Smelly shower drain?

Question

I have a shower drain that smells really bad after my shower. It started several years ago and I have had no luck in getting rid of it. When it first started I checked everything in sight to figure out where it was coming from and finally called the plumber. He showed me that it was something growing in the drain, just below the shower floor. He cleaned it out and it didn't smell for a couple of months. But then it came back. So I cleaned it the same way he did. It didn't last as long for me as it had for him. After a while I finally got busy and did a thorough cleaning. I used a toilet bowl brush to get in and clean it really well. That took care of the odor for a couple of years, but then it came back again. Since then I have not been able to get it clean enough to end the odor more than a two or three showers.

I have used vinegar, vinegar with a toilet bowl brush, household cleaner, vinegar and baking soda, and finally bleach. I poured a full bottle of bleach down the drain a little bit each day. The result was that the odor was gone for 2 or 3 showers.

Now I need help. Can anybody suggest something I can do short of having the drain ripped out and replaced?

Bill

Juan Smith · Accepted Answer

I have a drain on a stainless steel sink that used to stink. Treated the drain once per day for three days. Problem solved.

Charlie+ · Answer

On Thu, 9 May 2024 08:18:02 -0500, BillGill snipped-for-privacy@cox.net wrote as underneath :

Have you tried 2 or 3 kettles of boiling water? That is usually a pretty good killer of anything as long as the water is kept really hot in the drain for a few minutes, hence more than one kettle over a few minutes.. C+

Bob F · Answer

And add a good amount of soap to the hot water to dissolve oils and greases on the pipe. This can be very effective on kitchen sinks.

BillGill · Answer

Thanks for the tip.  Unfortunately it doesn't seem to haveworked.  I dumped a lot of boiling water into the drain thismorning, but the smell is still there after my shower.Bill

Dell Freson · Answer

It sounds like you've tried a lot of different methods to tackle the odor, but it keeps coming back. To address the issue, you might want to start by giving the drain a thorough deep cleaning. Using a plumber's snake or a long brush designed for drain cleaning can help reach deeper into the pipes, where buildup might be occurring.

Consider using an enzymatic drain cleaner, which can break down organic matter that might be causing the odor. These are often more effective for biological growth than bleach or other cleaners. Also, check the P-trap, the U-shaped pipe under the drain, to ensure it’s not clogged or malfunctioning. Debris can sometimes build up in this area, and it might need to be cleaned or replaced.

Ensure that the drain is properly ventilated, as a clogged or poorly installed vent can cause drainage issues and odors. Using a drain cover or strainer after cleaning can help catch debris and prevent further buildup, but remember to clean it regularly.

Smelly shower drain?

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