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, 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 probably 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, food particles can get trapped and start to decay. This rotting debris produces a foul odor that will make it difficult to use the shower. You can unclog the drain with an auger or by using a drain snake. 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. If this is the case, you can resolve the problem by taking out the stopper and cleaning it with an old toothbrush and hot water.
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, you need to check 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 in a professional to help. They 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!
Simple Tests
It can often be troublesome to determine the exact location where that smell is coming from. Luckily, there is an easy test to help you figure that out. Pour a glass of water from the tap you believe the smell to be coming from. Walk outside with that glass of water and smell it. Then do the same thing in another room in the house. Does it smell the same? If the 2 glasses of water smell different than you’ve already determined the likely problem is in the drain from that glass of water. If both of the glasses smell the same, then contaminated water could be the source of the hydrogen sulfide gas.
Possible Solutions
Contaminated Water – The culprit could be that the anode rod in your water heater is reacting to the bacteria and creating an unwanted smell. Replace the rod with an aluminum one and then use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect the water.
Contaminated Sink drain – If that hydrogen sulfide gas is coming up through the pipes, here’s an easy solution to try. Pour a half cup of baking soda into the drain and then a cup of vinegar. Or, if you prefer, you can use a half cup of bleach.
If you’re still smelling sulfur or rotten eggs in your Milford, CT bathroom, then it’s time to call the professionals. An experienced plumber can help determine where the smell is coming from and offer you a solution.
How to Keep Your Bathroom Clean
To keep your bathroom clean, start by giving it a deep cleaning. This includes scrubbing the sink and shower or bathtub, wiping down surfaces with disinfectants, washing the floors, and spot-cleaning any areas that may need extra attention. Once your bathroom has been thoroughly cleaned, you can take steps to maintain its cleanliness.
First of all, keep a regular cleaning schedule and stick to it. Make sure to clean the bathroom at least once a week, but you can do it more often if necessary. When cleaning the bathroom, make sure to scrub all surfaces with soapy water or a disinfectant cleaner. Pay special attention to areas like faucets and drains, as well as the shower and bathtub.
Also, be sure to keep your bathroom clutter-free. Have a place for all of your toiletries and products, such as baskets or caddies. This will make it easier to spot clean after each use and also help you prevent clutter from accumulating in the first place.
Finally, keep your bathroom ventilated. Use a fan, open windows, and/or run the exhaust to help remove odors, steam from showers and baths, and moisture from the air. This will also help prevent mold and mildew growth, which can be difficult to clean and can cause health issues.
Contact Us Today For Assistance
If neither of those eliminates that rotten egg smell, give us a call and we’ll help diagnose the problem and offer you a solution. Whether it’s maintenance or quick service to your plumbing system, Rick’s Plumbing can help! Check out our money-saving coupons and then give Rick’s Plumbing a call. If you need it quickly, call Rick!