What are some common causes of a smelly shower drain?

If you think that your shower drain smells bad, then it is important to try and identify the cause of the problem so that you can fix it. Here are some of the most common causes of stinky shower drains:

Grease and soap

Stinky shower drains are a common problem in many households. The main cause of this problem is the buildup of grease and soap. Hair, hair oil, and sweat wash down the drain when bathing, mixing with your shampoo or soap. Once they've cooled, these greasy substances harden and can start to build up. Over time, this buildup can become quite strong and can start to block the passage of water. This can lead to clogs that can cause floods and even property damage. If you're having problems with a stinky shower drain, the best course of action is to contact a plumber to have the drain cleaned out.

Bacteria and mould

Stinky shower drains are often the result of bacteria buildup. Bacteria thrive in moist environments, and drains can provide the perfect conditions for them to multiply. When organic matter like hair and soap residue build up in the drain, bacteria have a food source that they can use to fuel their growth.

As they consume the organic matter, they release gases that cause the characteristic foul odour. Furthermore, P-trap and S-trap drains can also encourage the growth of bacteria. These types of drains have a curved design that helps to prevent sewage gases from escaping into the bathroom.

However, they also trap water, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and mould to grow. If you notice a foul smell coming from your shower drain, it's likely due to bacterial buildup.



Similarly, if shower drains are not cleaned regularly, they can become a breeding ground for these hardy bacteria. When water accumulates in the drain for even a week, germs can build a biofilm that emits a foul odour.

The best way to prevent stinky drains is to keep them clean and dry. Regular cleaning will help get rid of the bacteria's food sources, and letting the drain dry out completely between uses will make it less likely that bacteria will grow there.

Hair

Stinky shower drains are often the result of a clog caused by hair. A few strands of hair here-and-there readily slip down pipes, but a lot over a longer period of time can lead to the hair attaching to the sticky surfaces left behind by shampoo, oil, and soap residue.



The debris has a terrible odour that might become intolerable as more hair attaches to it. But without help from a professional, a clog like this can spread through the bathroom plumbing and be hard to get rid of.

In order to prevent a smelly shower drain, it is important to clean the hair out on a regular basis and avoid letting hair accumulate in the drain. If you do find yourself with a clogged drain, contact a professional plumber as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to your bathroom plumbing.

Leaky Pipes

When water leaks from a pipe, it can cause dampness. Depending on the contents of the pipe that’s leaking (whether it be clean water or sewage) - the smells can vary greatly!



In addition, if the leak is in a fitting or connection, it can cause even more damage if it is causing dampness in walls, flooring or ceilings. These leaks can usually be detected via the condition of the walls, tiles and ceiling paint.

If you suspect a leak, there's no better choice than hiring a professional to perform a leak detection and repair the leaks. Doing so will not only save you money in the long run, but it will also provide peace of mind knowing that your pipes are fixed.

Solutions for Stinky Shower Drains

If you think your stinky drain is due to a clog, try using a plunger to push the blockage down. If the plunger doesn't do the trick, it's time to call in a professional plumbing service as further DIY plumbing tricks could land you into some legal hot water as a NSW resident.

Down to Earth Plumbing Maintenance will be able to quickly identify the root cause of the problem and recommend the best course of action. In most cases, a simple drain cleaning will do the trick. However, if the problem is more serious, we may need to replace some piping in your home’s plumbing system.

No matter what the cause of your stinky drain, we'll get it smelling fresh and clean again in no time!