Our bathrooms are a tranquil, spa-like retreat. If your bathtub drain is leaking foul odors, this is not possible.This article will help you if you need to keep your nose open while you bathe. These are the most common causes of a stench in the shower drain and what you can do about it.
Reason #1: The P-trap is not working.
You will see a U-shaped pipe where water flows through if you look under the shower drain. This is known as a P trap and it is used to keep sewage gasses out of your bathroom.
The P-trap may have dried up if you haven’t used the shower for a while. It is easy to fix this problem. Just run the water for a few seconds in the shower and the P trap will fill again. The smell should then go away.
If you’ve used the shower in recent times, this could indicate that the P-trap is leaking. To eliminate the stench and prevent any further water damage to your home, you need to replace the pipe.
Reason #2: Biofilm buildup
Biofilm is a slimy, thin layer of bacteria that can form from the soap, shampoo, and water that goes down the shower drain. It can also accumulate in the pipes. This can not only sound disgusting, but it can also make your bathroom smell awful.
How can you eliminate biofilm? These household remedies can kill bacteria.
- Mix 1 part bleach with 1 part water and pour it down the drain.
- First, pour 1 cup of baking soda down your drain. Next, add one cup of white vinegar to the drain. After the mixture has fizzed, cover the drain and flush the water with hot water.
- Hair can get stuck in pipes or drains, which can lead to biofilm problems. The odor will disappear if the hair is removed.