Tips to Resolve a Smelly Shower Drain
Nothing puts a damper on your shower than an unpleasant odour seeping up from your drain. Your shower works hard to keep you clean, so it’s important to ensure you take care of it as well! A smelly shower drain may be caused by a buildup of hair, soap scum, bacteria, or possibly other issues. Today, let’s chat about some practical tips to help eliminate odours and when it’s time to call a professional.
Clogged Drains
Often, the culprit of your unwanted smell is a clogged drain. You can try the following to clear it out:
Boiling Water Flush
Pour boiling water slowly down the drain to help melt and rinse away gunk and grease.
Repeat 2–3 times with intervals.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drain.
Follow with 1 cup of white vinegar.
Let it fizz for 10–15 minutes.
Flush with hot water.
Remove and Clean the Drain Cover
Unscrew or pry off the cover.
Pull out visible hair or debris (you may want to use gloves!)
For trickier clogs and blockages, you might need to enlist the help of a drain snake. It is a long, flexible metal cable with what looks like a corkscrew on one end, and a handle on the other. To use, insert the snake into the drain and push it through the clog, then pull it back out. For full details on how to use a plumbing snake, we have a helpful blog that can be found here.
Battling Biofilm
Biofilm is like mold, but it’s formed from a “dynamic colony of bacteria and bacterial waste.” It looks like muck, grime or slime and while it can be different colours, it’s usually pink or orange. To combat biofilm, you’ll want to use a brush to scrub away as much of it as you can. Next, use antimicrobial disinfectant to clean the area.
A clever trick to get clean inside the drain, is to use a paint roller cover. Dip it into the antimicrobial solution and roll it into the drain. Twist to break up the biofilm, rinsing frequently in hot soapy water. Continue to do so until the tool comes out clean.
When to Call a Professional
If the above steps are unsuccessful, your best line of defense against pesky odours is likely calling a professional plumber. In some cases, the smell might be because of a dirty or dry P-trap, which can be trickier to access and investigate. Persistent odours may also be the result of leaky pipes, or issues with mold or ventilation problems. Since these issues are more complex, we recommend calling Action Plumbing to come and take a look!
Preventing Smells
Ongoing maintenance may help, so keep these steps in mind:
Use baking soda and vinegar monthly: helps keep buildup and odour causing bacteria at bay
Use a drain cover or hair catcher: prevents hair and soak from getting stuck in the drain.
Keep it dry: always run your exhort fan, dry shower out after use, and keep the door open to help reduce moisture.
Nobody wants unpleasant odours in their home! By keeping these tips in mind, some preventative maintenance, and knowing when to call a professional, you can keep those pesky smells at bay!