Biofilm is a thin, slimy layer of bacteria that can grow from all the water, soap, shampoo, and body oils that go down the shower drain and accumulate inside the pipes. Not only does this sound gross, it can also smell pretty bad. So how can you get rid of biofilm? You can try killing the bacteria with one these household solutions:. If hair gets stuck in the drain or pipes , it can make the biofilm issue even worse not to mention start a clog.
Often, if you can remove the hair, then the smell will go away. A musty smell rising from a shower drain is produced by mold growth. Underneath the shower drain cover, mold is able to grow. This is due to cellulose materials from the hair, body oils, and soap scum that flushes out with wastewater, along with the moisture from the water.
Cellulose contaminants plus moisture create an environment for mold growth. A rotten egg smell is caused either by biofilm clogging the shower drain or the backup of sewer gasses through the drain. Decomposing biological debris trapped in the drain produces an odor and must be removed to eliminate the smell. Sewer gas backup is typically caused by blocked plumbing vents, a dry p-trap, or sewer backup.
A p-trap is the piping component below your drain that looks like a U and contains a small amount of water when properly functioning.
This component traps debris to prevent them from traveling further into your plumbing system. The p-trap also stops sewer gases from backing up through the drain. Try the following DIY solutions to eliminate foul shower drain smells. After each shower, clear the drain cover of hair and soap scum buildup. Pull as much of this material out of the drain as possible.
Use a drain cleaning tool to reach deeper below the drain opening. Prevent mold growth and musty shower drain odors — treat your drains using this process:. Most clogs will consist of a combination of these items.
For instance, soap scum can bind with a wad of hair to create a more solid obstruction. If you suspect you may have a clog, it is a good idea to try to clear it and see if this fixes your odor problem.
There are several ways you can unclog a shower drain. A popular option to try which does not require the use of any chemicals is to snake the drain, so we'll focus on how to unclog a shower drain with a snake. You can purchase a drain snake, also known as a hand auger, at your local hardware store.
This is one of the tools any DIY plumber should have on-hand. You can also make your own drain snaking tool by straightening out a wire coat hanger and leaving a hook on the end so it can get ahold of whatever material is blocking your drain.
Whether you use a store-bought or a homemade snake, run the snake down the drain and pull it back up once you feel it hook onto the clog. Be mindful that using a drain snake can cause damage to your pipes if done incorrectly, so if you are uneasy, you can always call a plumber out to snake the drain. Some other options for clearing out a drain clog include:. Another possible source of odors coming from your shower drain is a dry or dirty P-trap.
If your shower drain smells like a sewer, then this is a sign that your P-trap may not be doing its job of blocking sewer gases from escaping into your bathroom. If you're dealing with a mustier or general odor, then your P-trap could still be the problem, but in this case, it likely needs to be cleaned. The P-trap is a U-shaped section of pipe that dips down below the rest of your shower drain line before it connects to your main stack.
If you look under your bathroom or kitchen sink, you should be able to see P-traps here, as well. The difference with your shower's P-trap is that it will be concealed unless you can get to it from the basement. The P-trap's function is to hold enough water at all times to keep gases from your sewer line from escaping through your shower and sink drains. If you begin to smell a sewage-like odor, then your P-trap may not be holding water as it should.
If you rarely use the shower, there is a chance the water in the P-trap has evaporated. You can fix this issue simply by running the water for a bit. If you run the water frequently and you are still getting a sewage smell from your drain, then there may be a problem with your P-trap that calls for an inspection by a plumbing professional who can determine whether it needs to be refitted or replaced.
The problem could also be that your vent stack is broken or blocked, creating a vacuum that empties out your P-trap. If the odor doesn't smell like sewage, then you may just be dealing with a dirty P-trap. This is a common issue since the shape of a P-trap can cause grime to settle. We've already mentioned the solutions to a dry P-trap or a malfunctioning one, but what if your P-trap is dirty, and this is the source of your odor problem? Even if you diligently clean your bathroom, you may not think about the parts of your bathroom you cannot see.
Fortunately, cleaning your P-trap is a simple process and is an excellent way to deodorize a smelly shower drain. Now cover the drain with a stopper or a plate and let the chemical reaction go to work, cleaning the inside of the drain, including the P-trap, and frothing up.
This should clear out any grime or debris clinging to the inside of your P-trap and causing odors. You can also use bleach or other cleaners, but be wary of the fact that harsh chemicals can damage your pipes if you use them too much or too frequently, so home remedies should come first.
Another popular culprit for shower odors is biofilm. Biofilm can build up on your shower and inside your shower drain, leading to musty, unpleasant odors. If the shower drain smells like mildew, then you may have mold or biofilm growing inside your drain. Fortunately, fixing this issue is simple and inexpensive. Most of us would likely describe biofilm simply as muck or slime. In some cases, it gets mistaken for mold.
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