There’s nothing more off-putting than a persistent sewage smell invading your bathroom sanctuary. From scented candles to room sprays, there’s only so much you can do to cover up the issue. If your shower smells like sewage, it’s important to find and fix the root cause of the problem right away. Read on to learn 3 causes of bad bathroom odors and how to fix it.
Biofilm Build-up
Personal care products along with dirt, oil, sweat and bacteria can build up in bathroom drains, forming something called biofilm. This slimy substance can cause a sewage-like odor and needs to be cleaned regularly. To bust that biofilm, try cleaning out the drain with a natural cleaner. You can also try pouring 5 quarts of hot water down the drain to loosen the buildup, then adding half a cup of baking soda, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Allow this mixture to sit for roughly two hours, then rinse with hot water.
Shower P-Trap
A P-trap is a section of piping commonly found under sinks, toilets and showers. This feature is designed to retain a certain amount of water, creating a natural seal to block sewer gases and odors, preventing them from traveling back up through your plumbing and into your home. When a drain is used infrequently, the P-trap can dry out, eliminating this protective seal. The issue can be fixed by running water for a little while on a regular basis, even if the fixture isn’t used very often. If the smell persists, the P-trap may need to be cleaned out, or the issue might stem from leaky pipes. Call your local plumber to diagnose and fix the problem right away.
A Breached Sewer Line
A breached or damaged sewer line will cause odors to rise from your drains and linger around your home. This one can’t be fixed at home and warrants calling a professional immediately to prevent further damage.
Shower Smells Like Sewage? Work with SBPHA/C
Solution Based Plumbing, Heating, and A/C offers plumbing services including diagnosis, repairs, installations and maintenance. If you live in Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia, Delaware or Chester County, contact us at (215) 584-2098 for all your plumbing, heating and air conditioning needs.