The Hidden Reasons Why Your Shower Drain Smells

Do you ever take a shower and smell something strange? It might be the shower drain. If your shower drain smells bad, it’s probably because of one of these hidden reasons. This blog post will discuss the most common causes of foul-smelling drains and how to fix them!

Why is it Important to Keep Your Shower Drain Smelling Fresh?

Your shower drain is one of the places in your home that can quickly become smelly. Not only is it constantly exposed to water and soap, but it also doesn’t have much ventilation. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria and mold, which can cause that telltale shower drain smell.

Smelly shower drain

So what can you do to keep your shower drain smelling fresh?

First, make sure you’re using a good-quality drain cleaner regularly. This will help to remove any buildup of bacteria or mold.

It would help if you also were sure to clean your shower regularly, paying particular attention to the area around the drain.

Finally, if you notice any persistent odors coming from your drain, you may need to call a professional plumber to take a look.

Why should you clean your shower drain?

Aside from the apparent icky factor, there are several good reasons to keep your shower drain cleaner.

One reason is that it can help prevent clogs. If you have a lot of hair in your drain, it can act as a net and catch other things like soap scum and dirt. This can lead to clogs which can be challenging to remove.

Another reason to keep your shower drain cleaner is to help prevent bad odors. If you have ever noticed a foul smell coming from your shower, it is because your drain is dirty. When dirt and debris build up in your drain, it can smell not good. The best way to prevent this is to keep your drain clean.

If you have noticed an unpleasant smell coming from your shower, it is time to give your drain a good cleaning. Following these simple tips, you can clean your drain and prevent foul odors from taking over your bathroom.

Causes Why Your Shower Drain Smells

The first step is to identify the source of the smell. If you can’t find the source, you can’t fix the problem. There are several familiar sources of smelly drains:

– Soap scum buildup: This is one of the most common causes of smelly drains. When soap mixes with water, it forms a scum that can build up on the sides of your drain. This buildup can create a perfect environment for bacteria to grow, which can cause your drain to smell bad.

– Hair: Another common cause of smelly drains is hair. When hair sheds, it can fall into the drain and mix with soap scum and other debris. This mixture can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, causing your drain to stink.

– Mold and Mildew: Another cause why your shower drain might smell bad is because of mold or mildew. Mold and mildew can grow in damp, dark places like shower drains. They can cause respiratory problems and are difficult to remove. The best way to get rid of mold and mildew is to use a commercial cleaner or a bleach and water solution.

– Food: Another common cause of smelly drains is food. Food particles mixed with water and soap scum can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. This can cause your drain to smell bad.

– Sewage: If your home has a septic system, then sewage can be another cause of smelly drains. When sewage backs up into your home, it can mix with water and create a foul smell. If you think sewage is the source of your problem, you should call a professional plumber to fix the issue.

– P-trap: One reason is that your P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under your sink) is dry. This can happen if you don’t use your sink regularly or if there’s a leak in the seals around the trap. This “P-trap” is designed to catch debris and prevent it from entering the sewer system, but it can also become clogged with gunk over time.

These are just a few of the familiar sources of smelly drains. If you can’t identify the source of the smell, then you may need to call a professional plumber to take a look. They will be able to help you find the source of the problem and fix it, so your drain smells fresh and clean again.

Prevent Your Shower Drain from Smelling

Once you’ve identified the source of the smell, you can take steps to prevent it from happening again. Some standard prevention methods include:

– Clearing soap scum: One of the best ways to prevent smelly drains is to keep soap scum from building up in the first place. You can do this by using a mild soap and avoiding harsh chemicals. When you’re done showering, rinse the drain well so that no soap residue is left behind.

– Avoiding hair shedding: Another way to prevent smelly drains is to avoid shedding hair into the drain. You can brush your hair before you shower and keep it pulled back while you shampoo and condition.

Keeping food out of the disposal: If you have a garbage disposal, ensure food particles are kept from getting caught in the blades. You can avoid putting large pieces of food down the drain and running cold water for a few seconds after you use the disposal.

– Sewage backup: If you have a septic system, have it pumped regularly. This will prevent sewage from backing up into your home and causing smelly drains.

– Clean shower p-traps: Make sure your P-trap is always filled with water. This will prevent sewer gases from entering your home and causing smelly drains. To clean a clogged P-trap, remove the drain cover and unscrew the trap from the drain pipe. Empty the contents, then rinse well with hot water before replacing.

Cleaning your shower regularly can help prevent odors from developing in the first place. Make sure to scrub down the walls and floor of your shower and the drain itself. If you have a removable shower head, clean it with soap and water (or vinegar) to remove any built-up dirt and grime.

Methods to Getting Rid of the Smell

Following these prevention tips can keep your shower drain smelling fresh and clean. If you already have a smelly drain, then you can try some of the following methods to get rid of the smell:

– Pour boiling water down the drain: One way to kill bacteria and remove odors is to pour boiling water down the drain. This method will also help break up any soap scum or hair causing the smell.

– Make a baking soda paste: Another way to remove odors is to make a paste out of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

– Use vinegar: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can help remove odors. Pour a cup of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for an hour before flushing with hot water.

Following these tips can keep your shower drain smelling fresh and clean.

Best Ways to Clean Your Shower Drain

So, how do you clean your shower drain?

There are a few different ways that you can do this.

One way is to use a plunger. This is the most common way to unclog a shower drain and can also help remove any buildup in your drain.

Another way to clean your shower drain is to use a vinegar solution. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and pour it down your drain. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then flush with hot water. This will help remove any dirt or debris stuck in your drain.

How to Keep Your Shower Drain Clean?

Cleaning your shower regularly can help prevent odors from developing in the first place. Make sure to scrub down the walls and floor of your shower and the drain itself. If you have a removable shower head, clean it with soap and water (or vinegar) to remove any built-up dirt and grime. Doing this will help keep your shower clean and free of smelly odors.

Another way to prevent odors in your shower drain is to pour a cup of baking soda down once a week. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber, so it will help keep your drain smelling fresh. You can also try using a natural commercial drain cleaner that contains enzymes; these break down organic matter and help prevent odors from forming.

If you have an older home with cast iron or clay pipes, they may be the source of your smelly shower drain. These types of pipes can develop rust over time, which can cause an unpleasant odor. If you think this might be the problem, call a plumber to have your pipes inspected and cleaned if necessary.

Another great way to keep your shower smelling great is using a homemade drain cleaner. This can be made with baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. Mix these ingredients and pour them down your drain once a week.

Here is a natural and safe product we recommend to clean your shower drain. This will help keep your drain clean and fresh-smelling. Give it a try, and let us know how it works for you!

If you need help cleaning your homes, NW Maids is here for you! We offer a wide range of professional cleaning services that will leave your home looking and smelling its best. Contact us today to learn more!

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