If entering your bathroom delivers a knock-out punch to your sense of smell, you might just have “stinky shower syndrome”. Okay, that’s not an official title, but the stench can be downright brutal.
Mostly it’s from bacteria that forms on clogged hair, soap scum, and other substances. Deodorizing helps a little, but it won’t solve the problem.
Here’s what can:
- Uncoil a wire hanger
- Use it to clean out the drain as far down as you can reach
- Pour in a cup of undiluted bleach or hydrogen peroxide to kill any remaining bacteria
To prevent the bacteria-induced odor from returning, simply clean your tub and shower drain more often…it’s really that simple.
Mold or Biofilm
If the scent is musty, your pipes may have developed mold, or a substance called biofilm. Biofilm is a pink-orange toned, slimy coating that is made up of bacterial waste.
Over time, biofilm can line your drain and form a large blockage as additional waste moves through your pipes. The telltale signs, once again, are orange-tinged stains in your shower drain stinky.
To remove the bacterial substance, start by removing the drain cover, insert a cylindrical object – like a paint roller in a vertical position – in the drain and swish it around. Soak the cleaning device in warm soap and water and repeat the cleaning action until no more biofilm remains.
Leaky Pipes
Even a leaky pipe can cause unpleasant bathroom odors emanating from a shower drain. When pipes leak, they allow gases to escape and waft up through your plumbing. This will be evident with a sulfuric, sewage-like smell.
Fixing a problem like this requires the services of licensed and experienced plumber, and here we are – Eagle Service Company. We’re your local home plumbing resource for all seasons, and all reasons. Contact us today or any time to schedule service.
