Whenever a shower drain starts to smell bad, it’s a clear sign that some type of septic maintenance is needed. However, since there are so many different causes of a foul-smelling drain, the type of maintenance needed to fix the problem varies. Understanding the common causes of this issue helps to decide on the best solution for your home.

 Why Does My Shower Drain Smell Bad?

1. Mold Growth

If the drain is emitting a musty smell, then you likely have mold growing in the drain and require septic maintenance. Since the drain provides a dark, humid environment, it’s a common area for mold growth.

When that happens, the mold releases tiny puffs of gas as part of its metabolic process. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also cause numerous health problems such as a stuffy nose, irritated eyes, and respiratory issues.

2. Biofilm Buildup

When the bacteria and fungi that are naturally found in the air and water attach to damp surfaces, they form a layer of biofilm. When biofilm starts growing in your shower drain, it produces an odor similar to that of rotten eggs. While biofilm does not pose any health risks, it can quickly produce a pink or red stain on nearby surfaces.

3. Clogged Drain

The combination of hair, dirt, and soap scum can easily clog a drain, and when that happens, it produces an unpleasant odor in the shower.

These clogs trap grime and lead to standing water, which starts to smell over time. The clearest indication that this is the problem is when the odor is paired with water draining more slowly or not at all.

4. Damaged Piping

Your plumbing’s pipes need to be airtight to prevent the foul sewage smell from getting into your shower drain. As they age, though, they wear down and the connections loosen, or they can even become cracked.

This is dangerous because not only does it allow sewer gas to come out of the drain, but it also increases the odds of leaks occurring and leading to costly water damage.

5. Malfunctioning P-Trap

The P-trap is the curved pipe located near the drain that prevents dirt and sediment from getting into the plumbing system and blocks sewer gas from rising up into the house.

It needs a layer of water to prevent the sediment from drying up and emitting a sewer-like smell. If you have slow-running drains, it can lead to a clog in the P-trap that dries it out and produces the unpleasant odor.

If you’re smelling unpleasant odors coming from your shower’s drain, contact the experts at Johnny's A-1 Sanitation, LLC. For more than 70 years, this family-owned and -operated company has been providing septic maintenance to Trenton, OH, homeowners. They have the tools and experience needed to diagnose the cause of the smell and provide fast and reliable repairs to remove the issue. Visit their website for more information, or call (513) 988-5880 to schedule an estimate.