
- Leaky Pipes: If your pipes are leaking, you don’t only lose water, you may lose your sweet-smelling bathroom as well. Leaky pipes allow gases to escape, which can cause your bathroom to have a sewage-like smell. If you suspect that this is the case, you should contact a professional plumber immediately.
These are just a few of the possible causes of a smelly shower drain. If you’re having trouble getting rid of an unpleasant odor in the bathroom, consider calling us to help. We can identify the source of the smell and take care of it for you. Once the issue is resolved, you’ll be able to enjoy a clean and fresh-smelling shower again!
Contact Us Today For Assistance
At Liberty Plumbing, our highly experienced plumbers are available around the clock, and we offer prompt service for a fair, competitive price. We offer plumbing services to homeowners throughout Northern Virginia, and we’re known for quality workmanship and exceptional customer care.
Call Liberty Plumbing any time – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – for expert, affordable emergency plumbing service!