It can be hard to feel clean after bathing when your shower drain smells like sewage. If you’re noticing an odor that shouldn’t be there, whether it’s your kitchen sink or bathtub drain, it could be for a few potential reasons. The experts at Arrow Sewer & Drain can help determine the issue and get it resolved promptly. We have 15 years of sewer and drain repair experience in North and Central New Jersey. Here, we explore some of the possible causes for sewer smells from shower drains and when you should call a professional service.
Why Does My Shower Drain Smell Like Sewage?
Unpleasant sewer shower smells are a common symptom with several potential causes. These are just a few of the possible culprits:
- Drain clog: Balled-up hair, hygiene products, and other grime can build up in your drain line. Oils and soap scum caught by the clog may start to rot and stink.
- Dirty P-trap: The P-trap is a U-shaped section of pipe designed to keep gases from escaping from the sewer. Debris can sometimes settle in the trap, creating a bad smell.
- Biofilm buildup: Biofilm is a colony of bacteria and bacterial waste. It looks mucky or grimy, smells bad, and can build up in a shower drain or even in your shower.
- Leaking pipes: Sewage smells may also result from a leaking drain line. As wastewater seeps outward, its smell can get into the insulation within walls and floors.
Many of these issues, including a drain clog or leak, can get worse over time. If you notice a bad smell, don’t wait for it to go away. Seek help to keep the problem from getting bigger and more expensive.
Professional Plumbing or DIY?
The most effective solution for a smelly drain depends on its cause. Some issues can be solved at home using care and the right tools, while others require professional attention. For smaller issues like drain clogs, you may be able to resolve the problem by using a plumbing snake to physically dislodge the clog. However, for more serious situations like leaking pipes, it’s important to call a professional to get it repaired correctly. You should also call a professional plumber at Arrow Sewer & Drain if you can’t determine the source of the smell. Our residential plumbing experts have access to the advanced equipment needed to identify issues for effective resolution.
When you call Arrow Sewer & Drain, we begin by diagnosing the problem. We use advanced tools like a sewer scope to examine the inside of your drain and sewer lines without taking them apart. This allows us to pinpoint the problem and recommend the most effective solution. We will then perform drain cleaning or drain repair to eliminate the blockage or leak. Your drain will smell like new.
If your plumbing system needs immediate attention, we also offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services. You may also be eligible for financing options that allow you to pay over a period, instead of all at once.
Trust Professionals to Fix Your Plumbing
Don’t be stuck with a smelly shower or drain—trust the professional plumbers at Arrow Sewer & Drain to resolve it. We have over 15 years of experience serving homeowners and commercial customers in central and northern NJ with drain and plumbing repair services. Contact us today to find out more about why your shower drain smells and how we can help you shower comfortably again.