Three Ways to Fix Smelly Shower Drains
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Smelly shower drains can ruin the atmosphere of your home. Unpleasant smells will become a prominent feature of your bathrooms and adjacent rooms. However, there is no need to worry because, with our guide, you can fix them easily. Before we tell you the three best ways of fixing them, it is essential to know why your shower drains are smelling. It’s often because of clogging. Hair, dander, garbage, dirt, etc., will accumulate in your drains and block them altogether. These blockages can be removed at home, but if you frequently face drain blockages, there might be a problem with your sewerage system, which professionals must inspect.
Step # 1: Unclog Your Drains
Three of the most likely reasons for smelly drains are :
- Clogged drains
- Sewerage backflow because of some problem/damage in your sewerage system.
- Overloaded sewerage system
While for the last two reasons you need professional help, you can easily deal with the first one yourself. There are several ways in which you can unclog your drains.
Plunge It!
A plunger creates suction when used right. A bellow-type plunger is available in markets and hardware stores. It can be used for unclogging shower drains, toilets, bathtubs, and sinks. To use the plunger:
- Fill your shower floor, tub or sink with water to cover the drainage spot completely.
- Place the plunger over the drainage spot and apply pleasure to create a seal.
- Pump the plunger rapidly to dislodge whatever is blocking your drain.
Alternative Methods
You can also try the following alternative methods if the plunger does not work.
Method # 1
You can use a drain-unblocking tool, such as a barbed plastic tool readily available in hardware stores. Please note these can only be useful if the drain is clogged near its opening. Used the barbed tool to pull and break the blockage. These tools are handy for removing hair.
Method # 2
Water and gas-powered cleaners are available in the market and can be used to blow out stubborn garbage. These are available in the form of water bladders or aerosol cleaners. However, these devices must fit your drain correctly to create an effective seal. If it does not fit, you might have to use adaptors.
Method # 3
When unclogging a drain, it is essential to understand why it got clogged in the first place. An aerosol, water bladder, or plunger may be less effective if you have a grease buildup in your drainage system. In such a case, it is better to use heat pads. Wrap around a heating pad to your trap pipe and increase the heat to melt the grease buildup. Mix some anti-grease dish soap in hot water and pour it through the drain. You will get rid of all the grease buildup in a few minutes. Try repeating the process if you want better results.
Method # 4
Biological/chemical cleaners can also remove clogs from your drains. The best choices include a bacterial cleaner. Pour the cleaner into the drain and let it work for one night. These cleaners are slower than other methods but do not react with the environment or metal parts of your drainage system and are also kind to your hands.
Method # 5
If you cannot unblock your drains even after using the methods above, you can call a plumbing company and get professional help.
Step# 2: Get Rid of Foul Odour
After unblocking your drains, the odour should also cease, but if it doesn’t, you can eliminate the smell by following these highly helpful methods.
Method# 1
Vinegar, Baking Soda and Hot Water
A simple homemade solution of boiling water, baking soda, and vinegar is a magic concoction for opening even the most stubborn drain blockages and eliminating odour. This solution is also effective for removing grease buildup, and it is also anti-bacterial. To use this method, take 120 ml (half cup) baking soda and pour it into your drain, then pour a similar amount of white vinegar. Wait for 15 minutes and pour boiling hot water into the drain. You can also mix all these things and pour them into your drain, but you will have to be extremely quick to prevent the solution from fizzing out of its container.
Method # 2
We highly recommend using method 1; alternative methods should only be used if method 1 does not work. Many biological cleaners are available in the market, often used to eliminate odour. Biological cleaners can also be used to prevent the growth of mould and prevent the breeding of bacteria. However, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using these biological cleaners.
Method # 3
Some clogged drains cannot be unclogged using the above methods. They are either located too deep, or they have become stubborn. What you need to unclog them are “drain snakes”. These are also called augers; you can get them from hardware stores. They are available in varying lengths, but a standard length of 25 feet should be sufficient for opening domestic drainage systems.
- Ensure you use safety gear such as gloves and goggles when using a drain snake.
- Uninstall the trap pipe that is located underneath your sink, and place a garbage bucket below the pipe to catch any garbage
- Insert the snake's cable into the pipe.
- Wiggle it to reach the end and till you feel the clog.
- Lodge the cable firmly in the clog and wiggle it to break the blockage.
- When you are done dislodging the blockage, rotate the crank in the opposite direction and remove it from the pipe.
- Run water to test the drain and inspect if the odour has gone.
- If it doesn't help, call a professional plumber.
Taking Professional Help
You can always call a professional plumbing company if you don’t know how to do the above or if you are not the DIY type. Hiring a professional plumber implies no hassle for you and your plumbing problems could be resolved at an affordable expense. You can find many registered and licensed plumbers or plumbing companies online. Professional plumbers are equipped with the right tools and gadgets for providing you with quick plumbing solutions. Make sure you do your research before calling one. Look for someone with adequate experience and positive customer reviews. If you require a major plumbing service, try getting free quotes from more than one plumbing companies, compare them and choose the best one.
Preventing Clogged Drains
Following simple tips and best practices can prevent clogged and smelly drains. Follow the simple tips below to keep your drains running and odourless.
- Install Drain Screens: Covering your drainage spots with drain screens can prevent any large particles of dust, garbage and hair from getting into your drainage system. The screen will allow small particles to pass through, and you will see a considerable reduction in the frequency of blocked drains.
- Avoid Pouring Grease and Oil Down your Drainage System. Oily and greasy liquids will accumulate dust and turn them into chunks which will block your drainage system. Grease will also solidify with time and become smelly. It can further cause problems deep down in your sewerage system. The best way to prevent this is to wipe greasy items before washing them. Using anti-grease dish soaps can also help.
- Regular cleaning, maintenance, and inspection of your drainage system can save you from many drainage and sewerage problems.
- You should make an effort to clean your drains regularly. To eliminate a buildup of unpleasant items, which can cause foul odour, empty the trap and pour a few litres of boiling water down your sink once a week.