Bad Smell in Your Shower Drain?
When you get in the shower and there is a bad smell, it can be alarming. The shower drain picks up a lot of debris as you shower, so it’s not surprising that sometimes things get in there that shouldn’t. It is also possible for growths to form on the pipes.
Several factors can cause your shower drain to smell bad. Here are some potential culprits to look at and what you can do to get rid of that shower odor.
Drain Strainer
The drain strainer is right at the start of the drain and can be easily taken out. When you take it out, you will most likely notice that there is a layer of hair and other small debris on it. This obviously could be a cause of the smell, so you are going to want to clean this up.
Clog
After a while of taking showers, there can be a buildup of debris such as soap, hair, dirt, and sand that can result in a clog. How do these small items clog a pipe? Well, when these items are all being washed down at the same time, they come together to build a more solid obstruction which can then pick up more debris as time goes on. With a clog, it is not possible for the water to fully drain. This sitting water will cause a gross and musty smell that is very unpleasant.
Dry or Dirty P-Trap
Even worse than a musty scent is when the drain smells like sewage. When this is the case, there is probably a problem with the P-Trap. If it is doing its job, a P-Trap will contain water to prevent gasses from escaping and causing the smell of sewage. If this is the case, it will be hard to tell because the P-Trap is often concealed and if you can get to it, it will most likely be in your basement. When there are problems with the P-Trap it is best to call a plumbing professional to handle the situation.
Biofilm Buildup
If there is a mildew smell emanating from the drain it could be caused by a biofilm buildup. Biofilm is a slimy substance caused by a buildup of bacteria. These types of buildups actually have negative effects on health if left untreated for a long period of time, so it is best to handle this issue as soon as it is identified.
Luckily, dealing with biofilm is a fairly easy process. First you want to take a brush and try to break up the film as much as possible. After you do that, you want to take an antimicrobial chemical and apply it to the area you just brushed. If the biofilm is in the drain, you are going to need a longer brush most likely and stick it down the drain and rub it around while rinsing it often until you are not bringing up any more biofilm.If you are unable to identify the cause of the bad smell coming from your shower, it is best to call a plumber so they can come and check it out for themselves. They will be able to identify the issue and either advise you on what to do next or fix it themselves. Call the experts at Ohio Buckeye Plumbing to get your shower all clean again. To schedule an appointment, call (440) 283-9377.