A smelly shower drain can bring significant inconvenience. The smell is due to the accumulation of hair and soap scum. This can log the pipe, and the buildup can result in an unpleasant odor. This bad odor can affect your health. The best thing is that there are many ways to get rid of the shower drain smells. In this blog by Parzival Plumbing, we will discuss a step-by-step process to clean a shower drain. Our licensed plumbers are ready to assist you 24/7. We provide emergency plumbing services in Orange County.
What Causes Shower Drain Smell?
Every homeowner should know the reasons behind the smelly shower drain. If the reasons are known, the solutions can be easily found.
The most common reason is the accumulation of hair, dirt, and soap scum. Slowly, these buildups start deteriorating and produce a foul smell.
Another reason behind the shower drain smell is mold growth. The growth of bacteria produces a strong odor that even spreads outside the bathroom.
Another reason is the dry P-trap. The P-trap holds water to block harmful sewer gases. If the P-trap is dry, the sewage smell escapes outside.
The professional plumber can inspect your plumbing system. It is possible that the problem can be deep inside the plumbing system. Whether it is a clogged vent pipe or a sewer line issue, Parzival Plumbing can remove bad smell from shower drain quickly.
Signs Your Shower Drain Needs Cleaning
A blocked shower drain shows many signs. Understanding and addressing these signs on time can prevent costly repairs. The common sign that is easy to detect is an unpleasant odor due to the buildup of soap scum and hair. Another sign is slow drainage, which means there is a clog or blockage in the drain. When the drain opens, if you see any black slime, this indicates bacterial growth caused by material inside the drain. If you have noticed these signs, then taking immediate action is necessary. Parzival Plumbing provides same-day plumbing services so that you get quick service.
Step-by-Step Guide to Clean a Smelly Shower Drain
Regular drain cleaning can help eliminate the shower drain smells in Fountain Valley. Follow these simple steps carefully.
Remove the Drain Cover
The first step in drain cleaning is removing the shower drain cover with the help of a screwdriver. Sometimes it can be lifted easily. Once the cover is removed, try to remove as much debris as you can using a hook or by wearing gloves.
Pull Out Hair & Debris
Hair can cause buildups, which is the main reason for bad odor. Remove the hair by using a drain cleaning tool. Remove it carefully; do not push the hair or debris further into the drain. This is a very effective way to get rid of unpleasant odor.
Clean the Drain with Baking Soda & Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are the most effective methods to remove bad odor. Pour baking soda into the drain, followed by vinegar. The reaction between them will break down the buildup. After 10-15 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.
Scrub the Drain Opening
With the help of a cleaning brush, clean the drain through the edges and corners. This step can remove soap buildup, mold, and slime. Don’t forget to rinse the drain with warm water. This will eliminate the shower drain smells like sewage.
Flush the Drain with Hot Water
Once you are done with shower drain cleaning, pour hot water down the drain. With hot water, the leftover buildups will dissolve. This improves the flow of water and ensures no future buildups.
When To Call a Professional?
Even after the cleaning, the odor persists. It means there is an issue deep inside the plumbing system. If the odor is strong and it smells like sewage, you should not wait long. Immediately contact Parzival Plumbing. Our team provides residential plumbing services to ensure your home stays safe and your plumbing system runs efficiently. We provide long-lasting solutions to sewer smell from shower drain.
Conclusion
The sewer smell from shower drain can be very frustrating and cannot be ignored. With simple cleaning steps, you can eliminate the unpleasant odor from your bathroom. Moreover, regular maintenance is essential to prevent the shower drain from smelling like sewage. Even though the odor returns, it is better to call an experienced plumber from Parzival Plumbing. With regular maintenance and proper care, you can make your bathroom free from foul odor. We provide shower drain cleaning service in Westmount to ensure your drain flows freely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a shower drain smell affect health?
A strong sewage smell can be harmful. A skilled plumber can detect the exact cause of the bad smell from shower drain.
How often should the shower drain be cleaned?
Weekly flushing with hot water and thorough cleaning monthly can help maintain the shower drain.
How to remove mold from the shower drain?
To remove mold growth, use baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water. This will eliminate the bacterial growth.
When should I call a plumber for shower drain cleaning?
After thorough cleaning, if the odor still returns, contact a professional plumbing company like Parzival Plumbing.
Why does the shower drain smell even after cleaning?
Even with thorough cleaning, if the drain still smells, it means there is a serious issue deep in the plumbing system.
Is a smelly shower drain a sign of a clog?
Yes. A clog is the reason behind an unpleasant odor. The clog can be built due to the accumulation of soap residue, dirt, and hair.
Is a smelly shower drain harmful?
A mild shower drain smell is not dangerous. This allows bacterial growth and leads to severe plumbing issues.
