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My Shower Smells! Do I Need A Plumbing Service? | Myrtle Beach, SC
It’s a disturbing predicament–to realize that there is an unpleasant odor emanating at the very spot where you go to get clean. And, yet, it’s very common for Myrtle Beach, SC, shower drains to develop bad smells on occasion. Because the odor can be caused by different reasons, it makes sense to hire a professional plumbing service to inspect the issue. If needed, they can provide drain cleaning service or some other type of warranted repair. Even so, you might really be wondering how a drain that only seems to drain soapy water could develop an odor. Here are some reasons why shower drains might smell:
P-Trap
If you’ve determined that the nasty odor in your bathroom is coming from your shower drain, there’s a strong possibility that the p-trap is either dirty or dry. In either case, the trap doesn’t seem to be doing its job of preventing unpleasant sewer gasses from wafting up the drain and into your bathroom. Typically, the water that sits in a p-trap does a good job of preventing sewer gasses from rising up into your living space. When the trap becomes dry, the gasses can more easily escape back up the drain.
There could also be mucky, smelly material caught in your p-trap. The sewer line may have backed up and left some unpleasant debris in your line that got caught in the p-trap. A plumbing service can inspect the trap to make sure there isn’t a leak. A thorough cleaning of the line and trap should eliminate the odor problem.
Leaks
A leak in your pipes could lead to unpleasant shower smells. Loose joints or corroded pipe sections are vulnerable to leaks. When leaks occur, they can allow unpleasant, sulfurous smells to enter your bathroom through the plumbing system. Leaks are definitely something you should have your plumbing service inspect. Major leaks can cause major property damage, including a mold problem. Leaks can ruin drywall, wood, and other construction materials used to build your house. They can also attract pests. Consequently, when you have a plumbing leak, the smell might be the least of your problems. The sooner you contact your plumbing service, the sooner they can fix the leak and you can remediate the damage.
Biofilm
A biofilm buildup in the pipes associated with your bathroom can lead to unpleasant odors caused by the bacteria colonizing in the drains. As the material decays, the smells may even worsen. The material is often sticky, which is why it doesn’t seem to wash away when you run soapy water down your drains. In fact, even many common household cleaners may not eliminate the odor problem. Your plumbing service in Myrtle Beach, SC, might recommend using an enzyme cleaner that will effectively break down the biofilm, which can then be washed away by flushing the drains with water. Some property owners may still want their plumbing service to perform a thorough drain cleaning, however.
Clogs
A full-blown plumbing clog can cause your shower drain to smell. Many items can cause a shower drain clog such as:
- Hair
- Shampoo and conditioner residues
- Soap scum
- Baby oil
- Dirt
- Mineral deposits
- Sand
In some cases, even small foreign objects like children’s toys can wind up getting into the drain where they cause or help to cause a blockage. A slow drain could indicate a small clog. As materials become blocked by the clog in the line, they can deteriorate and cause unpleasant smells to occur and come back up the drain.
If the clog is near the surface, you may be able to pull out the materials causing the blockage. Hair, for instance, may become dislodged using a small hand-held drain auger. The material may be slimy because of the dirt and soap scum, so you may want to wear rubber gloves. Also, you could try plumbing the shower drain to bring up the offending debris. Naturally, a stubborn clog is a job for your local plumbing service. They have the tools and skills needed to quickly and safely eliminate drain clogs.
How to Deal with Smelly Shower Drains
Some people might be inclined to try DIY remedies to eliminate shower drain smells. Mixtures of white vinegar and baking soda, for instance, might mask the odor admirably. Throw in some lemon zest and you might believe the smells are gone for good. Unfortunately, these remedies could simply be masking the odors. The important thing is to solve the problem–to deal with what’s actually causing the foul odors to occur.
Commercial drain cleaners are not advisable either. If there is a stubborn clog, these products may prove ineffectual. They, too, can become trapped by the clog. Left to sit in your pipes, they can actually damage your plumbing system. Although they might seem like an inexpensive option to try, they aren’t worth the risk to your pipes.
Draining Cleaning and Plumbing Repairs in Myrtle Beach
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach specializes in draining cleaning, and all manner of plumbing repairs. We have years of experience dealing with shower drain odors and other common plumbing problems. Our skilled plumbers are certified and have the expertise needed to deliver our plumbing solutions. Whether your shower odor calls for professional drain cleaning or a specific type of repair, we can tackle the job quickly and for a fair, upfront price.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach if you need any type of plumbing service. We have a reputation throughout Myrtle Beach, SC, for our outstanding customer service. We’ll quickly determine what’s causing your shower drain to smell and then apply the ideal fix. You can rely on our team of plumbing technicians for all of your residential or commercial plumbing system needs.