Why Does My Shower Drain Smell?
If you’ve been wondering why your shower drain smells, you’re not alone. The shower is supposed to be your place to refresh, relax, and wash away the day—so it can be jarring when an unpleasant odor starts wafting up from the drain. A smelly shower drain is annoying, but it can also indicate plumbing issues that need attention. In the greater Chicago area, fluctuating weather and older plumbing systems can make this a common concern. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to get rid of the smell and keep it from coming back.
Common Causes of Shower Drain Smells
There are a few potential causes of shower drain odors, including:
- Standing water and bacteria growth: When water sits too long in the drain, it creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to foul odors.
- Clogs and debris: Hair, soap scum, and other debris can clog the drain and start to rot, producing an unpleasant smell.
- Dry P-trap: The curved section of pipe beneath your shower (called the P-trap) is supposed to hold water to block sewer gases, but if it dries out, odors can escape.
- Mold or mildew growth: Damp, dark environments like shower drains can encourage mold and mildew, both of which give off a musty smell.
- Sewer line issues: In some cases, odors may come from deeper problems like damaged or blocked sewer lines, especially in older Chicago homes.
How to Prevent & Fix Shower Drain Smells
Once you’ve identified the likely cause, there are a few preventative measures and DIY solutions that can help. Try these tips for solving shower drain odors:
- Clean drains regularly: Cleaning your shower drain weekly with a brush and non-corrosive cleaner can help prevent buildup and bacterial growth.
- Perform proper drain maintenance: Installing a drain cover and removing hair and debris after each shower can reduce clogs.
- Check for clogs and blockages: If water is draining slowly, use a drain snake or a natural solution like baking soda and vinegar to break up minor clogs.
- Make sure the P-trap is full: If your shower hasn’t been used in a while, run water to refill the P-trap and block sewer odors from coming up.
- Fix mold and mildew problems: Clean the area thoroughly with a mold-killing solution and keep the bathroom well-ventilated to prevent regrowth.
When To Call a Professional
If your efforts to remove shower drain odors haven’t worked, or if the smell is persistent and strong, it may be time to bring in a licensed plumber. More serious issues like deep clogs, sewer line damage, or improperly installed plumbing can’t be fixed with DIY methods alone. Cahill’s team of expert plumbers can identify the source of the smell and provide long-lasting solutions through professional shower drain cleaning, plumbing repair, or sewer inspections.
Choose Cahill for Drain Cleaning Services
A smelly drain doesn’t have to ruin your showers. At Cahill Heating, Cooling, Electric, Plumbing & Sewer, we’ve been serving the greater Chicago area for over 50 years with expert plumbing services and reliable solutions. As a family-owned and -operated company, we offer same-day service, 24/7 emergency support, and work by licensed professionals who can handle everything from minor drain issues to complex plumbing repairs.
Contact our team today for professional drain cleaning and plumbing services in the greater Chicago area!
